Off-the-beaten-path ancient cities around Paris! Medieval streets + Joan of Arc stories + Monet paintings – This article will take you through them all!
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
I’ve been to Paris and the South of France. I wonder where else I can go? Why not take a look at Rouen, a hidden gem that can be reached directly from Paris in just 1.5 hours? The wooden house, the Gothic cathedral, the site of Joan of Arc’s Trial… This guide, even collected by locals, will take you to every corner of Rouen and check in at monet ‘s camera position 📸
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
Part One: Overview of Rouen City
1.1 Geographical Location and Historical Background
Rouen is located in the Normandy region of northwestern France, on the banks of the Seine River. It is only 135 kilometers away from Paris and can be reached by train (high-speed train TER or intercity train Intercites) in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This city was once one of the most prosperous ports in Europe during the Middle Ages, benefiting from the thriving shipping and textile industries along the Seine River.
The coat of arms of Rouen features a “Paschal Lamb”, symbolizing its agricultural traditions. However, the most famous historical event of this city is undoubtedly the trial and burning of Joan of Arc here in 1431, making it an important religious and historical holy site in France.
1.2 Urban Features and Architectural Characteristics
Rouen is known as the “City of a Hundred Towers” (La ville aux cent clochers), named for the spires of many Gothic churches. Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, the post-war restoration work has preserved its medieval appearance, especially the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets in the old town, which are like walking back in time to the Renaissance.
Rouen has the second largest number of historical sites in France after Paris, including:
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
Gros-Horloge
The Church of Joan of Arc (Eglise Sainte-Jeanne-d ‘Arc
Abbaye Saint-Ouen Monastery
In addition, Rouen was also the source of inspiration for the impressionist painter Claude Monet, who created over 30 series of paintings of Rouen Cathedral in the 1890s, capturing the beauty of the architecture under different lighting conditions.
Part Two: Traffic Guide
2.1 How to get from Paris to Rouen?
(1) Train (Recommended
Departure station: Paris Saint-Lazare Station (Gare Saint-Lazare
Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (direct)
Ticket price: Starting from 10 euros for advance booking, it may increase to 30 euros for approaching dates
Schedule: Approximately 20 trips per day. It is quite crowded during peak hours (7 to 9 a.m. on weekdays)
(2) Long-distance bus (Economy Option)
Operators: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Ticket price: 1-10 euros (subject to booking time)
Driving time: Approximately 2 hours
Disadvantage: Paris bus stops are relatively remote (such as Porte Maillot)
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
2.2 Transportation within Rouen
The public transportation in Rouen is operated by Astuce, including:
Tramway: 4 lines (T1-T4), covering major attractions
Bus: Free every Saturday
River Ferry (Calypso) : Solar-powered, free on weekends
Bicycle (Lovelo) : 1 euro daily pass, free for 30 minutes
Recommendation: Purchase a 1-hour pass (1.7 euros), which is applicable to all buses and trams.
Part Three: Must-Visit Attractions
3.1 Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral
Architectural style: Gothic and Flamboyant Gothic
Features
The Butter Tower (Tour de Beurre) : It is named after the donations made by believers during Lent
Tour Saint-Romain: The oldest clock tower in Rouen
Monet’s paintings: The museum houses the “Rouen Cathedral” series
Light Show: Summer Night Projection Performance (Free
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
3.2 Gros-Horloge
History: An astronomical clock from the 14th century, with its dial symbolizing the cycles of the sun and the moon
Summit: Panoramic view of the old town (Ticket: 7 euros)
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
3.3 Attractions related to Joan of Arc
The Church of Joan of Arc (Eglise Sainte-Jeanne-d ‘Arc
Modern architecture, resembling an upside-down ship, symbolizes the flames of Joan of Arc’s sacrifice
The interior stained Windows are from the destroyed St. Vincent’s Church
Historial Jeanne d ‘Arc
Recreate the trial process through multimedia (with English guided Tours provided)
Place du Vieux-Marche
The exact location where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake was marked
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
3.4 Aitre Saint-Maclou Church and Skeleton House
Church: Flame Gothic architecture, exquisitely carved
The Skeleton House: A mass grave during the Black Death period, with wooden beams carved with skull patterns
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
3.5 Cote Sainte-Catherine
Best viewpoint: A panoramic view of Rouen and the Seine River
Hiking route: 525 steps. It is recommended to visit at sunset
Part Four: Food Recommendations
4.1 Local specialties
Normandy cheeses: Camembert, Livarot
Cider: Paired with Crepes
Duck dishes: such as Confit de Canard
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
4.2 Recommended Restaurants
The official website of the restaurant’s feature per capita consumption
Gill (two-Michelin-starred) French and Japanese fusion cuisine
La Marmite Family-style French cuisine
Tandem Seasonal Menu
Pommes d ‘Epices is a traditional Normandy dish
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
Part Five: Shopping and Markets
5.1 Characteristic Markets
Old Market Square (Place du Vieux-Marche) : Open daily and host a food festival in autumn
Marche Saint-Marc: A weekend antique and agricultural products market
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
5.2 Shopping Center
Halles Agrivin: Food Market, local produce
Galeries Lafayette: French brand clothing
Travel Guide to Rouen, france-visit-rouen
Part VI: Itinerary Suggestions
Day 1: Rouen Cathedral → Saint-Marcleo Church → Rue des Voeux → Joan of Arc Church → Old Market Square → Saint-Van Abbey → Saint-Catherine Hill
Summary
Rouen is a city that blends medieval history, Gothic architecture and culinary culture, making it an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy in-depth exploration. The transportation is convenient and the scenic spots are concentrated. You can enjoy the essence within 2 to 3 days. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, or a gourmet, you can all find your own way of traveling here.