Rouen Travel Guide

Normandy takes its name from the Viking "Norsemen" who sailed up the river Seine in the 9th century. As the pillagers turned into settlers, they made their capital at Rouen. The city has flourished since and was one of the most important cities of the region in the Middle Ages. Today it is a cultured cathedral city that commands the east of the region.

The main interest of the city for travelers are found in the centre. Many half timbered houses line the cobbled streets. Rouen's historical district is punctuated with splendid monuments: the cathedral, the Large-Clock, the Law courts, the Place of the Old man-Market, witness of the torment of Jeanne d' Arc and her church, Aître Saint-Maclou, abbey Saint-Ouen to name just a few. Rouen has also very beautiful museums, the most interesting being the museum of the Art Schools with a focus on impressionist paintings.