• Rouen

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  • A charming port town on the Seine River, the capital of Normandy Region in France, near the Norman rugged coastline and beaches. The town was a major town in the Roman era and Medieval and Renaissance periods, home to the Anglo-Norman kings where Joan of Arc, Richard Lionheart, and other historic figures have left their mark.
    Rouen is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Medieval towns in France, also called “The town of a hundred bell towers”. In town many impressive Gothic buildings and churches, beautiful, winding cobbled streets and squares, and picturesque partially timbered colored houses. Stroll the bustling cobbled streets of the Medieval town center with its small shops, restaurants, and cafes.

    Follow the footsteps of Joan of Arc whose landmarks and sculptures are spread all over town, from Tour de la Pucelle, via Place du Vieux Marche to the impressive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Visit the bustling old Market Square where Joan of Arc was burned alive in 1431, with its small restaurants, cafes, the modern Jeanne d’Arc church with the Joan d’Arc Tower, and the Episcopal Palace home to the interesting Joan d’Arc Museum.

    To enjoy the beautiful Gothic architecture, visit the 14th century impressive Abbatiale Saint Ouen church, the extravagant Church of Saint-Maclou, and the Aitre Saint-Maclou,  home to macabre decor.

    Art lovers will enjoy Rouen’s Fine Arts Museum (Musee des Beaux-Arts) considered one of France’s leading art museums, The Ceramics Museum (Musee de la ceramique de Rouen) with its vast ceramics collection, the Musee Le Secq des Tournelles home to a unique collection of antique wrought ironwork items, and many more.

    Visit the bustling antique district, Quartier des Antiquaires-Saint Maclou, near the cathedral, with its charming shops, restaurants, and timbered houses, the Cirque Theatre d’Elbeuf, the vibrant Rouen Harbor area, and more.

    Spend 1 day in charming Rouen, traveling from Paris to Normandy and Brittany by car, train, or cruising the Seine River.
    TheTjoy.com recommends few day trips out of Rouen;

    • Travel southeast visiting Pont-de-l’Arche, where the Eure and Seine rivers meet, visit the nearby 12th century Abbaye de Bonport founded by Richard Lionheart, and enjoy the beautiful Seine landscapes from the ruins of Chateau Gaillard built by Richard Lionheart in Les Andelys.
    • Explore the richly decorated Chateau de Bizy, considered as “Normandy’s Versailles” in Vernon, and the must-see House of Claude Monet and its Garden in Giverny, 73km southeast of Rouen.
    • Follow the scenic Abbeys Road , 127 km west to La’ Havre, and north to the stunning Cliffs of Etretat,to enjoy along the Seine River beautiful scenery of marchlands, forests, and green hills. On the way visit the historic abbeys such as the 12th century Abbey of Saint Georges de Boscherville, the Jumieges abbey, and the Saint Wandrille Abbey 45km northwest of Rouen.
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