Rouen, France: A Budget-Friendly Adventure!

Experience Rouen's Medieval Charm Without Breaking the Bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Rouen, France on a limited budget is feasible by taking advantage of the city's affordable public transportation options and exploring its free attractions, such as the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. You can also experience the local cuisine by visiting the many reasonably priced restaurants and cafes throughout the city. For accommodation, consider staying at one of Rouen's affordable hostels or budget hotels.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historic Core

  • Stay at the affordable Hotel des Arcades, located in the heart of Rouen's historic district.
  • Visit the Rouen Cathedral, made famous by Monet's series of paintings. Marvel at the intricate details on the facade.
  • Walk down Rue du Gros Horloge, a picturesque street with a medieval clock tower in the center.
  • Explore Place du Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Visit the Church of Saint Joan of Arc nearby.
  • Indulge in some traditional Norman cuisine at Bistrot des Carmes, a cozy restaurant with friendly staff and delicious food.
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Head to the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to see the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Don't miss the works of Monet and Renoir.
  • Visit the Aitre Saint-Maclou, a unique cemetery where the Black Death victims were buried. Admire the detailed carvings on the timbered buildings around it.
  • Take a guided tour of the Palais de Justice, Rouen's courthouse housed in a Gothic revival-style building. Learn about its history and architecture.
  • Watch a movie at Omnia Cinema, housed in a former 17th-century church. The interior is stunning with its high ceilings and velvet seating.
  • Have a drink and snack at Cafe Oz, a trendy spot with a cozy atmosphere, colorful decor, and a wide range of drinks and food.
Day 3

Outdoor Fun

  • Take a bike ride along the Seine River, starting at the Rouen marina. Enjoy the views of the city and surrounding countryside.
  • Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden with a greenhouse and a pond. Relax on a bench and watch the ducks.
  • Climb up the Mont Saint-Aignan hill and enjoy the panoramic view of Rouen. Don't miss the remains of the Roman Theater and the medieval castle.
  • Go on a boat tour of the Seine River to see Rouen from a different perspective. Look out for the Pont Gustave Flaubert, the tallest vertical lift bridge in the world.
  • Tuck into some delicious crepes at La Creperie du Vieux Marche, a charming restaurant with friendly service and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Enjoy your stay in Rouen, the City of a Hundred Spires!

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.

More travel plans

A Perfect Long Weekend in Rouen, France

Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy, France and is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Place du Vieux-Marché. The city's rich heritage can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and visitors can learn more about its fascinating history by exploring the various museums, galleries, and landmarks scattered throughout the city. A trip to Rouen would not be complete without sampling the region's famous cuisine and enjoying its picturesque riverfront setting along the Seine River.

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Rouen, France, is an ideal family-friendly destination offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and fun activities. Explore the majestic Rouen Cathedral, famous for its stunning Gothic architecture, and take a walk through the charming medieval streets. Engage the kids with a visit to the informative Atelier-musée du Chocolat, where they can indulge in the world of chocolate making and taste delicious treats.

5-day Rouen, France Adventure Guide

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