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Home  >  Blog  >  A day in Rouen – photo tour

A day in Rouen – photo tour

Trish Burgess Posted on28/12/201804/04/2019 France, Normandy, river cruise, Rouen, Things to do in Rouen, U by Uniworld 32 Comments
Place du Vieux-Marche, Rouen
Place du Vieux-Marché – the old market place, Rouen

Rouen was one of the stops on our U by Uniworld river cruise, The Seine Experience . Our ship was moored very close to the city centre, making it easy to freely explore during the time we had there. Initially one of our guides took us for a short orientation walk, before letting us loose on the city. I thought I’d relive that day through the photos I took as we walked around Rouen on that hot, glorious day in June.

Hunt out half-timbered houses

Half-timberd houses in Rouen
Lose yourself in the medieval streets of Rouen

The Normandy capital is a city brimming with art and history. The home of impressionism in the 2nd half of the 19th century, you can see why Monet, Renoir and Sisley were inspired to leave Paris and discover the beauty of Rouen and its surrounds. Much restoration took place after the Second World War but the city wows with its churches, town houses and, of course, the picturesque half-timbered houses in the cobbled streets of the old town.

Rouen Cathedral

Exterior Rouen Cathedral
Rouen Cathedral

You can’t go wrong on a city sightseeing trip if you make a bee-line for the cathedral. The construction of Rouen’s Gothic masterpiece began in the 12th century on the foundations of a 4th century basilica. With its spire of 151m, the Notre Dame cathedral is the tallest in France, so it would be hard to miss it. It’s no wonder Monet found himself an apartment just across the square so he could paint the cathedral at different times of the day.

It’s equally stunning on the inside and worth a look, particularly if you’re keen to see the recumbent statue of Richard the Lionheart: King of England but also Duke of Normandy.

Cathedral of Light, Rouen
A colourful history lesson

In the summer months (mid-June to mid-September) crowds gather in the square to see the Cathedral of Light, a spectacular sound and light show projected onto the exterior of the building. We found this an excellent way to brush up on our Normandy history. I can also recommend the Delirium bar nearby for its cider and craft beers.

The Great Clock: Gros Horloge

Great clock, Rouen
Great clock viewed from the west.

This clock is an absolute stunner. A Gothic belfry, Renaissance archway and two beautiful clock faces showing 24 golden rays of sun on a starry blue background. Fully restored in 2006 it’s one of the oldest clock mechanisms in Europe. It worked continuously from the 14th century up to 1928 without stopping. That’s more than five million hours. Pretty impressive! There are tours to gain access to the dials room or you can just admire the clock from the ground as you weave your way through the medieval streets.

Saint Joan of Arc Church

St JOan of Arc church, Rouen
Exterior of St Joan of Arc church, Rouen

This striking church and the adjacent market halls were designed in 1979 by the architect Louis Arretche on the site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake for heresy in 1431. It’s an eye-catching shape incorporating an upturned longship (a traditional Christian symbol) and curves like sweeping flames.

Interior st Joan of Arc church
Interior of Saint Joan of Arc church

It’s located in the busy Place du Vieux-Marché (old market) but when you go inside the atmosphere is very peaceful and respectful. Within the church you can fully appreciate the exquisite stained- glass windows which previously belonged to the Church of Saint-Vincent and date from the Renaissance period.

Find the street full of flowers

Flowers in Rouen street
It’s always useful if you blend in with the floral arrangements

Rue Eau de Robec is one of the prettiest streets in Rouen. The summer sun highlights the gorgeous colours of the huge hanging baskets and it shimmers in the little stream that runs down the side.

Make time for pastries

Cakes
Strawberry gateau or apple tart?

Rouen is renowned for its gastronomy. It’s still an important sea port, despite being 126km inland, so has access to fresh seafood such as excellent scallops. You can find cheese from Neufchâtel, jams from Jumièges and of course, plenty of cider from the local apple orchards. We discovered Chez Catherine, a tiny little patisserie on the Rue de Martainville. Dougie opted for a delicious apple tart and I picked this strawberry concoction. We took them back to the ship and ate them on the deck, watching the world go by from the banks of the Seine.

deck of river cruise ship in Rouen
The top deck of The B, our U by Uniworld ship

During our day in Rouen we tried to soak up the atmosphere of the city rather than tackle a route march, ticking off a list of must-sees. If we were staying for longer then we would have visited some of the city’s many museums and galleries. Instead, we let the city charm us and, in the warm sunshine, we walked, explored, sat in gardens and admired the views.

Rouen street
The charming streets of Rouen
Gardens of Saint Ouen Abbey Church and town hall
Gardens of Saint Ouen Abbey Church and town hall

To read more about our U by Uniworld Seine river cruise, take a look at my review. You can read about our other cruise excursions here: Versailles, Honfleur and Giverny. 

Suitcases and Sandcastles

Lou Messugo

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32 Comments

  1. California Globetrotter Reply
    10/01/2019 at 9:14 am

    Rouen seems to be becoming more and more popular, and I have to say it’s been near the top of my bucket list for at least the last 5 years! I really should get there! I already knew about the beauty, but you’ve intrigued me with the street full of flowers! Happy New Year! #FarawayFiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      10/01/2019 at 9:59 am

      We were only there for a day and loved it. We came across the flower-filled street as we wandered about: the little stream along the side of the road made the whole scene look so pretty. I think we caught the flowers in full bloom too!

  2. Leona Reply
    10/01/2019 at 9:44 am

    Those timber frames houses are stunning! I’d love to make a visit there this year #farawayfiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      10/01/2019 at 10:01 am

      There’s such a wonderful mix of architecture in the city – one minute you’re in a busy modern thoroughfare and the next you’ve slipped back in time.

  3. Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) Reply
    10/01/2019 at 3:01 pm

    We really loved our trip to Rouen back in October – it surpassed all my expectations. I would have loved to have seen the Eau de Robec in the summer – it wasn’t nearly as colourful when we went. Thanks for sharing this on #FarawayFiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      12/01/2019 at 11:24 am

      There’s so much to see – I can imagine paying another visit in the future. October would be a bit cooler as we were there during the heat wave!

  4. Janis Reply
    10/01/2019 at 3:57 pm

    Rouen is lovely city and with so much history, that apple tart looks far too appetising.

    One of the highlights for us was the light show on the Cathedral in the evening, it was incredible. #farawayfiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      12/01/2019 at 11:23 am

      I’m so glad we were there in the summer months to see the light show. It really was excellent.

  5. Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels Reply
    10/01/2019 at 7:24 pm

    love timber framed houses! what a perfectly charming french town! #farawayfiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      12/01/2019 at 11:22 am

      Isn’t it lovely 🙂

  6. Corey | Fifi + Hop Reply
    14/01/2019 at 7:32 pm

    So much to see and do in beautiful Rouen! France has really been on my list as of recent – I’ve been a few times before but mainly to Paris. My trips to Normandy when I was a kid and the south of France when I was in my 20’s were so long ago. I’m really hoping to make a trip sometime in the next couple of years. It’s such a beautiful country and one I would like to explore! #farawayfiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      16/01/2019 at 3:26 pm

      There was something so relaxed about sauntering around Rouen, finding those little side streets, admiring the different architecture – and it was all in one walkable city, rather than a Metro ride away, as in Paris. I’m sure you would love exploring other parts of France. We loved Normandy but a previous holiday to the Dordogne was equally breathtaking.

  7. Emma Raphael Reply
    14/01/2019 at 7:51 pm

    I am sure I went on a French Exchange, but at 13 you don’t appreciate such beauty in a place. I would have appreciated the Galette De Pomme though… Delish! 😀 #farawayfiles #culturedkids

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      16/01/2019 at 3:35 pm

      I’m sure we stayed on the outskirts of Rouen once as we were headed further south. Our basic hotel by the main road didn’t give any clue to the beauty of the city itself.
      Can’t go wrong with apples and pastry, can you 🙂 x

  8. Hilary Reply
    15/01/2019 at 2:42 am

    Your photos are wonderful and I love this post! I’m inspired to find my way to this charming and beautiful city, and hopefully sooner than later… #farawayfiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      16/01/2019 at 3:44 pm

      I d think the fabulous blue skies helped my photography skills hugely! But we were delighted by Rouen. We just had a snapshot of the city but there’s more than enough here to warrant a much longer visit.

  9. Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays Reply
    15/01/2019 at 10:06 pm

    I have never been to Rouen, no excuse as it very close. On the list and will try harder! #FarawayFiles

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      16/01/2019 at 3:46 pm

      It’s ideal as stopping-off point if you’re travelling further south.
      I suspect your list is as long as mine. I keep reading blog posts and finding inspiration.

  10. Phoebe | Lou Messugo Reply
    04/04/2019 at 3:27 pm

    I’ve been to Rouen a couple of times but don’t feel I’ve done it justice. The Joan of Arc church is rather hideous on the outside but very striking inside, but St Ouen Abbey is much more my stlye. Talking of style, I do love your floral blending!! Thanks for linking up to #AllAboutFrance

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      05/04/2019 at 4:23 pm

      We were lucky to be there when the hanging baskets were in full bloom. The gorgeous weather helped too!

  11. Elizabeth (Wander Mum) Reply
    05/04/2019 at 9:28 am

    Such a beautiful city! France has some amazing cathedrals. You covered a lot of ground in one day and this is a French city I need to tick off my travel list. #allaboutfrance

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      05/04/2019 at 4:20 pm

      It didn’t feel at all rushed either. We were left to our own devices to explore. It helped the ship was moored in the centre of the city so we could go out and explore in the evening too.

  12. Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) Reply
    05/04/2019 at 12:44 pm

    I’m so desperate to try a river cruise! I don’t know Rouen at all, but it looks and sounds like a feast for the senses. Such pretty buildings – and those cakes…….. 🙂 #AllAboutFrance

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      05/04/2019 at 4:19 pm

      They seem to have stopped the Seine river cruise for 2019 with U by Uniworld – concentrating on the Rhine and Danube. We’ve loved both of our river cruises – the first with Emerald Waterway on the Rhine and Main rivers. I think some companies are starting to introduce family river cruises – about time too!
      Rouen and all the other stops on the cruise were so beautiful.

  13. FrenchVillage Jacqui Reply
    06/04/2019 at 1:41 pm

    We have lived in France for almost 15 years and Rouen has only ever been a place we drive through to get from home back to the UK. I’ve often said to my husband how I’d like to stop there and explore, but we’ve never had the time. I will now make the time!!!!

  14. Rosie Hill (@EcoGitesLenault) Reply
    22/07/2019 at 3:26 pm

    We were in Rouen last week and absolutely loved it – the light show on the Cathedral just took our breath away.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      28/07/2019 at 11:20 am

      Isn’t it brilliant!

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