Are you thinking about visiting Rouen, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Rouen worth visiting?
Rouen is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Rouen is the capital city of the northern region of Normandy. It sits along the Seine River and is a historical and beautiful city that is fun to explore. There are many Gothic churches as well as pedestrian streets and half-timbered houses.
Rouen, France
Reasons to Visit Rouen
Food
There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.
Museums
You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.
Nightlife
You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.
Historical Sights
The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.
Shopping
Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.
Authenticity
Rouen has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Rouen worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Rouen, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Rouen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| August | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Rouen worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Rouen. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums.
Autumn Weather in Rouen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 12°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 7°C (45°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Is Rouen worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Rouen. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Rouen can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (39°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Rouen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (39°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| February | 4°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| March | 7°C (44°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Rouen worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Rouen can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Rouen, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the historic old town and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Rouen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (48°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Related
What is Rouen most famous for?
Rouen is most famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. The city is very popular for its food. It's also known for museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as relaxing, historical, charming, compact, and impressive.
What is the most famous sight in Rouen?
The most popular sight in Rouen is The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Rouen on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen and other attractions here.
How touristy is Rouen? Is it a popular city to visit?
Rouen is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Sweet tour in Rouen (Small Group ): $82
- Rouen audio guided tour: $13
- Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen: $82
- Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
- Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
- Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
- Treetop adventure course in the heart of Rouen: $31
- Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Tour Guide: $202
How long should I spend in Rouen?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Rouen is one to two days. Since Rouen has activities such as dining, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rouen? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rouen?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.