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Rouen River Cruises

About Rouen

Rouen sits on the River Seine within the French region of Upper Normandy. This ancient city is the picturesque capital of the French region of Upper Normandy and has a long and dramatic history, spanning the plagues of the Middle Ages, the occupation by the English throughout the Hundred Years War and, more recently, the Allied bombing campaigns over northern France during the Second World War. The city is also home to the location where Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake in 1431. Despite these historic ordeals, Rouen is now a tranquil haven for visitors and has been painstakingly rebuilt and restored to preserve the region's many historically significant landmarks and monuments.

Exploring Rouen

A great selection of activities and excursions are available to visitors whose river cruise calls at the peaceful and historic city of Rouen. As the city is quite small, most of the area’s sights can be reached on foot, however, there is a local bus service and a railway line to transport people who wish to travel a little further afield.

A stay in Rouen would not be complete without visiting the stunningly beautiful Rouen Cathedral. La Cathédrale de Rouen, as it is known locally, dates back as far as the fourth century and has since adopted a variety of astonishing architectural influences over the centuries. Much of the cathedral’s facade was painted by the world-famous French painter Claude Monet, which increases the building’s historical appeal and charm even more.

Another impressive monument within the city is simply known as the Big Clock. The building has recently been restored and those who climb to the top are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the city. A fascinating cultural experience can be found at the birthplace of the infamous writer Gustave Flaubert, who was best known for his controversial novel, Madame Bovery. His old house has been turned into a museum of his life and of 19th-century medicine, as his family were mainly doctors. For a more sombre excursion, travellers can visit Aitre St-Maclou, which was used as a mass graveyard during the Black Plague. The area is decorated with alarming relics, such as skulls and bones, sure to send a chill down the spine of sight-seers. Keeping with the sombre theme but also one of pilgrimage for some visitors is Place du Vieux-Marche, the town square where Joan of Arc was martyred and now the home of an architecturally modern church dedicated to her.

Rouen’s natural landscape is also particularly beautiful. Hiking and biking trails can be found along the majestic River Seine and in the surrounding forests. Visitors are encouraged to explore the scenery on offer across the city of Rouen and discover serene locations found all over the region.

Rouen tips

All Rouen's major tourist attractions are located relatively close together, so it's easy to see them all by travelling on foot. At the weekends, Place St Marc is the place to visit if you want to sample the local fare and perhaps pick up a bargain.

Rouen Itineraries

Paris

Highlights of Normandy & the Seine with Highlights

1 sailing date May 2024
9 Nights From Paris, to Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4759pp
Conflans

Highlights of Normandy & the Seine

8 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Paris, to Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3719pp
Paris

Ultimate France - Bordeaux to Arles

29 sailing dates March 2024 to October 2025
21 Nights From Bordeaux, France, France to Arles
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £10199pp
Paris

Impressions Of The Seine & Paris from Le havre

15 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2025
7 Nights From Le Havre, to Paris
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2919pp
Paris

Paris to Paris

1 sailing date August 2021
7 Nights From Paris (Le Havre), France to Paris (Le Havre)
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £3599pp
Vienna

Gems Of The Seine - Paris to Amsterdam

1 sailing date June 2024
24 Nights From Paris, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £11649pp
Rouen

Gems Of The Seine - Budapest to Paris

1 sailing date August 2024
24 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £14749pp
Rouen

Bordeaux Affair - Bordeaux to Paris

3 sailing dates May 2024 to October 2024
17 Nights From Bordeaux, France, France to , Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £9749pp
Saint Emilion

Gems Of The Seine - Paris to Bordeaux

5 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
17 Nights From Paris, to France , Bordeaux, France
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £9389pp
Rouen

Gems Of The Seine - Paris to Madrid

4 sailing dates June 2024 to September 2024
23 Nights From Paris, to Spain , Madrid
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £11769pp
Breisach

Europe's Heartland - Paris to Amsterdam

1 sailing date May 2024
24 Nights From Paris, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £11799pp
Avignon

South of France - Lyon to Paris

6 sailing dates April 2024 to September 2024
20 Nights From Lyon, France to , Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £10499pp
Peso Da Régua

Unforgettable Douro - Porto to Paris

4 sailing dates April 2024 to July 2024
20 Nights From Porto, Portugal to , Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £10399pp
Lyon

Gems Of The Seine & South of France

3 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
20 Nights From Paris, to France , Lyon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £10949pp
Conflans

Gems Of The Seine - Bordeaux to Paris

8 sailing dates April 2024 to September 2024
20 Nights From Bordeaux, France, France to , Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £8119pp
Rouen

Paris, Normandy & Historic Treasures

5 sailing dates April 2024 to September 2024
10 Nights From Paris, to Paris

Enjoy a free Superior drinks package on all 2024 European river cruises

Riviera Travel logo FROM £2699pp
Les Andelys

Normandy & Gems of the Seine - Paris to Paris

14 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
10 Nights From Paris, to Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4569pp
Peso Da Régua

Gems Of The Seine & Unforgettable Douro

7 sailing dates April 2024 to September 2024
20 Nights From Paris, to Portugal , Porto
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £10719pp
Avignon

Grande France - Paris to Arles

31 sailing dates March 2024 to October 2025
14 Nights From Paris, to France , Arles
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £6499pp
Avignon

Grande France - Arles to Paris

33 sailing dates March 2024 to October 2025
14 Nights From Arles, France to , Paris
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £6499pp

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