Rouen tours

Things to do in Rouen

Rouen, France is a city that speaks in whispers of history and echoes of art. Its medieval charm envelops you like a warm embrace, with half-timbered houses lining the cobbled streets and the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral towering above. With private Rouen tours, your local guide offers a key to unlock the city's secrets. Feel the pulse of the past on a walking tour, where the stories of Joan of Arc and Monet's brushstrokes come alive. Enjoy a food and wine tour that introduces you to the flavours that define Normandy. Your guide ensures you don't just see Rouen, but truly live it, with the perfect blend of knowledge and local flair. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Rouen. Explore Rouen your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Rouen tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Rouen for every interest, including: History tours: Follow Joan of Arc’s story at the Historial Jeanne d’Arc and stand at the marker in Place du Vieux‑Marché where she was executed, then hear the tale of the Gros‑Horloge as you pass beneath its 16th‑century arch. A private history tour can also trace wartime scars around the cathedral square and the rebirth that followed. Architecture tours: Compare the Flamboyant Gothic of the Palais de Justice and Saint‑Maclou with the soaring nave of Saint‑Ouen, then cross to the quays to see the modern Pont Flaubert lift‑bridge in action. Many tours line up Monet’s vantage point to study how light still plays on the cathedral façade. Religious Sites tours: Step inside Cathédrale Notre‑Dame to see where Richard the Lionheart’s heart is interred, explore the Aître Saint‑Maclou ossuary courtyard, and visit the Church of Sainte‑Jeanne‑d’Arc with stained glass rescued from Saint‑Vincent. Your guide can tailor religious sites tours to include quiet chapels for a peaceful pause. The historic centre is compact and very walkable, and the métro‑tram and TEOR buses make it easy to reach farther sites and the riverside quays. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Rouen inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour of Rouen with a local guide to uncover the city’s rich history and lively neighborhoods. With your guide, explore these areas that cater to a variety of interests. - Historic Quarter: A must-visit for cultural tourists, this area is full of stunning medieval architecture and the famous Rouen Cathedral. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the city’s storied past. - Vieux-Marché (Old Market Square): Perfect for those interested in local cuisine and shopping, this bustling square offers a range of eateries and boutiques. Experience the vibrant local life with a knowledgeable guide. - Saint-Sever: This neighborhood is great for families, offering parks and open spaces. It provides a quieter side of the city, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll with your guide. Day trip ideas from Rouen From Rouen, you can reach nearby towns, coastlines, and gardens that round out your view of Normandy, and these day trips work well as private tours that can shift to your interests. Giverny: Walk through Monet’s gardens to see the light and colours that shaped Impressionism, then wander the village lanes and riverbanks; your tour can time the visit for quieter hours or add a countryside cider stop. Étretat: Stand on the chalk cliffs and follow the path to the sea arches, watch seabirds, and browse the seaside town for a simple lunch; your tour can set a route that matches your comfort with hills and steps. Honfleur: The old harbour, timbered houses, and small galleries make an easy half-day, and seafood spots and markets keep it local; your tour can include short drives into the Pays d’Auge for cheese and orchard views. Bayeux and the D-Day Beaches: Pay respects at Juno, Omaha, or Utah, see Arromanches’ Mulberry Harbour, and walk Pointe du Hoc to feel the scale; your tour can focus on Canadian stories, add Bayeux’s cathedral, or leave time for the tapestry. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Rouen most travellers miss.