Rouen is a beautiful old city just a short train ride from Paris. With its tall cathedral, cobblestone streets, and fun markets, it feels like stepping into the past. Here are 13 reasons why I think you should add Rouen to your next Paris adventure.
1. The Amazing Gothic Cathedral
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Rouen’s big, old cathedral is a very important building that began in the 1100s and took many centuries to complete.
Different parts of the cathedral show different styles because it was built and rebuilt over time.
Its tall towers and colorful stained glass windows make it look like something from a fairy tale.
The carvings on the outside tell stories of old kings, battles, and legends.
This cathedral is so famous that the great painter Claude Monet made many paintings of it, showing how its look changes with the light throughout the day.
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2. Walking Through the Old Town
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The old town of Rouen is like a living history museum.
Its narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with old houses that have wooden beams, called half-timbered houses.
Many of these buildings were constructed hundreds of years ago and still stand today.
As you walk, you might find hidden doorways and small courtyards.
The atmosphere is very charming, and you can almost imagine how people lived in medieval times.
3. Where Joan of Arc Was Tried and Executed
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In Rouen, you can visit the very spot where Joan of Arc, a brave young woman, was put on trial and later executed in 1431.
This place is part of an important chapter in French history during a time when France and England were at war.
The area is marked with monuments and plaques that help explain what happened and why Joan of Arc is remembered as a hero who stood up for her country.
4. The Famous Gros-Horloge (Big Clock)
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The Gros-Horloge is an enormous clock that was built in the 1300s and still works today.
It is set into a large archway from the Renaissance period.
This clock has a special face that looks like a bright sun with 24 rays and even shows the phases of the moon.
It is one of the oldest clocks in Europe and is an important symbol of Rouen’s long history.
The stone carvings on its frame show symbols that represent the city.
5. Colorful Half-Timbered Houses
Rouen is well known for its beautiful half-timbered houses.
These are old buildings made with wooden beams and plaster and are painted in bright, cheerful colors.
They were built using methods that have been passed down for many generations, and many of them have been carefully maintained.
Walking among these houses makes the town look like it is straight out of a storybook.
6. The River Seine Flows Through the City
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The famous River Seine flows gently through Rouen and adds a peaceful touch to the busy city.
The river has been an important part of Rouen since ancient times because it helped people trade goods and travel from one place to another.
Today, the Seine reflects the city’s beautiful old buildings and bridges, and walking along its banks can be very calming and fun.
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7. Lots of Antique and Book Shops
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Rouen has many small shops where you can find old books, vintage postcards, and other interesting collectibles.
These stores keep pieces of the city’s history and give you a chance to learn about how people lived in the past.
If you find a neat old book or a postcard, it can be a special reminder of your trip and of the rich history of Rouen.
8. A Day Trip from Paris (Only 1.5 Hours by Train)
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Because Rouen is very close to Paris, you can catch a train in about 90 minutes.
This makes it a perfect day trip if you want to see a new city with lots of history and culture without traveling for a long time.
Once you leave Paris, you can spend the day exploring an old city with its unique style and traditions, and then return quickly to the capital.
9. Quiet Streets with Few Tourists
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Even though many people know about Rouen, there are many streets and neighborhoods that are very quiet.
In these parts, you can walk without a crowd and enjoy the peaceful sounds and sights of everyday life in the city.
Exploring these hidden, quiet areas shows you a side of Rouen that feels more like home rather than just a place for tourists.
10. Delicious Norman Food
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Rouen is a wonderful place to taste food that comes from Normandy.
The local dishes are made with fresh ingredients like local cheeses, apples, and meats prepared in special ways.
For example, there are unique recipes for duck and tasty apple cider made from local apples.
The food in Rouen reflects old traditions and the hard work of local farmers and cooks.
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11. Fun Local Markets (Especially on Weekends)
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The markets in Rouen are lively and colorful.
They are held in places like Place Saint Marc and the old market square.
At these markets, you can see lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade breads, and sometimes handmade crafts.
These markets are a great way to see how local people shop, try some local snacks, and experience the friendly atmosphere of the town.
12. Monet’s Rouen Cathedral Paintings
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Claude Monet, the famous Impressionist painter, made many paintings of Rouen Cathedral.
He painted the same building at different times of the day—once in the morning, again at noon, and once in the evening—to show how the light changed its look.
These paintings help you see how special and unique the building is.
When you visit, you can compare the real cathedral with the pictures to understand why Monet was so inspired by it.
13. Many Pretty Churches Everywhere
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Rouen isn’t just known for its big cathedral; there are many other small, beautiful churches and chapels all around the city.
Each church has its own style, with some having detailed stone carvings and others featuring lovely stained glass windows.
Visiting these churches helps you learn about the role of religion in the city’s history and shows you different ways that people built and decorated their sacred buildings.
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With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
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