Day trip from Paris
Rouen
Medieval Streets & Normandy Charm
Approximately 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min
Why visit
Rouen is the capital of Normandy and one of the most atmospheric medieval cities in France. Half-timbered houses lean over its lanes, Monet painted its cathedral facade more than thirty times, and the story of Joan of Arc runs through the centre.
Top things to see
- Rouen Cathedral and its much-painted west front
- The Gros-Horloge astronomical clock and archway
- Place du Vieux-Marché and the Joan of Arc church
- The Historial Jeanne d'Arc museum
- The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Rue du Gros-Horloge
Suggested one-day plan
Take a morning train from Paris and walk into the old town for the cathedral and the Gros-Horloge.
Lunch on Place du Vieux-Marché, then visit the Joan of Arc sites nearby.
Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Saint-Maclou quarter and the timbered lanes around Rue Damiette.
Return to Paris in the early evening.
Direct trains from Paris Saint-Lazare reach Rouen Rive-Droite in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The historic centre begins about a 10-minute walk downhill from the station.
A full day (7–9 hours); the centre is compact and walkable.
- Many museums close on Tuesdays.
- The cobbled old town is charming but hard going in thin soles.
- Climbing the Gros-Horloge belfry gives the best rooftop view.
- Normandy weather turns quickly — pack a light waterproof.