• Rouen Cathedral (la cathédrale de Rouen) [2] - the facade of the cathedral was famously painted by Claude Monet at various times during one day - like his Haystacks series of paintings, capturing the subject in a variety of lights. In the summer after dark the city puts on a light show projecting some of Monet's cathedral paintings onto the facade of the cathedral itself, each showing lasts approximately 10 minutes and runs until about midnight.
• Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the center of la vieille ville. A simple field of wildflowers marks the spot of her martyrdom. Next to it is the modern Eglise de Jeanne d'Arc.
• The Big Clock (le gros horloge) recently restored, located in the middle of the rue du gros horloge. Climb to the top for a beautiful view of the city.
• The birthplace of writer Gustave Flaubert, best known for his scandalous novel Madame Bovary, has been converted into a museum of his life and of 19th century medicine (his father and brother were doctors). It is located at 1, rue Lecat, off Boulevard des Belges and not far from place Cauchoise. One can also visit the birthplace of playwright Pierre Corneille at 4, rue de la Pie, a moment's walk from Vieux Marche.
• The magnificent Gothic Abbatiale St-Ouen is not to be missed. It is next to the Hotel de Ville at the end of Rue de la Republique.

By car

• From Paris, Rouen is approximately an hour and a half's drive (135 km) north-west from the centre of the French capital, the fastest route including the A13 motorway (note: this a toll road). An alternative route would include the N14 slightly further to the north.

• From the Channel port city of Dieppe, Rouen is approximately an hour's drive (66 km) south along the N27.

• From the French end of the Eurotunnel, Rouen is approximately a 2 hour drive (208 km) using the E402.

• From other major centres in Normandy, Rouen is respectively 90 km (1 hr 10 mins) from Le Havre, 128 km (1 hr 25 mins) from Caen, 156 km (1 hr 45 mins) from Bayeux and 249 km (2 hr 45 mins) from Cherbourg.

By train

Several trains depart from the St Lazare Station in Paris for Rouen on a daily basis. Tickets cost around 20 euros and can be purchased at the station immediately beforehand. For schedules, visit www.voyages-sncf.fr

Note that the train posting in Paris St-Lazare can be confusing to the first time traveler. The train line number ("la voie") is not posted unil 15-20 minutes before the departure, so do not panic if you arrive earlier than that. Look for the train heading to Cherbourg. Caen will not be the listed destination, as it is a stop along the way. Do not forget to punch ("composter") your ticket in one of the yellow machines before boarding. This will validate your ticket.

By bus

By boat

By plane

The city center is compact and all sights can easily be seen by foot. There are city buses as well as a light rail line.

• Market on Saturdays and Sundays at Place Saint Marc. Fresh produce, flowers and bria a brac/ antiques. Well worth a visit.
• Fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats can be bought at the Vieux Marche. A larger selection, as well as used clothing, furniture, and knick-knacks can be found at the Place de Saint Marc.

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge