Evenement
Rouen: From Classic to Unusual
Rouen, a thousand-year-old city, invites you on a journey through its emblematic heritage and unusual places.
Between thousand-year-old stones and Viking tales: two jewels of Rouen
A Gothic masterpiece
Rouen’s Notre-Dame cathedral is the tallest in France, rising to 151 metres thanks to its cast-iron spire, a true architectural feat. Its slender silhouette dominates the historic centre of Rouen and draws the eye from afar.
An exceptional artistic and historical heritage :
– Sculpted portal: The west facade is adorned with richly sculpted portals, masterpieces of the flamboyant Gothic style, where every detail tells a page of religious and local history.
– Majestic interior: The nave, bathed in light, impresses with its proportions and the height of its vaults, creating a solemn and inspiring atmosphere.
– Immortalised by Monet: Claude Monet painted the cathedral on more than thirty occasions, capturing the variations in light on its façade at different times of day and seasons, making the building a symbol of Impressionism.
A sensory and cultural experience
– Play of light: Ancient stained glass windows and natural light create a changing spectacle throughout the day, magnifying the architectural details.
– Summer night show: Every summer, the cathedral becomes the setting for a show of monumental projections on its façade. This night-time show, which is free and open to all, retraces the history of Rouen and the cathedral through spectacular lighting effects and animations.
The Cité Immersive Viking
Rouen is more than just its classic historic monuments. Since 2024, The Cité Immersive Viking has been offering a unique cultural and leisure experience, accessible to all ages, right in the heart of the historic centre, on the banks of the Seine.
An immersive, interactive tour:
– 1,000 m² of innovative scenography, divided into several themed rooms retracing the history of the Vikings in Normandy.
– Monumental decors, authentic objects from the 9th and 10th centuries, 360° video projections, 3D spatial sound immersions, interactive devices and a bone conduction listening system.
– Visitors become the protagonists of their visit, handling objects, experimenting with digital tools and immersing themselves in the life of Rollon, the first Viking to become Duke of Normandy.
– Since June 2024, the Cité has also been offering a virtual reality Viking combat experience for total immersion in the world of the warriors of the North.
Rouen's must-sees: a journey through history, art and nature
Explore the heart of Rouen, with its heritage, culture and unique atmosphere.
📍 Rue du Gros-Horloge: Rouen’s most famous shopping street, dominated by the Renaissance clock.
🌿 Jardins de l’Hôtel de Ville: A haven of peace behind the imposing building.
🕍 Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc: Modern architecture, the historic site of Joan of Arc’s trial.
⚰️ L’Aître Saint-Maclou: Former medieval ossuary and its cloister with a mysterious atmosphere.
🎼 The Chapelle Corneille: A musical temple with a spectacular dome.
⚖️ The Palais de Justice & its Lego: One of the most beautiful civil Gothic buildings in Europe, which sometimes hosts surprising exhibitions.
🛍️ The Antiques Quarter: A great place to bargain for furniture, objets d’art and curiosities.
The unusual in Rouen
When heritage meets creativity
The artist Jan Vormann chose to use LEGO bricks to fill the holes left by shell bursts on the walls of the Palais de Justice in Rouen, an iconic building marked by the bombings of World War II. This artistic gesture aims to highlight the importance of historical memory, while making these traces of the past visible and understandable to everyone, including the youngest. However, this approach has sparked mixed reactions: some believe it helps to preserve and enhance history, while others fear it might diminish the gravity of the events they symbolize.
Why visit Rouen this summer?
The thousand-faceted pearl of Normandy
Visiting Rouen this summer means diving into a vibrant city that blends heritage, culture, nature, and festivities. Here’s why this Norman gem is so captivating:
– A summer of free and varied events: The Métropole offers nearly fifteen major events for all audiences, from July 4 to August 24, 2025: concerts, shows, dance, theater, workshops, exhibitions, and sports activities mark the summer season.
– “Cathédrale de Lumière” show: At nightfall, the façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral lights up with a spectacular free sound and light show, featuring two brand-new themes in 2025: “The Vikings” and “Optic Gothic”. An unmissable ritual of Rouen’s summer.
– Rouen sur Mer: From July 4 to August 3, the left bank quays transform into an urban beach with sand, deckchairs, water sports, and family activities, just steps from the historic center.
– Les Terrasses du Jeudi: Every Thursday in July, the city vibrates with free and eclectic outdoor concerts in the heart of Rouen.
– Jours de Fête: Every weekend, street performances and artistic shows animate the Métropole, offering around twenty free performances.
– Music festivals: Les Musicales de Normandie (August 21–31) and the Festival des Orgues Cavaillé-Coll(August 3–24) take place in heritage venues for exceptional concerts.
– Nature and relaxation: “A Summer in the Garden” turns the Jardin des Plantes into an open-air cultural stage with readings, workshops, and concerts for the whole family.
– Festive and sporting moments: July 14 fireworks, the Tour de France arrival on July 8, the Solitaire du Figaro departure at the end of August, and €1 pools all August to cool off.
Rouen also offers discovery through its medieval alleys, the Gros-Horloge, its museums, markets, and lively terraces. This summer, the city reinvents itself with a rich, accessible, and festive program — perfect for families, culture lovers, music fans, or heritage enthusiasts.
Beyond the clouds
Did you know that the cathedral’s spire reaches a height of 151 metres?
The secrets of a forgotten past
Did you know that the Aître Saint-Maclou was used as a cemetery during the Black Death?
The echo of an endless past
Did you know that the Big Clock has been running continuously since the XIVᵉ century?
- 🌟 Rouen, a city of history and creativity - Come and explore the classic and the unusual!
From Gothic splendour to immersive experiences, Rouen is a destination that combines authenticity and innovation. Let yourself be surprised!
Fall under the spell of Rouen
Rouen is a city that is intensely alive. Every street, every monument, every garden tells a story. Prepare to be amazed, to learn, and to leave with unique memories.