Trip Planner:   Europe  /  France  /  Normandy  /  Haute-Normandie  /  Seine-Maritime  /  Rouen  /  Sightseeing  /  Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Rouen

4.7
#1 of 37 in Historic Sites in Seine-Maritime
Architectural Building Religious Site
Experience the gothic inspiration that Impressionist painter Claude Monet felt at Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, where he filled 28 canvasses with the image of this cathedral. Gargoyles that dominate the rooftop stare down as you approach the façade, but even higher up is the soaring 151-m (495-ft) lantern tower atop the transept. Prepare for sweeping panoramic views of the Norman old town and Seine Valley from the lookouts.

The abbey also has several burials, including the tomb that contained Richard the Lionheart's heart. The cathedral's strong musical tradition means you may hear a talented organist playing the massive Jacquot-Lavergne organ. The preserved archiepiscopal palace and its conserved auxiliary buildings dating to the 12th century are rare gems in France. Use our Rouen trip itinerary maker to add Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen and other attractions to your Rouen vacation plans.
Create an itinerary including Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
map
Related Tours to Book
Private Tour: Rouen and Giverny Day Trip from Bayeux BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $102
Private Tour: Rouen, Bayeux and Falaise Day Trip from Bayeux BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $450
Private Tour: Rouen and Giverny Day Trip from Caen BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $112
Private Tour: Rouen, Bayeux and Falaise Day Trip from Caen BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $600
Private Tour Rouen Bayeux and Falaise Day Trip from Paris BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $750
Small Group Day Trip to Rouen from Paris BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $311
View more tours
Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
3,022 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • One of the most beautiful cathedrals in France, not is missing the sound and light on the square at 23: 00 in summer.
    View original
  • The most impressive thing about this cathedral is that they managed to rebuild it after the war. It is hugh and except from the non colored windows it is hard to tell what parts that are original and ...  more »
  • Large Cathedral, with its spires imponerande of over 150 metres. Started construction in 1202, and completed in 1880. A fantastic light show each night.
    View original
View more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • Great church. The façade is a can’t miss but must see. The inside is beautiful as well. We attended a Sunday morning mass and as visitors felt very welcome. Thank you for the hospitality.
  • Another gorgeous cathedral, and one of the largest as well. Make sure you hang around for the light show around 10:00 pm.
  • The architecture and history of this magnificent cathedral is difficult to put into words, the only way to really appreciate the enormity of this building is to spend time walking through it.
  • beautiful place! and the light and sound show is magnificent!
  • Beautiful church. Rouen best church. We had good time here.
View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Rouen

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Rouen

Popular
©
Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
Rouen
Visit for: 2​h
Rue du Gros-Horloge
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h
Vieux Rouen
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Side Trips
©
Fondation Claude Monet
Giverny
Visit for: 2​h
©
Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
Bayeux
Visit for: 2​h
Bayeux War Cemetery
Bayeux
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Hidden Gems
©
Jardin des Plantes de Rouen
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Place du Vieux-Marche
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Rue Eau de Robec
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Sightseeing
©
St. Maclou's Church
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h
©
Rue Saint-Romain
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Church of St. Joan of Arc
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h
Museums
©
Ecole Supérieure d'Art et Design Le Havre-Rouen
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Musee Secq des Tournelles
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h
©
Historial Jeanne d’Arc
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Fun & Games
Room Escape Games
Rouen
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
L'armada
Rouen
Visit for: 2​h
Rouen Espace Karting
Rouen
Visit for: 2​h
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.
©

Where to stay in Rouen

If your main reason for visiting Rouen is its famous cathedral, which inspired Monet to paint dozens of canvasses, consider booking your room at a hotel in or around the city center. Despite being within walking distance of the cathedral and the river, hotels in this area provide comfort and privacy at modest prices. If you're looking to splurge and location isn't your priority, think about staying at a luxurious hotel-spa situated farther outside the city, where you can have access to heated outdoor pools.
CHECK IN - CHECK OUT
TripAdvisor
Millions of travel reviews
on TripAdvisor

Plans in Rouen by other users

7 days in Normandy BY A USER FROM GERMANY October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 17 days in Europe & United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 15 days in France BY A USER FROM PARAGUAY August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 4 days in Rouen BY A USER FROM UKRAINE October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 14 days in France BY A USER FROM PAKISTAN October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 9 days in France BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 58 days in France BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA May, popular PREFERENCES: May ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 16 days in France BY A USER FROM CANADA July, culture, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 16 days in France BY A USER FROM CANADA July, culture, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: July, culture, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in France BY A USER FROM MEXICO September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in France BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA July, popular PREFERENCES: July ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 60 days in France BY A USER FROM INDIA August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
View more plans