Rouen

Notre-Dame Cathedral is Rouen’s great landmark and one of Normandy’s most important Gothic buildings.

Developed over several centuries, the cathedral combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture, richly decorated portals and a tall cast-iron spire that dominates the city skyline.

Claude Monet painted the façade in changing light and weather. The series made the cathedral one of Impressionism’s best-known subjects.

The area around the cathedral is a natural starting point for the old town, with half-timbered houses, narrow streets and easy access to Gros-Horloge and Historial Jeanne d’Arc.

Gros-Horloge is one of Rouen’s most photographed sights, spanning the pedestrian street between the cathedral and Place du Vieux-Marché.

The astronomical clock is set within a Renaissance arch and connected to a medieval belfry. Its dial displays both the time and the day of the week through symbolic figures.

The street beneath the arch is the historic spine of the city, lined with shops, half-timbered houses and narrow side streets.

A visit inside the monument provides a close view of the mechanism and rooftop views across the old town.

Rouen is the city where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431.

Historial Jeanne d’Arc occupies the Archbishop’s Palace beside the cathedral, using historic rooms and modern interpretation to tell the story of her trial and legacy.

At Place du Vieux-Marché, the memorial and modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc stand beside the square where the execution took place.

Joan of Arc Tower near the railway station is the surviving part of the fortress where she was held during the proceedings.

Aître Saint-Maclou is a peaceful courtyard with a dramatic history linked to plague and medieval burial customs.

The buildings around the courtyard are decorated with carvings of skulls, bones and tools, reflecting its original role as a cemetery and ossuary.

Today, the restored complex is used for arts, crafts, culture and dining. It stands beside the Gothic Church of Saint-Maclou.

The streets around Rue Damiette and Rue Eau-de-Robec offer antiques, restaurants and some of the city’s finest half-timbered houses.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen holds one of France’s most important art collections outside Paris.

The collection ranges from the Renaissance and Baroque to Romanticism, Impressionism and modern art.

Normandy played a central role in Impressionism, and the museum displays works by Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Renoir and others.

The museum is near the railway station and old town, making it easy to combine with Saint-Ouen, Joan of Arc Tower and a city walk.

The Seine shaped Rouen’s history as a port, trading and industrial city, and today provides space for promenades and views.

Along the river, former harbour areas meet modern cultural buildings, bridges and broad walking and cycling routes.

Côte Sainte-Catherine east of the centre offers the classic view across the river, cathedral and Rouen’s many church towers.

Claude Monet painted the view from the hill, which remains one of the best places to appreciate Rouen’s setting in the Seine Valley.