Tour
4 km
1h45
28 audios
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Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is one of those French cities everyone’s heard of but few can truly describe. Let us change that! Nestled along the meandering banks of the Seine, this Norman metropolis is but a living museum where past meets present. It wasn’t designated City of Art and History for nothing. A stroll through its medieval cobbled streets is like a journey through time, with Renaissance and Gothic architectural gems at every corner. And how could we forget its bell towers? French poet Victor Hugo nicknamed Rouen “the city of a hundred steeples”! Here, history comes alive, from the tragic tale of Joan of Arc to the masterpieces of famous Impressionist painters. Off we go to explore Normandy’s second-largest city!
Who knew Rouen had so many churches? Shocking, right? And each one has a different story to tell about the city. The church of Saint-Laurent is a prime example. Dating back to the 11th century, it has had quite a tumultuous history. Read more
Fellow art enthusiasts, trust me when I say Rouen won't disappoint. You're in for a treat! And you'll see why as soon as you step into one of its many museums, several of which are even free! Take for example the Museum of Fine Arts, right before you. Read more
Rouen's charm lies in its eclectic architecture. Where to start? From the dazzling clock tower to the cathedral with its lace-like stonework and the 2,000 or so timber-framed houses in a riot of colors and styles, this city's diverse heritage never ceases to amaze. Read more
They say all roads lead to Rome, right? Well, then, you could also say all oceans lead to Rouen – but only for about ten days every four to six years. And why is that? That's how long it takes for the Armada to make its comeback to the capital of Normandy. Read more
Right next to the Abbatial Church of Saint-Ouen stretching vertically toward the sky, you'll find its neighbor stretching horizontally along the ground. This is Rouen's current City Hall. And I say current, Read more
Truth be told, just about everyone knows Rouen's Gros-Horloge. But did you know there's a smaller, lesser-known one too? It's hidden in plain sight. To find it, all you have to do is take this mysterious passageway, Read more
Introducing the Abbatial Church of Saint-Ouen, a fine example of the Rayonnant Gothic style. It's often mistaken for a cathedral due to its immense size - it's over 130 metres long and 33 metres high! Read more
Rouen is a great place to explore on foot. It's quite easy to get lost in one of its 1,200 streets – but that's half the fun! Especially if most of them look like the Eau de Robec Street. Talk about picturesque! Read more
A visit to the Saint-Maclou neighborhood is a must when visiting Rouen. Every local will tell you so. And while you’re there, don’t miss the charming Rue Damiette, with its half-timbered houses. Read more
Strange, hidden, and unsettling, the Saint-Maclou Churchyard is shrouded in mystery. It's no surprise this eerie place is Rouen's second most visited site, after the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Read more
Of all the half-timbered houses in Rouen, we bet you haven’t seen one quite like this. Introducing the famous tilting house. Needless to say, its nickname fits it like a glove. You can actually see it tilting! Read more
Set against a backdrop of half-timbered houses, the Saint-Maclou church stands out with its unmistakable elegance and character. The church was built between 1436 and 1517 on the marshlands of the Robec, an old stream in the Antiquaires district. Read more
This is Chanoines Street, a charming hidden passageway, as picturesque as can be. The thing is, you have to know where to find it. You see, it's easy to miss. This quirky little alleyway, barely a meter wide at some points, Read more
Rouen could have easily founded a museum to honor Joan of Arc, recounting her life with classic artwork and a few collector's items. But given her extraordinary story, the city felt it could do better. Read more
You're now walking up Saint-Romain Street. Once again, the only advice we can give you is to keep your eyes peeled and marvel at the architectural gems all around you. The city is a delightful blend of old and new, Read more
It's hard to look away from the stunning Rouen Cathedral, towering over the square that bears its name. And yet, if you manage to do so, you'll discover myriad more hidden gems nearby, starting with this corner building and its striking façade. Read more
Introducing the Notre-Dame of Rouen. Unlike its more famous sisters in Chartres, Paris, Reims, Amiens, and Strasbourg, Rouen's cathedral is often overlooked. Let us tell you a bit about this little gem steeped in history. Read more
Looking for peace and quiet? Well, you won't find it here. You're currently on the busiest thoroughfare in the city. Gros-Horloge Street is popular for its varied shops and rich history. Big-name stores are gaining more and more ground on small local businesses. Read more
The Gros-Horloge is a real eye-catcher; it's the first thing you see when you cross the street. This iconic landmark is a quintessential piece of Rouen's medieval history. It's mounted on a 14th-century Gothic belfry and its clockwork mechanism is one of France's oldest, Read more
"So, friends, this is Rouen, the city of ancient streets and ancient towers, whispering tales of forgotten times. This is the city of a hundred chiming bell towers." These were the words of Victor Hugo, or rather a translation of them, Read more
Standing proudly on the charming Place de la Pucelle, the Bourgtheroulde Mansion is just one of many architectural gems in the city's historic center. It was built at the end of the 16th century by William II of England, Read more
Built on the site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake back in 1979, this church is unlike any other in the city. It stands out from the crowd thanks to its bold, contemporary architectural style, which is nonetheless traditional. Read more
You're definitely in the thick of it here! This is the historic center, so expect a crowd. The Place du Vieux-Marché, aka the Old Market Square, has seen its share of changes since its medieval beginnings. Read more
"To conquer without risk is to triumph without glory." Does this ring a bell for anyone? Classic French theater buffs, this is your time to shine! This is a quote from Pierre Corneille's most famous work, “Le Cid”. Read more
May 30, 1431, is the one date that Rouen will never forget. It was on this day that Joan of Arc, a key figure in French history, met her tragic end. And this is where it all happened; this place is forever linked to the city's identity. Read more
Time for a riddle! You find me perched on gutters, I’m made of stone, and often carved to look like an animal or a person. What am I? Any guesses? I'm a gargoyle! You'll find these strange, scary creatures in many streets and Gothic buildings in Rouen. Read more
Introducing Rouen's Courthouse – a fine example of the Flamboyant Gothic style, with its intricate lace-like details. The edifice was built on the ruins of the city's former Jewish quarter and its story begins in the late 15th century, Read more
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An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
27 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Dive into the heart of Viking history through an interactive experience.
Rouen, a city where past meets present, invites us to wander off the beaten paths. Now that we’ve explored its historic center, we’d like to take you on a tour to uncover some more hidden gems in the area. Our goal remains the same: get to know Rouen from top to bottom.
The Maison Sublime is one of Rouen’s must-see attractions. Hidden beneath the city’s Courthouse, this unique crypt houses the oldest surviving Jewish monument in all of France. It was built around 1100 but only discovered 9 centuries later. No one’s quite sure what it
After Joan of Arc and Pierre Corneille, why not follow in the footsteps of yet another great local figure? I am talking about Gustave Flaubert of course! His childhood home is just a 10-minute walk from the Old Market Square, where you’ll also find the Museum of the History of Medicine. It’s also a museum dedicated to the history of medicine. What does Flaubert have to do with the medical world, you might ask? For one thing, his father was a surgeon. And two, the family home is right next door to the Hôtel-Dieu pavilion, a former hospital for the poor and needy. So, you can learn about medicine from the Middle Ages to the present day, all while exploring Flaubert’s family life. And let me tell you, there are some rather unusual and unique old medical tools on display!
Now if you’re looking for some green, head to the Botanical Gardens, located on the city’s left riverbank since 1840. This 8-hectare green lung is home to plants from all over the world, a 17th-century pavilion, an aviary, tropical greenhouses and an orange grove. For a taste of the city’s rural charm, stroll along the Robec River and see the old watermills, standing as a reminder of the city’s successful dyeing industry back in the day. Alternatively, explore the rugged beauty of the Sainte-Catherine coast. This 140-metre-high green hilltop offers stunning views of Rouen both day and night, and it’s a great spot for a picnic. Fun fact: Claude Monet immortalized this very view in his painting entitled “General View of Rouen.” That says it all!
If you’re coming here by train, be sure to stop by the former home of Ferdinand Marrou, the famous French ironworker with strong ties to Normandy. The building is a masterpiece of carved wood and wrought iron, listed as a historical monument since 1975. Don’t let its spooky appearance scare you off – it’s truly a hidden gem.
Not too far from here, you’ll also find the Ceramics Museum. Its impressive collection of over 6,000 pieces offers a glimpse into the history of Rouen’s earthenware industry. In case you didn’t know, Rouen was a major player in the industry, up until the end of the 18th century. You’ll find everything from tableware to impressive works of art, and the free guided tour is well worth your while.
For yet another unforgettable experience, we suggest you take the road to Jumièges and marvel at its awe-inspiring white limestone abbey. It has collapsed time and again, hence its open-air nave, and yet it’s still considered one of Normandy’s most iconic landmarks. Victor Hugo famously called it “the most beautiful ruin in France”. You can always find more information on the various activities described in the Rouen Travel Tips section on our website.
Discover the art of perfumery and explore the Seine with these unique experiences in Rouen.
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Activity description Rouen: Join a local coffee roaster for a 2-hour culinary exploration. By delving into the secrets of coffee and mastering the roasting techniques, you will discover unique things and all the secrets of coffee! Then, it’s time for a tasting of several coffees, with their history, subtleties, and, of course, the coffee roasting process. You will get familiar with the tools used in the process, with roasting being the crucial step in coffee cooking. At the end of the session, you’ll leave with 250g of freshly roasted coffee!
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Description of the hotel: Drop your bags at this 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Rouen. Ideal for…
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Location: 7 Rue Croix de Fer, 76000 Rouen
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Lors d’un périple en Espagne, nous sommes obligés d’atterrir sur une des terrasses d’un restaurant proposant de délicieux tapas. Barcelone est une très grande ville où l’on mange copieusement. Il existe plusieurs quartiers propices pour se remplir la panse. Selon vos envies et vos goûts, vous vous dirigerez vers différents quartiers. Le quartier El Born est l’un des plus populaires, proposant un grand nombre de restaurants traditionnels catalans. Ce coin est réputé pour ses tapas d’exception ! La capitale de la Catalogne, baignée par la mer Méditerranée, est spécialisée dans les fruits de mer et propose un large choix de produits frais. Pour les adeptes de cette cuisine, nous vous conseillons le quartier de la Barceloneta, situé en bord de mer. Enfin, le quartier Eixample est le véritable quartier gastronomique de Barcelone. Ce quartier est idéal pour tester de nouvelles expériences culinaires.
Barcelona is a city where you discover new places to visit at every street corner. The days seem endless, and then comes the moment when fatigue takes over. Sleeping in Barcelona is relatively easy, as long as you know the right neighborhoods to rest properly. The Gothic Quarter is a pleasant area to stay in Barcelona. Its medieval atmosphere makes this neighborhood very charming. It’s nice to stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and head to the Royal Square for a drink and some tapas. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a Catalan atmosphere, it’s recommended to visit the Poble Sec neighborhood. It lies at the foot of Montjuïc Hill, where you’ll find several tapas bars to indulge in.
Barcelona can be explored just as much through its surprising landmarks as through its cuisine. Spanish… oops, Catalan, my apologies, cuisine is generous and flavorful. During a stay in Barcelona, it’s essential to taste some local specialties like “pan amb tomaquet” (bread with tomato). This is perhaps the most famous dish. It’s a very simple meal, consisting of a slice of bread rubbed with tomato, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. This dish can be eaten at any time of the day, whether as an appetizer, a starter, or even at breakfast. For a tasty starter, we recommend trying “escalivada.” This vegetarian salad is made with grilled eggplants, peppers, and onions. A very simple dish, but one that pleases everyone. For a meat dish, “boles de Picolat” will delight your palate. This dish consists of meatballs made from beef and veal, accompanied by onions, garlic, thyme, and parsley, all simmered in a tomato sauce. It’s served with potatoes, carrots, and peppers, all placed delicately on a good portion of rice. To finish off in style, nothing beats a good “crema catalana.” This is a crème brûlée with a layer of caramelized sugar that is torched for that crispy top.
The nightlife in Barcelona is just as exciting as the day. Starting in the spring, tourists arrive in large numbers, giving the city a fresh burst of energy. The capital of Catalonia is known for its festive atmosphere, which is much appreciated by those who visit. Several neighborhoods will ensure you have an unforgettable night.
For a drink before dancing the night away at one of Barcelona’s trendy clubs, head to Las Ramblas, the city’s famous avenue. Several bars, street performers, and restaurants liven up this avenue until the sun comes up. Highly popular, this avenue can sometimes be a hotspot for theft and pickpockets who try to take advantage of people’s intoxication. So, stay cautious.
If you’re looking for a more “relaxed” activity, you can take a stroll along Barceloneta and listen to the waves crashing on the beach. After this calming walk, head to a “tablao,” the place where flamenco performances take place. You’ll experience a truly Spanish moment! For more cultural immersion, you can also visit a museum at night, as some offer nocturnal exhibitions.
It is difficult to give an exact period to visit Barcelona, as each season offers its own advantages for discovering Catalonia. All seasons are relatively mild. However, in summer, the heat lingers late into the night, and the number of tourists reaches its peak. Accommodation prices are also higher during the high season.
Barcelona is the Spanish city that attracts the most tourists every year. It is very easy to get to the capital of Catalonia, which is actually not so far when you’re in the south of France. If you’re coming from Hérault, and more specifically from Montpellier, you’ll need about 3 hours and 15 minutes by car. Spain has an advantage that we don’t have in France: the autovías. These are large, free highways, which is a huge benefit when you see the high cost of some routes in France. If you opt for a plane as your mode of transportation, you’ll have no trouble finding flights from any airport. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is one of the largest in Spain, and many airlines offer flights to Barcelona. It’s about fifteen kilometers from the city center, and you can take a shuttle to get there. Lastly, it’s also possible to travel to Barcelona by bus with companies like FlixBus.
Flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture. Created in the 18th century in Andalusia, this musical genre and dance were inscribed on the UNESCO intangible heritage list in 2011. Several “tablaos” (traditional venues where flamenco shows can be seen) bring Barcelona to life with this dance. The most famous one is located on Barcelona’s most iconic avenue, Las Ramblas. Tablao Cordobés is known for its high-quality performances, featuring renowned artists in the flamenco world. If you’re looking for a flamenco show in a unique setting, head to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. At the “Nervión” flamenco tablao, you can enjoy local specialties while watching the dancers in their traditional red and black dresses.
You’d have to be unlucky for the rain to spoil your day in Barcelona. But don’t worry, there are plenty of activities that will still make your day enjoyable. Barcelona is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and you can visit several museums, such as the Picasso Museum, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, or the National Art Museum of Catalonia. A trip to the Barcelona Zoo will also delight everyone. Of course, the Sagrada Familia is a must-see, even in the rain; public transport will drop you near this magnificent religious building designed by Antoni Gaudí. Exploring Gaudí’s works can be done under a rainy sky. The Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are among the essential activities. If you’ve already visited these spots earlier in your trip, you can go shopping at one of the largest shopping centers in Spain, El Corte Inglés. This giant mall houses several restaurants, giving you the chance to combine local specialties with shopping.
Barcelona is a very large city. To visit it, one or two days will not be enough. Barcelona’s cultural heritage is one of the most important in Spain. The countless buildings, parks, and museums make Barcelona a city to explore in at least 4 days.
Parking in Barcelona is certainly not the easiest thing to do. You can’t park just anywhere. Some places require a sticker to park. Depending on whether you have one or not, the price varies, rewarding less polluting vehicles. There are many parking lots in central Barcelona. Whether it’s near the Sagrada Familia, the Barcelona Zoo parking, Las Ramblas parking, or the Port of Barcelona, you won’t have trouble finding a spot. However, if you don’t have the sticker, you can park in Barcelona, but only after 8 PM. Be cautious, though! You will be prohibited from driving in the city from Monday to Friday, between 7 AM and 8 PM. You can also leave your car at the airport parking and take public transportation to the city center.
With 1.62 million inhabitants, Barcelona had to be a city with efficient public transportation. Driving a car there is inconvenient and can waste time during your exploration of the city. You can take the metro to get from point A to point B. With 12 lines, the entire city is very well served. However, very few trams serve the city center of Barcelona. They are mainly useful if you want to visit the peripheral neighborhoods. Buses circulate in the city center. Alternatively, you can also rent bikes, electric scooters, and mopeds.
Barcelona has a very rich cultural heritage. There are a multitude of buildings, parks, and squares to explore. The most iconic tourist site in Catalonia, and perhaps Spain, is the Sagrada Familia, the work of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The construction of this impressive basilica began in 1882. It is still under construction and will remain so, in accordance with the architect’s wishes. In 2023, no less than 4.7 million curious visitors visited this extraordinary religious building. A trip to Barcelona would not be complete without a visit to the Sagrada Familia. Also designed by the famous Gaudí, Park Güell is another must-see. Like the Sagrada Familia, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gaudí had free rein in creating this park, and his overflowing imagination makes it an absolute marvel to discover. Gaudí here, Gaudí there, his works are instantly recognizable due to their uniqueness. He is also the author of the Casa Batlló, a building that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. You can’t miss the colorful and beautiful façade of Casa Batlló.
Barcelona is not a flat city, and there are several stunning spots that allow you to admire this second-largest city in Spain. You can head to Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell. In addition to visiting a beautiful place, the park offers a panoramic view of Barcelona, making it an ideal spot to relax! The hill of Montjuïc, rising to 185 meters above sea level, also provides a great view of the Catalan city. It is one of the key spots in Barcelona to enjoy the scenery.
You want to bring a small souvenir from Barcelona to please a loved one, or perhaps treat yourself? Here’s what you can bring back from your stay in Catalonia that will delight your loved ones (or yourself). The Barcelona region is full of artists, such as Antoni Gaudí, the famous architect, and Salvador Dalí, the great painter with a distinctive mustache, born in Figueras, in northern Catalonia. To keep a small memento of your wonderful stay, you can take home ceramic tiles, often used by Gaudí. Widely popular in Spain, you can also pick up a beautiful fan with Catalan patterns. Barcelona is also globally known for its football club, FC Barcelona. There’s likely someone in your circle who supports Barcelona. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring back a small souvenir like a scarf, keychain, or jersey. Lastly, if your loved ones haven’t had the chance to try Catalan cuisine yet, surprise them by letting them taste some local specialties.
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