Top 4 events in Rouen

When a weekend in Normandy is on the horizon, Rouen is the ideal base from which to enjoy the best events. The Seine Valley boasts a rich and varied programme of events. Generally speaking, as is the case everywhere, the most noteworthy events are repeated from one year to the next. So there’s no chance of getting bored in this regional capital.

The idea is to keep visitors (and locals) enthralled with culture and warm encounters. The new editions will not, however, overshadow the must-see events in Rouen. Whether they’re contemplative or local, you’ll be right at the heart of the action.

The events held in Rouen are always synonymous with excitement and a festive atmosphere. Perfect for entertaining family and friends, whatever the weather! That’s right, in Rouen and across Normandy, there’s no need to wait for fine weather to start the festivities!

Our selection of recurring events

The city of Rouen adapts perfectly to the rainy weather that is so familiar to the Normandy region. This ability to adapt gives rise to indoor events. Often in favour of culture, with exhibitions, concerts and themed fairs. As well as sporting and family events.

1. The cathedral in lights

Date or period: End of June

Access: Free

Description: More discreet than the “Chroma” show in Amiens, Rouen’s Cathedral in Light is well worth a visit. This annual “sound and light” show projected onto Notre-Dame de Rouen will amaze many a visitor. As night falls, impatient locals gradually take over the forecourt. Curious tourists follow suit, waiting patiently for the moving performance to begin. In an almost pious silence, the projected lights embrace each statue and the almost imperceptible details of the façade. Somewhere between contemporary design and religious representation, the surprise is total.

Good to know: Have you already been to the Cathedral in Light in Rouen? Go back again if you enjoyed the show. The theme of the illuminations changes completely every year. To continue to fascinate visitors and locals alike, there’s absolutely no difference in the final result from one show to the next!

2. The Belly Festival

Date or period: Third weekend in October

Access: Free

Description: The Belly Festival is a not-to-be-missed gastronomic event in Rouen. For an entire weekend, the culinary traditions of Normandy will be showcased in the historic centre. Local producers dress up in their finest traditional Norman costumes to take over the streets. Visitors will be able to sample local produce and buy plenty of it! You’ll find Normandy apples in all their forms, cheeses, ciders, dairy products and other rustic Normandy specialities. These two days of gustatory delights are sure to delight gourmets and foodies alike this autumn.

3. The visitors’ room

Date or period: May to September

Access: Free

Description: This is a cultural and collaborative event in the centre of Rouen. The first edition of the Visitors’ Room took place in 2016. The principle is simple: based on a specific theme, members of the public are invited to vote for the works they would like to see come out of storage. Each year, following the selection process, the works are exhibited in the galleries from May to September. In this way, the visitors’ room makes it possible to include the viewer in the exhibition, as a playful invitation to get closer to the art collections.

4. The Rouen Armada

Date or period: Every 4 years

Access: Free

Description: The most beautiful sailing ships in the world dropped anchor in Rouen to pay tribute to the Statue of Liberty’s Atlantic crossing in 1986. The Rouen Armada is a great moment of joy for sailing enthusiasts everywhere. Over the years, military vessels have joined in the festivities, including helicopter carriers and submarines, as well as convivial boats such as barges.

Good to know: Parallel festivities are organised for each edition of the Rouen Armada. There are concerts, large-scale fireworks displays and the famous Grande Parade de la Seine maritime. The good news is that these events are open to all!