Making the most of Rouen Paris
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Rouen has 2 cruise terminals, one west and one south-west of the centre. Tourist information and taxis are provided, while the city centre is a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk away.
Rouen will extend the Seine quays so that its cruise terminal can receive ships measuring up to 250 metres, according to a press release. This will allow the first vessels of that length to call in spring 2023. The walk between ship and historic city centre is comfortable and pleasant. Nature, restaurants, bars, terraces, nightlife, culture, shopping, leisure and sports activities will draw residents and visitors to experience the appeal of the Seine.
Walking through the historic centre and its half-timbered houses reveals architectural treasures. Gothic examples include Notre Dame Cathedral, St Ouen Abbey, Saint Maclou Church and the Palais de Justice, while Renaissance landmarks include the Gros Horloge, Saint Maclou Ossuary and Bourgtheroulde Mansion.
Walking beside the river also serves as a reminder that Rouen developed because of its port, which remains successful today.
Getting around
Horse-drawn carriages and a tourist ‘little train’ are available.
Rouen's Metrobus network crosses the city using buses and light rail, and taxis are always plentiful. Hire bicycles for pedalling around from Rouen Cycles on rue St-Eloi.
The Manoir de Villers: a survivor through the centuries, this manor records everyday rural life. As the “maison des champs” (country house) of Rouen high society, it recalls a lifestyle shaped by honours, duties and pleasures. Opening runs from April 1st to October 31st: Saturdays 2.30 pm–5.30 pm, and Sundays and holidays 3.00 pm–6.30pm (7€/person, 3€/child -14 years old and the disabled). Visits can be requested throughout the year. A guided tour covers the manor and park.
Nearby places
Paris from Rouen: the journey covers 84 miles/135km, takes about 1 1/4 hours and costs approximately $42 (35 euros) return in first class. Trains between Paris and Rouen are frequent and need no reservation. From Rive Droite Station on rue Jeanne-d'Arc, the first service to Paris St Lazare usually leaves shortly before 6 a.m.; the final departure from Paris is near 9 p.m. Contact SNCF ( for more details. A shore excursion is recommended for first-time Paris visitors.
By shore excursion: Giverny stands on the Seine's right bank and is known worldwide through Claude Monet's celebrated paintings. He lived in the village from 1883 until his death in 1926. His house and gardens now form a museum, where a guided visit explores the artist's life and work. Monet's own lily pond inspired the enormous Nympheas canvases, The Garden and The Cathedral of Rouen, among others
Food and shopping
Rouen is an antiques centre, with over 80 dealers in the Old Town. Search Vieux Rouen along rue Eau-de-Robec, place Barthélémy, rue Damiette and rue St-Romain for the best finds.
Normandy has deep gastronomic traditions, including rich butter-and-cream sauces, cider and Calvados, sole from Dieppe and duck from Rouen.
A visit to Rouen, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and frequent recognition as the region's finest gastronomic city, gives adventurous diners the chance to try canard Rouennaise: Rouen duck cooked in its blood, combined with juices from the crushed carcase and Calvados.
Money
Euro is used.
Staying connected
Ask the local tourist office at 25, place de la Cathédrale about internet access.
The local emergency number is 112.
Opening Hours and
Most French shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks stay open throughout the day. Smaller shops and enterprises are the exception and may close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Typical hours are 8 or 9am–6.30 or 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday for large shops and Tuesday to Saturday for smaller ones, although some small shops open on Monday afternoon. Even when others close, food shops and boulangeries can always be found open, normally until noon on Sunday.