Rouen, France: 2 Days of Medieval Magic
A vibrant adventure awaits in Rouen, France, where family memories bloom amidst history and culture.
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Rouen, France is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip filled with history, culture, and fun activities. Explore the picturesque cobblestone streets, visit the mesmerizing Rouen Cathedral, and dive into the city's rich medieval heritage. Engage the kids with interactive museums like the acclaimed Musée Secq des Tournelles or take a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, creating lasting memories for the entire family.
Travel plan
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- Start your day at Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, a stunning 15th-century mansion turned luxurious hotel, fit for royalty (literally, King Charles IX stayed here!).
- Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Rouen by strolling through the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town, admiring the half-timbered houses like gingerbread cookies.
- Marvel at the jaw-dropping façade of Cathédrale Notre-Dame, where the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet captured the ever-changing play of light on its intricate details.
- Sample the local specialty, mouthwatering Neufchâtel cheese, known for its heart shape and creamy goodness at Fromagerie Charles Arnaud.
- Get lost in time at the Gros-Horloge, a magnificent astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century. Don't worry, it won't send you back to the Middle Ages!
- End the day with a delicious meal at La Couronne, the oldest inn in France where even Julia Child herself indulged in their legendary duck confit.
- Dive into the world of art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a former 16th-century convent. Admire masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas, transporting you to a world of colors and emotions.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Jardin des Plantes, a picturesque garden bursting with vibrant flowers, hidden nooks, and an adorable carousel to please the little ones.
- Treat your taste buds to some Norman heaven at La Petite Auberge, where you can savor traditional dishes like Normandy apple tart and cider-marinated Camembert cheese.
- Explore the hauntingly beautiful Aître Saint-Maclou, a 14th-century ossuary covered in intricate carvings that will send shivers down your spine (in the best possible way).
- Conclude your visit in Rouen with a leisurely boat tour along the Seine River, soaking in panoramic views of the city while basking in the gentle caress of the water below.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Rouen by plane is to fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and then take a direct train to Rouen from either Paris Saint-Lazare or Paris Montparnasse station.
Car
The best way to get to Rouen by car is to take the A13 motorway from Paris which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Train
The best way to get to Rouen by train is to take a direct train from Paris Saint-Lazare station which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Boat
The best way to get to Rouen by boat is to take a river cruise along the Seine River which will take you directly to Port de Plaisance in Rouen.
Bus
The best way to get to Rouen by bus is to take the Flixbus from Paris which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.