Thursday 6 August 2026, a full day exploring Rouen, the city of a hundred bell towers.
The view from the Côte Sainte-Catherine
We start up high: from the Côte Sainte-Catherine, the whole city spreads along the Seine with its bell towers. The Vikings sailed up this river all the way to Paris, and Rollo became the first Duke of Normandy. A magnificent view, by day and by night.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bonsecours
Just above Rouen, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bonsecours overlooks the valley. A richly decorated neo-Gothic building with a stunning view.
Seafood at the market and pastries at Vatelier
At the market, some stalls prepare seafood platters to eat on the spot. For something sweet, Maison Vatelier presents its spring-summer 2026 collection, French pastries as pretty as they are good.
Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Gros Horloge
Rouen Cathedral, the one Monet painted so many times, is huge. Inside, Joan of Arc is everywhere. Close by, on Rue du Gros-Horloge, the astronomical clock spans the pedestrian street: a symbol of the city.
A rose-shaped ice cream at Amorino
On Rue du Gros-Horloge, an ice cream break at Amorino: Italian gelato served in the shape of a rose. Red fruit sorbet or fior di latte and exotic fruit with a little macaron, hard to choose.
Meadow, Studio DRIFT’s hanging garden
The highlight of the day: Meadow, Studio DRIFT’s installation under the vaults of the former Sainte-Croix-des-Pelletiers church. Mechanical flowers open and close above you as you lie on cushions in the nave. A tribute to Monet and nature, on until 27 September, in a place closed to the public for over ten years.
The FC Rouen 1899 shop
Finally, a quick stop at the official shop of FC Rouen 1899, the city’s historic club.
Practical info
- Côte Sainte-Catherine: free viewpoint, by car or on foot.
- Rouen Cathedral: free entry.
- Gros Horloge: astronomical clock open to visitors, Rue du Gros-Horloge.
- Meadow, Studio DRIFT: Sainte-Croix-des-Pelletiers church, until 27 September 2026.