With its half-timbered houses and scenic location along the Seine, Rouen is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in northern France. Cobblestone streets wind through the old town, leading past medieval squares – like the Old Market Square, where Joan of Arc was martyred – and Gothic cathedrals like the Rouen Cathedral that Claude Monet famously painted.
One day in Rouen’s is plenty of time to see the city’s main highlights. We visited on a weekend getaway from Paris, pairing it with a day trip to Étretat and Honfleur, and this guide follows exactly what we did. At the end of the itinerary, you’ll also find my favorite restaurant picks and hotel recommendations to help you plan your stay.
One Day in Rouen Quick List
Stay: Hotel de Quebec; Hôtel Cardinal; Hôtel Paulette Rouen Centre Cathédrale
Do: Rue Eau de Robec; Saint-Ouen Abbey; Aître Saint-Maclou; Gros Horloge; Rouen Cathedral
Eat: Tranché; Crêperie Rouennaise; Brasserie Chérie
Top Tours: Historic Center of Rouen Guided Tour; Secret History of Rouen Guided Tour
One Day in Rouen
Rue Eau de Robec
Start your day in Rouen at Place Saint-Vivien and walk over to Rue Eau de Robec, just off the square. A narrow canal runs along the street, a remnant of the River Robec that once flowed freely through this part of the city.
From the 12th century until the 1800s, this area was centered around fabric manufacturing. Tradesmen and women set up workshops along the river, using its waters to dye, clean, and shrink different types of cloth, By the 1800s, unhealthy living conditions had led to the neighborhood’s decline. Unsurprising when you imagine the amount of dye and chemicals used in the process.
The river was eventually covered in 1941, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that the area was revitalized into the charming street you see today.
Walk along Rue Eau de Robec until you reach Place du Lietuenant Aubert, a photogenic street with a great view of Saint-Ouen Abbey.
Saint-Ouen Abbey
Rouen is home to several Gothic cathedrals, but Saint-Ouen Abbey was my personal favorite. Inside, more than 80 stained glass windows fill the nave with colorful light. Massive stone columns rise toward the vaulted ceiling, and the sheer scale of the cathedral is quite humbling
Behind the church is the Parc de l’Hôtel de Ville, a green space with a wide lawn and a small pond. When we visited in August, the hydrangeas were in full bloom, something to look forward to if you are visiting during the same time!
Aître Saint-Maclou
Aître Saint-Maclou is one of Rouen’s most unusual and fascinating sights. This 14th-century cemetery was created during the devastating plague, which struck Rouen especially hard while the city was also embroiled in the Hundred Years’ War. Space quickly ran out, and it became a mass burial site where bodies were laid one atop another.
In the 16th century, the timber-framed galleries surrounding the courtyard were added, and the cemetery was transformed into an ossuary. Human bones were stored above the galleries, in the roof space.
This is free to visit.
Place Barthelemy and Saint-Maclou Cathedral
Place Barthélemy is the most charming square in Rouen. At its center is Saint-Maclou Cathedral, surrounded by lively cafés and delightfully crooked half-timbered houses.
Rouen Cathedral
Walk along Rue Saint-Romain until you reach the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen. This 12th-century Gothic masterpiece is one of the largest and tallest cathedrals in France, its spire dominating the city skyline.
Claude Monet famously painted the cathedral in his famous series, capturing how its façade changed in different light and weather.
Tip: Just down Rue Saint-Romain, you’ll find Dame Cakes, a cake shop and tea house. If you’re in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, stop in to enjoy one of their pastries or cakes in the tea room.
Gros Horloge
Rouen’s famous clock tower, the Gros Horloge, is one of Europe’s oldest clocks in Europe. For the best view, walk along Rue du Gros-Horloge and stop underneath the Renaissance arch to take a look at the intricate carvings.
You can also visit the Musée du Gros Horloge, which gives you a glimpse into the clock’s history and inner workings. Afterward, climb to the top of the tower beside the clock for one of the best views over Rouen’s historic center.
For more information on tickets and opening hours, visit the official website.
Place du Vieux Marché
Continue along Rue du Gros-Horloge until you reach Place du Vieux Marché. On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was martyred here, burned at the stake at just 19 years old during the Hundred Years’ War—a conflict between England and France.
A national heroine, Joan of Arc led French forces to victory at the Battle of Orléans and played a key role in securing the coronation of Charles VII. Though executed as a heretic, she was later canonized and remains one of France’s most revered symbols of courage and faith.
Church of Saint Joan of Arc
Located in the Old Market Square, the Church of Saint Joan of Arc was completed in 1979 to replace the former Saint-Vincent Church, which was destroyed during World War II. Its controversial architecture, designed by Louis Arretche, is meant to evoke the billowing flames that engulfed Joan of Arc at the time of her death.
Inside, you’ll find magnificent 500-year-old stained glass windows, preserved from the original Saint-Vincent Church, flooding the space with color and light.
The church is free to visit. It is open everyday from 10:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Rouen is home to 12 free museums. You can find the full list on the official Rouen website. The fine arts museum has a wonderful collection of works from the 15th century onward, including a small collection of paintings by Claude Monet. Yes, one of his famous paintings of Rouen Cathedral is on display.
The museum’s courtyard has a nice café with a glass-paneled ceiling. The tables are surrounded by garden-themed paintings, making it a lovely spot to grab a drink.
For opening hours and more, visit the museum’s website.
Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
I was curious about this museum. I love visiting quirky spots, and this is definitely one of them. The entire museum, set inside of a 16th-century church, is dedicated to wrought iron art, featuring everything from ornate signage and keys to weapons, locks, cooking tools, and more.
I genuinely enjoyed my visit here. For more information on opening hours, visit the museum’s website.
Donjon de Rouen
This is a quick stop. The Donjon de Rouen tower is the last remaining vestige of the medieval Château de Rouen. It’s also the site where Joan of Arc was tried.
The interior of the tower is open to visitors on weekends. You can find more information on the official website.
Where to Eat in Rouen
We had just over a day in Rouen, so we only managed to try a few restaurants. Here’s where we went.
- Tranché: Great brunch spot with a varied menu.
- Crêperie Rouennaise: Perfect for dinner; arrive at opening if you want to avoid a wait. The crêpes are hearty and satisfying.
- Brasserie Chérie: A solid choice for tavern-style French fare.
On my list for next time:
- Dame Cakes: Famous for its pastries and tea room.
- Ma Boulangerie: Popular local bakery.
- La Couronne: Historic restaurant, often said to be the oldest in France.
- Le Quartier Libre: Go here for drinks. A hip district on the other side of the river.
Where to Stay in Rouen
If you’re planning to spend the night in Rouen like we did, here are a few hotel options to consider.
- Hotel de Quebec: Where we stayed. Decent, mid-range hotel within close walking distance to center.
- Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection: A beautiful luxury hotel in the historic center.
- Hôtel Cardinal: Budget-friendly.
- Hôtel Paulette Rouen Centre Cathédrale: Charming boutique hotel with design-forward interiors.
Rouen Walking Tours
Day Trip from Paris to Rouen
While we spent a weekend in Rouen, a day trip from Paris is entirely possible. You really only need one day in Rouen to see all the main sights.
The train from Paris to Rouen takes about 1.5 hours. It departs from Paris Saint-Lazare and arrives at Rouen Rive-Droit. From the station in Rouen, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the city center, depending on your starting point.
Plan to spend 8-10 hours in Rouen. Arriving around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM and leaving at 8:00 PM will give you plenty of time.
Book your train tickets online at SNCF.com.
Practical Information
- Check opening times: Most churches close between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. This itinerary is planned so you can avoid those midday closures.
- Is Rouen walkable? Yes. You can reach most places in 10–20 minutes on foot, so there’s no need to rent a car.
- Is Rouen worth visiting? Absolutely. For such a small city, it’s packed with fascinating historic sights, making it well worth the trip.
- Should I reserve restaurants in advance? Yes, especially for popular or upscale spots like La Couronne, which often books out ahead of time.
- Best time to visit Rouen: Avoid Sundays if possible, as many shops and restaurants are closed. Rouen is pleasant year-round, but spring through fall offers the best weather.