Rouen: A Timeless Journey Through the Heart of Normandy

Stepping into Rouen is like walking through a living history book. As the capital of Normandy, this city seamlessly blends its dramatic medieval past—from the trial of Joan of Arc to the brushstrokes of Claude Monet—with a vibrant, modern cultural scene. Whether you are wandering through its "forest" of half-timbered houses or gazing up at the tallest cathedral spire in France, Rouen offers an authentic French experience just 90 minutes from Paris.

Tia

1/9/20263 min read

The City of a Hundred Spires

Rouen was famously dubbed the "City of a Hundred Spires" by Victor Hugo, and the skyline still lives up to the name. The crown jewel is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a Gothic masterpiece that famously captivated Claude Monet. He painted the façade nearly 30 times to capture the changing light—a series that defined the Impressionist movement.

Pro Tip: Look for the light shows (Illuminations) projected onto the cathedral façade during summer evenings; they bring Monet’s colors to life on the very stone he studied.
The Spire: At 151 meters, the cathedral’s cast-iron spire is the tallest in France, making it a permanent North Star for anyone navigating the city.

In the Footsteps of the Maid: Joan of Arc’s Legacy

Rouen is forever linked to the story of Joan of Arc. It was here that she was tried and executed in 1431. Today, the city honors her memory through a fascinating blend of the old and the new:

Historial Jeanne d’Arc: Located in the former Archbishop’s Palace, this immersive museum uses digital projections to take you through her trial.
The Church of Saint Joan of Arc: Situated in the Place du Vieux-Marché (the Old Market Square), this modern church features a striking roof shaped like an upturned boat or a flame, marking the spot of her execution.
The Joan of Arc Tower: The only remaining part of the castle where her trial took place.

A Walk Through Time: Half-Timbered Houses and the Gros-Horloge

The best way to see Rouen is on foot. The historic center contains over 2,000 half-timbered houses, some dating back to the 15th century. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter the Gros-Horloge, one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe.

The clock sits atop a Renaissance arch and has been telling time for the citizens of Rouen since 1389. Inside, you can visit the museum to see the original clockwork and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the belfry.

2026 Highlights: What’s Happening Now

If you are visiting in 2026, the city is buzzing with several major events that highlight its artistic and athletic spirit:

Normandy Impressionist Festival March 20 – Sept 20, 2026. Major exhibitions and outdoor art installations across the city. https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/highlight/normandy-impressionist-festival/

International Fair of Rouen March 27 – April 6, 2026. A massive cultural and commercial fair at the Parc Expo. This year, celebrating the 80's & 90's! https://www.foirederouen.fr/

Seine-Marathon 76. Sept 26 – 27, 2026. A scenic race through the historic streets and along the Seine. https://www.seinemarathon76.fr/

Terrasses du Jeudi Every Thursday in July, Free outdoor concerts in the city's squares. https://en.visiterouen.com/heritages/arts/festivals-in-the-heart-of-heritage/the-thursday-terraces/

Local Flavor:

Don't leave without trying "Sucre de Pomme" (apple sugar), a traditional Rouen candy made from local cider apples, or visiting a traditional bistro for Canard à la rouennaise.

Watch the first part of the full Rouen series here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTDbw3XaRiA

Photo Credits:

Photo by Todor Andonov on Unsplash

Herbert Frank from Wien (Vienna), AT, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

W. C. Minor, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Edsel Little, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Charlie Houston on Unsplash