Rouen, France
Region: Seine-Maritime
Geographic Coordinates: 49.442800, 1.088600
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 112321
Language: French
Rouen is a picturesque city located in the northwestern region of Normandy, France. It serves as the capital of the Seine-Maritime department and has a population of around 110, 000 people. The city is situated on the banks of the River Seine and has been an important commercial hub since medieval times. One of Rouen’s most iconic landmarks is its gorgeous Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame de Rouen. The cathedral was constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries and features intricate carvings, Stained glass windows, And soaring arches. It also boasts one of France’s tallest spires at over 150 meters tall.
Another notable attraction in Rouen is its historic old town with narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses dating back to medieval times. Visitors can stroll through these charming streets while admiring their unique architecture or stop at one of many cafes or restaurants for a meal or drink. The Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen provides visitors an opportunity to learn about one of France’s most famous historical figures. Joan was infamously burned at stake in Rouen’s Place du Vieux-Marche square in 1431 after being accused by English forces during Hundred Years’ War.
For art enthusiasts, There are several museums worth exploring including Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen which houses an impressive collection spanning from Renaissance to contemporary art movements as well as Musée Le Secq des Tournelles which features metalwork collections from across Europe. Foodies will also appreciate what Rouen has to offer with its variety of local specialties such as Andouille de Vire (a spiced sausage made from pork intestines), Camembert cheese (originating from nearby Normandy), And Calvados (an apple brandy produced in Normandy).
Apart from its rich history and cultural offerings, Rouen is also a modern city with plenty of shopping, Nightlife, And outdoor activities. The city has several parks and gardens including the Jardin des Plantes which features over 5, 000 plant species as well as a zoo. Overall, Rouen is a must-visit destination for those interested in history, Art, Food or simply looking for an authentic French experience. Its beautiful architecture, Rich cultural heritage and picturesque location on the River Seine make it one of France’s most charming cities.
- Rouen Cathedral
- Gros Horloge
- Joan of Arc Tower and Museum
- Place du Vieux-Marché (Old Market Square)
- Saint-Maclou Church
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen (Fine Arts Museum)
- Rue du Gros-Horloge (Pedestrian street with shops and restaurants)
- Jardin des Plantes de Rouen (Botanical Garden)
- Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
- Musée Le Secq des Tournelles (Museum of wrought ironwork)
- Chemicals: Lubrizol, Yara International, and Arkema are among the large chemical companies located in Rouen.
- Energy: The region has a substantial presence in the energy sector with companies such as EDF and Total operating within the city.
- Automotive: Major players like Renault Trucks and PSA Peugeot Citroën have production facilities in Rouen’s strong automotive industry.
- Logistics: Due to its strategic location on major transport routes, Rouen is an essential logistics hub for France.
- Tourism: Tourists from all over the world are attracted to Rouen’s rich history, architecture, museums, and cultural events.
- Agriculture: Local farmers produce dairy products like cheese and butter famous worldwide due to Normandy’s surrounding region.
- Healthcare: Several hospitals and healthcare facilities including University Hospital Center of Rouen provide specialized medical care to patients across France located in Rouen.
- Education: The University of Rouen-Normandy offers courses ranging from engineering, business management, law humanities social sciences among others; it is one of several universities or higher education institutions found in this French city.
- Joan of Arc was famously tried and executed in Rouen’s marketplace, Place du Vieux-Marché, in 1431.
- The medieval city of Rouen was ruled by William the Conqueror, who built a castle there.
- Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) spent much of his reign as King of England in Rouen.
- Rouen played a significant role in the Hundred Years’ War between England and France, with both sides capturing and recapturing it several times over several decades.
- Gustave Flaubert, one of France’s most celebrated writers, was born in Rouen in 1821 and lived there for much of his life.
- The Impressionist painter Claude Monet created many works inspired by Rouen’s architecture and landscapes, including his famous series depicting the city’s cathedral.
- During World War II, Allied bombing raids aimed at disrupting German supply lines leading to Normandy beaches after D-Day caused heavy damage to Rouen.
- Jeanne Hachette defended her town against an invading army during a siege in 1472; today she is honored every year with a parade through town on August 27th.
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
- Gros-Horloge
- Église Saint-Maclou
- Place du Vieux Marché (site of Joan of Arc’s execution)
- Musée Le Secq des Tournelles (museum of wrought iron)
- Musée de la Céramique de Rouen (museum of ceramics)
- Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde (Renaissance-style mansion turned hotel)
- Jardin des Plantes de Rouen (botanical garden)
- Panorama XXL Rouen (immersive art experience)
- Rouen Hockey Elite 76: This ice hockey team was established in 1982 and competes in the French Ligue Magnus. They have won four league championships (1990, 1992, 2010, and 2016) as well as multiple national and international titles.
- Rouen Métropole Basket: This basketball team was founded in 1945 and participates in the French NM1 league. They have achieved several regional championships over time.
- FC Rouen: This football (soccer) club was founded back in1899 and has had a long history of success at various levels of French football. They have won two Coupe de France titles (1918 and 1945) but currently play at the fourth tier of French football.
- Rouen Normandie Rugby: This rugby union team was established back in 1902 with current participation at Fédérale 1 – which is the third tier of French rugby union competition level. Although they’ve been successful over their long history, they haven’t won any major national or international titles.
- Roller Hockey Club de Rouen: Founded back In1977 this roller hockey team has been one of France’s most successful clubs for decades now. They’ve secured multiple national championships along with European Cup titles.
- Fête de la Saint-Romain: A traditional festival held in October to celebrate the patron saint of Rouen, Saint Romain.
- Armada de Rouen: A biennial event where tall ships from around the world gather in Rouen for a week-long celebration of maritime history and culture.
- Festival Normandie Impressionniste: A summer festival celebrating the Impressionist movement and its ties to Normandy, with exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and more.
- Foire Saint-Romain: One of France’s oldest fairs, held every autumn since the 9th century, featuring carnival rides, games, food stalls and other attractions.
- Les Nuits Blanches de Rouen: An annual all-night arts festival held in September with music performances, art installations and other cultural events throughout the city.
- Jazz à l’Ouest Festival : An annual jazz music festival that takes place in various venues across Rouen during November each year.
- Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie Normande : A gastronomic event celebrating Norman cuisine that takes place annually during October in Rouen’s historic city center.
- Les Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie en Normandie : An international photography exhibition that showcases contemporary photographic works by artists from around the world each year during June-July period at various locations across the city of Rouen.
- Les Foudres: This restaurant is known for its traditional Norman cuisine including dishes like duck confit, escargots, and apple tart.
- La Couronne: One of the oldest restaurants in France, La Couronne is famous for its seafood platters and classic French dishes like Coq au Vin.
- Le Bistrot des Carmes: This cozy bistro serves up hearty French fare like steak frites and croque-monsieur.
- L’Endroit: A trendy spot with a modern take on classic French cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients.
- Au Vieux Rouen: A charming restaurant with a medieval atmosphere that serves up regional specialties like Andouillette sausage and Camembert cheese.
- La Walsheim: Known for its delicious tarte flambée (a thin crust pizza-like dish) as well as other Alsatian specialties.
- Le P’tit Zinc: A lively brasserie serving up French classics like onion soup, moules frites (mussels with fries), and crème brûlée.
- Restaurant Gill: An upscale dining experience featuring contemporary French cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood from the nearby coast.
- Jardin des Plantes de Rouen is a botanical garden that boasts over 5,000 plant species.
- Parc de la Cerisaie is a vast green area with playgrounds and picnic spots.
- Parc Saint-Sever offers walking trails, sports fields, and a lake for fishing enthusiasts.
- Bois de la Garenne is an ideal location for hiking and biking in the forested area.
- Skatepark du Madrillet caters to skateboarding enthusiasts of all skill levels.
- Piscine Guy Boissière is an Olympic-sized swimming pool that’s perfect for avid swimmers.
- Golf Blue Green Rouen La Forêt Verte is an 18-hole golf course surrounded by nature’s beauty.
- Canoe-kayak club de Rouen offers canoeing and kayaking activities on the Seine River, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the city from a different perspective.
- Tennis Club Municipal Rouennais has tennis courts available to rent for those who want to enjoy this sport in their free time.
- Patinoire Île Lacroix provides public access to its skating rink during winter months so everyone can enjoy ice-skating fun!
