Discover Rouen's magnificent medieval heritage on this walking tour through Normandy's historic capital. Begin at the majestic Saint-Ouen Abbey with its extraordinary 14th-century stained glass, then stroll along the picturesque Rue Eau de Robec, once the heart of the city's textile industry. Marvel at the Flamboyant Gothic masterpiece of Saint-Maclou Church before walking down charming Rue Saint-Romain to Rouen Cathedral, featuring France's tallest spire and immortalized by Monet in his famous paintings. Continue along the pedestrianized Rue du Gros-Horloge with its iconic astronomical clock to Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was martyred in 1431, and finish at the striking modern church built in her honor. Important: This itinerary is best on Saturday or Sunday, as Saint-Maclou Church and Saint Joan of Arc Church are only open on weekends. All churches close from 12:00-14:00 for a midday break. Total walking distance is approximately 2.7 km. All attractions are free to visit.

This Saturday-focused itinerary explores Rouen's finest museums and Gothic treasures. Start at the Palace of Justice, one of France's most impressive civil Gothic buildings, then descend underground to discover the Maison Sublime - the oldest Jewish monument in France, dating to 1100 CE. Continue to the Flamboyant Gothic Saint-Maclou Church and its adjacent Aître Saint-Maclou, a haunting medieval plague cemetery with macabre carvings. Conclude at the Museum of Fine Arts, home to the largest Impressionist collection outside Paris including Monet's famous Rouen Cathedral series, and the unique Le Secq des Tournelles Museum housing the world's largest collection of antique ironwork. Important: Saint-Maclou Church opens weekends only (10:00-17:00 with midday break). Maison Sublime requires advance booking for Saturday tours (10:30 or 14:30). Museums are closed on Tuesdays. Le Secq des Tournelles opens afternoons only (14:00-18:00). Total walking distance: approximately 2 km.

Discover Rouen's best-kept secrets beyond the famous cathedral. Start your day with a breathtaking panoramic view from Côte Sainte-Catherine, the very spot where Monet painted his iconic cityscape. Continue to the historic Botanical Garden, home to one of the world's largest fuchsia collections with over 990 varieties. Experience Viking history through cutting-edge 360° immersive technology at the award-winning Cité Immersive Viking, and end your journey at the birthplace of literary giant Gustave Flaubert. Important: The Viking City and Flaubert Museum are closed on Mondays. The Flaubert Museum opens at 14:00 only. Total walking distance is approximately 8.5 km.

A day trip from Rouen to explore Étretat's iconic chalk cliffs along the Normandy coast. The itinerary covers the famous Falaise d'Aval with its natural elephant-trunk arch, La Manneporte rock formation, Les Jardins d'Étretat sculpture gardens, and the Amont Cliff viewpoints. Total duration approximately 12.5 hours. Check tide times before visiting as areas between cliffs can flood. Les Jardins d'Étretat is the only paid attraction (€12.50). Best suited for good weather days.

A full-day excursion from Rouen to discover two remarkable Norman abbeys along the Seine Valley. First stop is Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville with the Saint-Georges Abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture featuring award-winning gardens, followed by the Almoner's Manor, a rare Templar estate. Continue to Jumièges to explore one of France's most atmospheric medieval ruins, where twin towers rise majestically above the valley. Best by car as public transport is limited. Important: Saint-Georges Abbey closed December-February. Almoner's Manor open July-August daily, weekends only Easter to All Saints (reservation: +33 6 64 33 27 48). Jumièges Abbey closes 13:00-14:30 for lunch.

A day trip from Rouen combining medieval Norman heritage with Impressionist art. Begin in Vernon exploring five centuries of history: the Gothic Notre-Dame Church, half-timbered House of Times Past, the 12th-century Tower of Archives, the iconic Old Mill painted by Monet, and the fortified Tourelles Castle. Continue to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's legendary house and gardens with the famous water lily pond, the Museum of Impressionism, and the church where the artist is buried. Important: Monet's House and Gardens open April-November only; book tickets online in advance. Total duration approximately 10 hours including transport. Accessible by car (1h20 each way) or train with bus connection.

A relaxed day trip from Rouen to the charming Parc de Clères, a unique zoological and botanical park where over 1,400 animals roam freely among beautiful English-style gardens and a Renaissance château. The park features flamingos, red pandas, gibbons, and rare bird species. About 30 minutes by car or public transport. Open mid-March to mid-November only.