Rouen Clocks Cathedrals and Castles Self-Guided Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Joan of Arc's judges asked her a question designed to condemn her no matter how she answered — and her reply left the court speechless. That story unfolds at the actual palace where it happened, one stop on this app-based self-guided walking tour of Rouen.
From the spot where Joan burned at nineteen to a Jewish study house hidden beneath the courthouse, this Rouen audio tour traces centuries of drama through medieval streets. Learn how one meal at France's oldest inn changed Julia Child's life, why the cathedral sold permission to eat butter to fund a tower, and what a mummified cat in a plague cemetery was meant to ward off.
Offline access, no fixed schedule, no group to keep up with — pause for lunch, linger in Saint-Maclou, or skip ahead.
If you'd rather piece a city together through real stories than follow an umbrella through a crowd, this is for you. Over 20,000 travelers have used our self-guided tours, and a full refund guarantee means nothing to risk.
Available options
Rouen Clocks Cathedrals and Castles Self-Guided Tour
What's included
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
1-year access to audio on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like
Audio and written guide included
Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation
Detailed itinerary
1
Stand where a nineteen-year-old's final word rose above the flames that changed France.
2
Learn how one lunch at France's oldest inn redirected Julia Child's entire career.
3
Taste the mirliton, a small almond tart with a name borrowed from a nursery rhyme and a flute.
4
Decode the courtyard carvings that link a merchant's ambition to a legendary meeting of rival kings.
5
Uncover a hidden Jewish study house buried for centuries beneath the seat of Christian law.
6
Look up at a six-hundred-year-old clock that once told time not with hands, but with bells. Trace how a golden lamb on a shield connects faith, wool wealth, and royal loyalty.
7
Find out why one tower is named after butter and whose heart rests inside without a body.
8
Follow the legend of a bishop, a condemned prisoner, and a dragon brought to heel with a scarf.
9
Notice the metalwork façade of a forgotten craftsman whose hands shaped Rouen's skyline.
10
See a Last Judgment carved in stone above five porches built for processions, guilds, and funerals.
11
Walk beneath carved skulls, coffins, and a Dance of Death procession inside a medieval plague cemetery.
12
Look up at the Crown of Normandy and learn why medieval bells were baptised, named, and dressed in white.
13
See Napoleon cast in captured cannon bronze, gazing toward the cathedral he helped preserve.
14
Enter the tower where Joan was shown instruments of torture — and refused to break.
15
Peer into a private courtyard hiding the medieval foundations where Joan spent her final months.
What's not included
Any physical devices or headphones
Human tour guide at location
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
PT
EN
IT
PL
FR
NL
ES
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This is a self-guided audio tour on our self-guided tour app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from us sent right after booking. Can’t find it? Search for our company in your email inbox and spam folder. OR contact us via support.
Important notes
Know before you go :
• You will need to download the "Tourific self guided tours" app from the Google play store or App store
• Right after booking, you’ll receive an email from Tourific or the tour booking platform with instructions to access the tour.
• Having trouble finding the email? Just search for “Tourific” in your inbox or spam folder.
• The tour is valid for 1 year and can be listened to any number of times. So feel free to download tour and experience a few stops before going on the tour.
• Fully charge your phone and carry your headphones for the best experience
• It is recommended to wear modest clothing if you wish to enter the religious sites on the tour
• The tour follows a set route that we recommend that you follow. Once the tour is downloaded, the introduction will guide you to your starting point
• Change of plans? Enjoy the tour on a different day or from home
About Rouen
Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is a city rich in medieval and Viking heritage. Known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, half-timbered houses, and the dramatic story of Joan of Arc, Rouen offers a deep dive into France's past with its well-preserved architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Top Attractions
Rouen Cathedral
The iconic Rouen Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and was famously painted by Monet. It's a symbol of the city's religious and historical significance.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€5.50 for tower access
Place du Vieux-Marché
This historic square is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. It's a vibrant area with cafes, shops, and the striking Joan of Arc Church.
Historical/Cultural
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Historial Jeanne d'Arc
A multimedia museum dedicated to Joan of Arc, offering an immersive experience of her trial and execution in Rouen.
Historical/Museum
1 hour
€7.50
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
One of France's oldest fine arts museums, housing an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 15th to the 20th centuries.
Museum/Art
1-2 hours
€7
Rouen Castle and Museum of Antiquities
The ruins of the medieval castle of Rouen, now home to a museum showcasing Gallo-Roman and Viking artifacts found in the region.
Historical/Museum
1 hour
€4.50
Must-Try Local Dishes
Moules à la Crème Normande
Mussels cooked in a creamy Normandy sauce made with cream, shallots, and sometimes apple cider.
Main Course
Contains seafood and dairy.
Tarte Normande
A traditional apple tart with a custard filling, often topped with caramelized apples and cream.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten.
Canard à la Rouennaise
Duck cooked in a rich sauce with apples, cider, and sometimes Calvados (apple brandy).
Main Course
Contains meat and alcohol.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding Normandy countryside
Kayaking on the Seine River
Picnicking in the Jardin des Plantes
Wine tasting at local vineyards
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending local festivals and events
Boat tours on the Seine River
Beachcombing in nearby coastal towns
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city is bustling with visitors, and all attractions are open.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, German
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Rouen is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas
Getting there
By air
- Rouen Vallée de Seine Airport • 10 km from city center
- Paris Beauvais-Tillé Airport • 130 km from Rouen
By train
Rouen Rive Droite, Rouen Orléans
By bus
Rouen Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Vieux-Marché
Saint-Sever
Cathédrale
Jardin des Plantes
Day trips
Étretat
40 km from Rouen • Full day
A charming coastal town known for its stunning white cliffs and beautiful beaches. Perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing by the sea.
Le Havre
50 km from Rouen • Full day
A port city with a rich history and modern architecture. Known for its UNESCO-listed city center and maritime heritage.
Honfleur
50 km from Rouen • Full day
A picturesque fishing town with a charming old harbor and colorful houses. Known for its artistic heritage and maritime history.
Festivals
Rouen Armada • Every 5 years (next in 2023)
Fête de la Musique • June 21st annually
Rouen Christmas Market • December annually
Pro tips
- Visit the Rouen Cathedral at different times of the day to see how the light changes its appearance
- Explore the underground cellars of Rouen for a unique and fascinating experience
- Try local specialties like duck dishes, apple-based desserts, and Normandy cider
- Use the Rouen City Pass for discounts on attractions and public transport
- Combine a visit to Rouen with day trips to nearby coastal towns like Étretat and Honfleur
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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