Rouen

Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy, a riverside city on the Seine known for its Gothic architecture, half-timbered houses and deep connections to Joan of Arc. Its old centre combines medieval lanes with a lively cultural and gastronomic scene.

The city's skyline is dominated by Rouen Cathedral, whose changing façade was painted many times by Claude Monet. Nearby, the Renaissance Gros-Horloge astronomical clock and the restored medieval quarter lead to the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was tried and executed in 1431 and where the modern church of Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc now stands.

Historic districts such as the area around the cathedral and the Rue Eau-de-Robec, with its old textile workshops, offer a compact, walkable experience. The Musée des Beaux-Arts holds a notable collection of Impressionist and Old Master works, while the Aître Saint-Maclou and the Seine quays add distinctive stops.

Rouen is also an economic hub for Normandy, with a major river port, energy, logistics and digital enterprises, and a strong conference and event calendar. Its food culture features Normandy apples, cider, Calvados and cheeses alongside a growing café and restaurant scene.

For travellers, Rouen works both as a compact cultural weekend destination and as a practical base for the Seine valley, the Normandy coast and Monet's garden at Giverny, while serving business visitors with good rail links and regional connections.