Major city · France
Rouen
Give Rouen 1–2 nights: the old town, cathedral and Gros-Horloge are a half-day walk, and it works as a Normandy base or a Paris day trip.
Rouen is the capital of Normandy on the Seine, about 1 h 15 min by train from Paris Saint-Lazare. Its Gothic old town, the cathedral Monet painted more than 30 times, and the Joan of Arc sites fit into a compact walkable centre. Most travellers use it for one or two nights, or as a stop between Paris and the Normandy coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds), Dec–Feb (cold, short days)
- Airports
- URO · CDG
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Rouen112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rouen, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyRouen is generally safe for tourists.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportURO Rouen Vallée de Seine (Very small; limited routes.
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and walkable: cathedral to Gros-Horloge is about 5 min on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealMain course, mid restaurant€14–22 (≈ US$17–30)
- Beerbar / supermarket€5–7 (≈ US$6–9)€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Historial Jeanne d'Arc)€9.50 (≈ US$12), €6.50 (≈ US$8) reduced (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- URO Rouen Vallée de Seine (Very small; limited routes. Most travellers arrive via Paris CDG or Orly, then train.) · CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV or connecting train to Rouen; allow 3–4 h door to door.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rouen: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable: cathedral to Gros-Horloge is about 5 min on foot. The Métro (tramway) runs north–south, and TEOR bus lines cover the east–west. Buy tickets at machines or by text; a single is about €1.60 and valid one hour (check). Public transport is free on Saturdays (check).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Le Havre
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Train from Rouen Rive Droite, about 1 h
UNESCO-listed rebuilt centre and the sea; easy return day.
Dieppe
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Rouen Rive Droite, about 1 h
Channel port with a beach and castle; good day out.
Étretat
cautionDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Train to Le Havre or Bréauté-Beuzeville, then bus or taxi
Cliffs are worth it but the last leg is awkward without a car.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Train from Rouen Rive Droite to Paris Saint-Lazare, about 1 h 15 min
Frequent trains; book ahead for cheaper fares.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Vieux-Marché / Cathédrale
The old town core: cathedral, Gros-Horloge and Joan of Arc sites on foot. Best for a first visit.
Gare Rive Droite
Around the station on Place Bernard Tissot; practical for early trains and one-night stops.
Saint-Sever (left bank)
South of the Seine, cheaper rooms and the Saint-Sever shopping centre; 10–15 min tram to the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 2 nights × €120 | €240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €120 | €480 |
| Train Paris → Rouen, one way2 × €21 · check; fares vary | €42 |
| Public transport single ticket2 × €2 · check | €3 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €79 |
| Trip total≈ €216 per person per day, bed included | €864≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euro; travel to Rouen excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Crêpe or galette | €5–10 (≈ US$6–12) |
| Main course, mid restaurant | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer, bar / supermarket | €5–7 (≈ US$6–9) / €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Museum entry (Historial Jeanne d'Arc) | €9.50 (≈ US$12), €6.50 (≈ US$8) reduced (check) |
| Cathedral guided tour | €2 (≈ US$3) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Pickpockets around the station and crowded market streets.
- Some restaurants near the Joan of Arc church are tourist-oriented; check menus before sitting.
- The A13 motorway from Paris is a toll road.
- Sunday: many shops and some restaurants close; the old town is busiest then.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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RouenRouen
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No US or UK embassy in Rouen; embassies are in Paris. Consular help for most countries is handled from Paris.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Paris Saint-Lazare → Rouen Rive Droite: about €21 (≈ US$25), 1 h 15 min (check)
- Public transport single: about €1.60 (≈ US$2), valid 1 h (check)
- Taxi in town: metered; short hops €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo PLEH)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
- Où est la gare ? — Where is the station? (oo eh la GAR)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rouen. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds), Dec–Feb (cold, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for URO and Paris CDG: last trains field-checked, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters: cathedral and Gros-Horloge, Vieux-Marché and Joan of Arc, Saint-Ouen and the Beaux-Arts.
- Place pages with verified hours (cathedral, Historial Jeanne d'Arc, Musée des Beaux-Arts) and eat pages with last orders.
- Market-day fixtures for Place Saint-Marc and the covered markets.
Sources
- officialRouen Tourism
- officialVille de Rouen
- officialRéseau Astuce (public transport)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Rouen, revision 5306162 (CC BY-SA 4.0)