Day Trip to Rouen in Normandy France
You’ve probably never heard of Rouen France. It’s an often-overlooked city in Normandy, and I have to admit I’d never heard of it before, till our visit during a road trip through France.
If you’re planning a trip to the Normandy Region, make sure to add Rouen to your travel plans. There is so much history to explore here, and it’s such a charming town.
On the blog, I will share some of the top things to do on a day trip to Rouen in Normandy France.
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Day trip to Rouen in Normandy France
Where is Rouen France located
Rouen is the capital city of Normandy and is a great place to explore if you’re into history and architecture.
The medieval city of Rouen sits along the River Seine in Northern Normandy. You can easily visit Rouen on a day trip from Paris.
The drive from Paris to Rouen is a little over 2 hours, or you can train from Paris to the Gare de Rouen train station. From there, it’s a short walk to get into the city center.
Top things to do in Rouen France
Churches and Abbeys
One of the best things to do on a day trip to Rouen is to visit the many churches and Abbeys. Nicknamed “the city of a hundred spires” Rouen has the most churches in a city that we’ve ever visited.
Visit the Rouen Cathedral
One of the city’s most notable churches is the Rouen Cathedral.
The Cathedral is one of the most important sites in Rouen and is considered one of the tallest Cathedrals in France.
Rouen Cathedral is a Gothic marvel standing tall over the city. Its beauty has inspired some of the most notable Impressionist painters, such as Monet, who has captured it many times in some of his many masterpieces.
When visiting Rouen, make sure to stop by and visit this Cathedral, the interior is just absolutely beautiful as well.
Church of Saint Joan of Arc
Another church worth highlighting is the Church of Saint Joan of Arc.
The church is located in the historic square on Place du Vieux Marche, with its location at the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the Stake.
You can find the exact spot in the church gardens marked with a plaque. This is one of the most unique churches we’ve seen, and the interior has some of the most beautiful stained glass we’ve ever seen.
It’s definitely worth adding the Church of Joan of Arc to your sightseeing itinerary in Rouen France.
Saint-Ouen Abbey Church
Another must-see on a day trip to Rouen is the Saint-Ouen Abbey church. The abbey is famous for its Gothic architecture and is so worth the visit.
The interior is just amazing, with its vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. The famous Organ is also worth seeing and is still in use today.
Church of Saint Maclou
Rouen is home to so many churches, and they are all worth visiting if you have more time. One other church worth highlighting is the Church of Saint Maclou.
This church, along with the Rouen Cathedral, Palais de Justice, and the Church of St. Ouen, are some of the most significant buildings in Rouen.
The Church of Saint Maclou was built in 1437 in honor of Saint-Malo, which happens to be another town you can visit in Normandy.
You really can’t miss it during a sightseeing stroll through Rouen. Its Gothic architecture stands out amongst the half-timbered houses that surround it.
Admire the Gros-Horloge
Another one of Rouen’s must-see is the Gros Horloge. This fourteenth-century astronomical clock can be found along a Renaissance arch crossing the Rue du Gros-Horloge.
As you make your way along the historic streets of Rouen, you come across this giant astronomical clock and it’s just so beautiful.
The Gros Horloge is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in France, with its mechanism built sometime in 1389.
Place du Vieux Marche
One of the best things to do in Rouen is to people watch, and the best place for it is on Place du Vieux Marche.
Sit in of the cafes in the old Market square and just admire the beautiful architecture around you. There are so many beautiful half-timbered houses to gawk over.
The Church of Joan of Arc can be found here as well, along with a fun little carousel for the kids.
It is also worth noting that the restaurant La Couronne here is where Julia Child had her first taste of French Food if you’re a fan.
Stroll through the streets of Rouen France
If you only have a day to visit Rouen France, then strolling through the streets is the best itinerary for the day.
You will feel as though you were transported back in time in this quaint town, with its streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses.
There are so many gorgeous streets to explore with charming storefronts and cafes to sit and relax.
We had fun just getting lost in the streets of Rouen, and being in awe of the beauty.
Where to stay in Rouen France
You can easily explore Rouen France on a day trip. During our visit, we stayed at the Hotel Mercure Rouen Champ de Mars, which was an easy walk away from the city center.
There are also many hotels located within the historic center, if you want to stay in the middle of it all.
*Check out these packing tips to help organize your next trip.
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