Rouen: The Complete Guide

In the heart of Rouen’s medieval centre, surrounded by half-timbered façades and the soaring spire of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, you’ll find charming boutique addresses that immerse you in the city’s story. Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde occupies a beautifully restored 15th-century manor with Gothic cloisters, vaulted lounges and a courtyard garden tucked behind its Renaissance façade. Just a few steps away, Hôtel Monopole Métropole blends art-deco elegance with modern comforts right on Place Carnot, while Hôtel Morand charms with exposed beams, period furnishings and a discreet patio nestled among timbered houses.

Along the Seine quays and in the Martin-Quais district, waterside properties frame river-bend panoramas and easy access to riverside promenades. Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale perches on the embankment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking passing péniches, and its brasserie terrace is perfect for sunset apéritifs. A short stroll brings you to OKKO Hotels Rouen Centre, which offers sleek, sound-proofed rooms, a convivial lounge bar and bicycle rentals ideal for cycling the quayside greenway.

Venturing beyond the city walls to the leafy Mont-Saint-Aignan and côte Sainte-Catherine suburbs, country-house retreats and spa-style lodgings await amid woodland and rolling hills. Domaine de la Corniche—a short drive from central Rouen—welcomes you to its historic manor set above the Seine cliffs, with an outdoor pool and gourmet restaurant. Nearby, Château de Belmesnil invites guests into its turreted rooms, manicured gardens and elegant salon, while Campanile Rouen Nord – Mont-Saint-Aignan offers bright, family-friendly accommodations and free parking at the suburban edge.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Rouen. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Rouen in Spring

Spring is a delightful time to visit Rouen. From March to May, the city awakens with blooming gardens and longer daylight hours. The weather is mild and fresh, ideal for walking through the medieval streets or along the Seine. Outdoor cafés start to buzz again, and the city feels renewed after winter. One seasonal highlight is the Rouen Impressionist Festival (when scheduled), which celebrates the city’s strong ties to the Impressionist movement with exhibitions, concerts, and light shows.

Visiting Rouen in Summer

Summer is the peak tourist season in Rouen, and for good reason. From June to August, the city is alive with festivals, markets, and riverside events. The weather is typically warm, with plenty of sunshine—perfect for enjoying open-air dining and evening strolls. A major highlight is the Rouen Armada, a maritime festival that takes place every few years, attracting tall ships from around the world. Another summer favourite is the Cathedral of Light show, an impressive nightly projection onto the Rouen Cathedral façade, bringing art and history to life.

Visiting Rouen in Autumn

Autumn, from September to November, brings a quieter but equally beautiful atmosphere to Rouen. The changing leaves add colour to the city’s already picturesque streets, and the cooler temperatures make sightseeing comfortable. Cultural life picks up again after the summer holidays, with theatre seasons beginning and exhibitions returning to museums. The city’s food scene also embraces the harvest season, with local markets brimming with apples, cider, and regional specialities.

Visiting Rouen in Winter

Winter in Rouen, from December to February, offers a more introspective charm. While temperatures can be chilly, the city’s half-timbered buildings and festive lights create a cosy ambiance. December is especially magical, with Rouen’s Christmas Market set up in Place du Vieux-Marché, complete with seasonal food, local crafts, and warm drinks. While some attractions operate reduced hours, winter is a great time to explore museums and historic sites without the crowds.

Getting to Rouen by Air

While Rouen does not have a major international airport, the closest option is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Paris Orly Airport (ORY), both of which offer a wide range of international and domestic flights. From either airport, visitors can reach Rouen by rental car, shuttle, or train. Travel time from Paris to Rouen typically ranges between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the mode of transport.

Getting to Rouen by Train

Rouen is well connected by rail, especially from Paris. Direct trains from Paris Saint-Lazare Station to Rouen Rive Droite Station operate frequently and take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Train travel is often the easiest and most comfortable way to reach Rouen, especially for visitors already staying in or arriving through Paris.

Getting to Rouen by Car

Driving to Rouen is straightforward, with the city located just 135 km northwest of Paris. The A13 motorway offers a direct route, with a travel time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes under normal conditions. Rouen is also easily accessible from other regional centres in Normandy, such as Caen and Le Havre. Several parking garages are available in the city centre, and Park-and-Ride options exist on the outskirts for easier access during busy periods.

Travelling around Rouen

Rouen’s historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. Many of the key landmarks, such as the cathedral, Gros Horloge, and Place du Vieux-Marché, are within easy walking distance of one another. For longer trips, Rouen has a well-integrated public transport system, including buses, a metro-style tram network, and bicycles for hire. Tickets for local transport can be purchased at machines or via mobile apps.