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RouenCulture & history

Our most recommended Rouen Culture & history

Rouen: Walking Tour of the Historic Center

1. Rouen: Walking Tour of the Historic Center

Experience Rouen, the historic capital city of Normandy, through the eyes of a local guide on a walking tour. Stroll through the cobblestoned center, exploring iconic monuments such as the Gros-Horloge, Rouen Cathedral, and Saint-Maclou Church, and get a deeper insight into the city’s history. Meet your guide at Place de la Pucelle to embark on our journey through the ages. Head to the Place du Vieux Marché and discover the last moments of Joan of Arc's life. Admire a charming mix of old and new in this storied square pulsating with history. Continue to the pride and jewel of this medieval city, the 14th-century astronomical clock of Le Gros-Horloge. Learn all about this Renaissance building set amidst half-timbered houses. Next, stop in front of the magnificent Courthouse of Rouen. A short distance away is the Rouen Cathedral and its 3 three towers, each in a different style of architecture. Marvel at the spire circles up into the air to a staggering height of over 150m. Get a glimpse of 2 parts of history – the Middle Ages and 19th-century Impressionism. Finally, end the tour in the heart of the Martainville district to immerse yourself in the living conditions of the Middle Ages. On the way, discover the legend of the abbey of Saint-Ouen, and the Saint-Maclou Church, one of the best examples of the Flamboyant style of Gothic architecture in France.

Rouen: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

2. Rouen: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Learn about the impressive history of Rouen - founded by the Romans, ruled by Vikings, and heavily damaged during the Second World War! Despite the numerous bombardments, the city of Rouen managed to preserve the historical center. Walk down the medieval streets, admire the wonderful half-timbered houses and enjoy the unique atmosphere of old times! Discover the "Gros-Horloge" (the Great Clock), the symbol of the town! Observe the beautiful Renaissance facade with a giant clock, on which a single hand indicates the hour! Pass in front of the splandid Justice Palace, representing Renaissance architecture. Then stop at the "Place du Vieux-Marché", where 19-year-old Joan of Arc was burned in 1431 ! The highlight of your visit will be one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world, la cathédrale Notre Dame de Rouen. Admire the gothic facade full of details that impressed the famous painter Claude Monet who created the whole serie of paintings dedicated to this architectural treasure. Enjoy the private tour of Rouen with your family or friends! Your guide will be happy to answer all your questions and will be ready to adapt the tour to your own needs!

Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen

3. Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen

Stop At: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, 3 rue Saint Romain, 76000, Rouen France Description of the facade and its history Duration: 10 minutes Stop At: Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, Place du General de Gaulle, 76000, Rouen France The Saint-Ouen abbey in Rouen is one of the main monuments of the city of Rouen; its abbey church is a completed example of Gothic architecture in Normandy. The abbey is the subject of a classification as historical monuments by the list of 1840 Duration: 10 minutes Stop At: Aitre Saint-Maclou, 186 rue Martainville, 76000, Rouen France L'aître Saint-Maclou is a former mass grave dating from the 16th century, located at 186, rue de Martainville in Rouen, France. It is one of the rare examples of such an ossuary surviving in Europe. The Saint-Maclou is the subject of a classification as historical monuments by the list of 1862 Duration: 10 minutes Stop At: Gros-Horloge, Rue du Gros Horloge, 76000, Rouen France The Gros-Horloge is one of the emblematic monuments of the city of Rouen. The building, attached to a belfry, consists of a Renaissance arch spanning the rue du Gros-Horloge surmounted by an astronomical clock from the 14th century. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: Place du Vieux-Marche, Esse endereço na França é em Rouen e não em Caen onde se encontra a atração, Rouen France It was on this square, in the middle of the Hundred Years' War that Joan of Arc was burnt alive on May 30, 1431. The place, as Joan of Arc could see it, did not resemble what it was. is today. The square was smaller and its space was occupied by the Saint-Sauveur church, the Saint-Michel church and by a large market hall. It was also the usual place of executions. A large cross was erected on the site of the pyre. In the middle of the square, the remains of the old Saint-Sauveur church have been unearthed. It is in this modest parish church that Pierre Corneille was baptized, his birthplace, rue de la Pie, now transformed into a museum located nearby. Today it is a lively square, around which are restaurants and bars Duration: 20 minutes

Mont Saint-Michel & Chateaux Country 3-Day Tour from Paris

4. Mont Saint-Michel & Chateaux Country 3-Day Tour from Paris

Drive through the beautiful French countryside to discover Middle Age and Gothic-inspired architecture, and learn the intriguing history of Normandy and France from an expert guide. Cross to the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel, and soak up the refinement of prestigious Loire Valley castles, such as the vast royal Château de Chambord. Day 1 (Friday): Traveling by luxury air-conditioned coach, depart Paris via the western districts and take the Normandy motorway as far as Mont Saint-Michel. Arriving at approximately midday, stop for lunch at the 4-star Relais Saint Michel, offering fantastic views across to the island. After lunch, ascend to the Abbey on the summit of the mount for a guided visit of its Gothic and Romanesque interior. Enjoy some time at leisure exploring the narrow, hilly streets before your departure for Angers, cradle of the Plantagenet dynasty, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Hotel Mercure Lac de Maine (or similar accommodation). Day 2 (Saturday): After a hearty breakfast, drive to Langeais, passing Cunault and Saumur en route. Driving by vineyards, enjoy views of romantic castles on the horizon. Arrive at Château de Langeais to explore one of the best-known examples of late medieval architecture. Continue with a guided visit of Clos-Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last dwelling place. Stroll through the stunnning gardens of Villandry, and visit the old historic district of Tours on the lower reaches of the Loire. An evening meal will be served at your overnight stop in Tours at the Hotel Mercure. Day 3 (Sunday): Take a guide tour of the Château de Chenonceau, built on the site of an old mill across the River Cher. Continue to the decorative Château de Cheverny, used by Tintin creator, Hergé as the inspiration for his fictional Château de Moulinsart. After lunch at the Hotel Saint-Hubert, go to the Château de Chambord to explore the largest and most imposing castle in the Loire Valley. Admire the distinctive French Renaissance architecture, which blends impressively with traditional medieval forms.

From Rouen: Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour

5. From Rouen: Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour

Visit the beaches of Normandy that keep the memory of fallen heroes alive. Depart on a full-day tour from the port town of Rouen. Learn about the events that took place in Normandy, from the D-Day landings to the Battle of Normandy, from an expert guide. Make your first stop at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the village of the US Airborne Division. Understand how 14000 paratroopers played a crucial role in the town's liberation. The site still bears traces of the Battle of Normandy. Visit the Airborne Museum where your guide will explain the details of the exhibit. Then, head for the hedgerows to see the natural fences where many German soldiers hid to accomplish their mission. Next, see one of the two American landing zones in Normandy, Utah Beach. Learn how this beach was so quickly and successfully taken on D-Day of the invasion. Stop for a gourmet lunch on Omaha Beach facing the monument to the Allies. Listen to the details of the deadly 1944 battle which took place at this spot. After lunch, head to the Pointe du Hoc. See the many German bunkers and machine-gun posts that were taken by the US 2nd Rangers Battalion. Finally, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, honoring American troops who died in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. Attend the ceremony of the colors to remember those who lost their lives while bringing World War II to an end. If time allows, you'll also see the Longues-sur-Mer battery, the last WWII German artillery battery, whose 150-mm guns were operational on D-Day. Benefit from round-trip hotel transfers at a time that's convenient for you. Enjoy refreshments like fresh coffee and croissants. You'll be dropped back at your pier-hotel at the end of the tour. The itinerary will be adapted to fit your schedule.

Rouen: Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour

6. Rouen: Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour

Embark on a day tour of Rouen and its surrounding sites to discover the medieval past of Normandy, the so-called land of North Men, home of William the Conqueror and Richard the Lion Heart. Historic abbeys and medieval castles will open their doors to you on this trip. After pickup, you'll head first to Rouen's historical center. During the ride, there will be digital resources provided so you can get some content about the places visited throughout the day. For the first stop, enjoy an extensive visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, then stop at Rue du Gros Horloge to see the Gros Horloge, the first clock of France, built in 1389. Having ancestors who fought in the crusades, the history of Richard the Lion Heart and his Chateau Gaillard is the next focus of the tour. See his story come to life during a visit to the Chateau Gaillard overlooking the River Seine. After having lunch below Chateau Gaillard (costs not included), continue the trip to Jumièges Abbey, the first Abbey of Normandy, destroyed by the Vikings in 845 A.D. In Jumièges Abbey, see the marks of destructions led by the Vikings. Normandy wouldn’t be Normandy without the Vikings and their heir, William the Conqueror. You’ll get to explore two significant abbeys that William built and see where he married Mathilda of Flanders, the woman he loved so much. Next on the itinerary is the Abbey of Saint-Georges, Boscherville, the most preserved abbey in Normandy. Before heading back to Rouen to conclude the tour, admire the walls of the church of the abbey that still have the original paintings and sculptures from the 11th century.

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What people are saying about Rouen

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 5 reviews

It was a long queue for the shuttle to get into the castle, then we decide to walk for 45 mins By the time we arrived there it was quite tired exploring around. We walked around the ground level and decided to go back by shuttle. It was a really nice surrounding. I would recommend to go for a visit if you have never been.

Wonderful trip, well organized and very interesting. Excellent tour guide (Leona) and driver (Ibrahim). Highly recommended