Travel to Rouen on an A-ROSA River Cruise
With some 2,000 half-timbered houses and magnificent Gothic churches, Rouen – the capital of Normandy – is a must-see on any visit to northern France.
Thanks to its rich architectural heritage, with glorious buildings of worship, splendid palaces and handsome town houses of different styles, Rouen is sometimes referred to as The Museum City. Although the capital of the former Upper Normandy region is around 120 kilometres from the coast via the Seine – or 65 kilometres by road – it has France’s fifth-largest sea port. Every year, more than 3,500 ships chug up the river and back to the sea, since Rouen is an important trans-shipment port for Paris. The effects of the tides are clearly noticeable, even this far up the river.
City breaks along the Seine
Step aboard the A-ROSA VIVA, and experience a Seine river cruise that couldn’t be lovelier.
Enjoy cruising through the city along the river after you have explored it for yourself. From Rouen, your A-ROSA cruise ship will continue through Normandy. Discover sweeping vineyards and romantic palaces and castles along the riverbanks. On the Seine cruise, the ship will call at destinations including Les Andelys, Vernon and Paris. These charming places have plenty of architectural and cultural gems to enjoy.
Excursions in Rouen
16 excursions found
In the evening, a culinary and historical highlight awaits you at Duclair Castle near Rouen. Nicolas, the friendly landlord of the castle, who has lovingly restored many parts of the castle with his own hands and also lives there today, will show you his magnificent rooms. The garden is also extraordinary. And in the former servants' house Nicolas has set up a museum on World War II, which those of you who are interested can also visit. In hopefully beautiful weather, a great dinner awaits you in the castle park, which is especially impressive at dusk.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 189.00
- duration:
-
approx. 4.5 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
Let your tour guide get you in the mood for the enchanting Côte d'Albâtre, a jewel of the French coast, and the charming coastal town of Étretat on the approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive. Once you arrive in Étretat, a relaxed stroll through the town and towards the beach will take you there. Omnipresent in Étretat are the towering chalk cliffs, which have been captured in countless paintings by famous artists. If you like, you can climb one of these chalk cliffs together with your tour guide. Alternatively, you can drift through Étretat in your subsequent free time or stroll along the beach promenade before returning to the ship full of picturesque impressions.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 99.00
- duration:
-
approx. 5 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
On the approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive, let your tour guide get you in the mood for the enchanting Côte d'Albâtre, a jewel of the French coast, and the charming coastal town of Étretat. Once in Étretat, a short walk will take you directly to the gardens of Étretat, an idyllic place that is loved by artists and nature lovers alike. A guided tour highlights the impressive combination of art and nature. Omnipresent in Étretat are the towering chalk cliffs, which have been captured in countless paintings by famous artists. Afterwards, spend your free time drifting through the town or strolling along the beach promenade before returning to the ship full of picturesque impressions.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 119.00
- duration:
-
approx. 5 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
On the approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive, let your tour guide get you in the mood for the enchanting Côte d'Albâtre, a jewel of the French coast, and the charming coastal town of Étretat. Once in Étretat, a short walk will take you directly to Le Clos Lupin, the former residence of the famous French writer Maurice Leblanc. Take a guided tour of the house, which is now a museum. Omnipresent in Étretat are the towering chalk cliffs, which have been captured in countless paintings by famous artists. Afterwards, spend your free time drifting through the town or strolling along the beach promenade before returning to the ship full of picturesque impressions.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 99.00
- duration:
-
approx. 5 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
One of the most beautiful coasts in France - the Alabaster Coast - is located west of Rouen and can be reached by bus in an hour. This excursion will first take us to Le Havre, famous for its architectural city centre, the only one from the 20th century that has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage status. We will continue along the coast to one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on this stretch, the small village of Étretat, which is surrounded by high chalk cliffs on both sides. These also provide natural protection for the city from the dominant winds. Charming castles, manor houses - and of course the outstanding chalk cliffs, which have been captured in countless paintings by well-known painters, determine the cityscape.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 99.00 per person
- duration:
-
approx. 6 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
Discover Rouen with your own English-speaking guide. Although Rouen was heavily destroyed in the Second World War, it has preserved its old half-timbered buildings and churches, making it more like an open-air museum. Experience the entire history of the port city 120 km upriver and stroll through the picturesque old town.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 399.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people
- duration:
-
approx. 2.5 Hours
- transport:
- Private tour guide
- level:
- Moderate
- Hint:
- This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
:Get straight off the ship and explore the city at your own pace on an e-bike! With electric assistance, you can easily reach the most beautiful sights. Enjoy the freedom to decide where to stop and what to discover—at your own pace. A relaxed excursion full of impressions and exercise!
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 19.00 per person
- duration:
-
approx. 3 Hours
- transport:
- Bicycle
- level:
- Sportlich
:Get straight off the ship and explore the city at your own pace on an e-bike! With electric assistance, you can easily reach the most beautiful sights. Enjoy the freedom to decide where to stop and what to discover—at your own pace. A relaxed excursion full of impressions and exercise!
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 39.00 per person
- duration:
-
approx. 3 Hours
- transport:
- Bicycle
- level:
- Sportlich
Discover Rouen with your own people carrier for up to 5 people. Drive through the historic city with its imposing churches and picturesque old town. Experience the port city 120km upriver and customise this trip to your liking.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 529.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people
- duration:
-
approx. 2.5 Hours
- transport:
- Private Minivan
- level:
- Easy
- Hint:
- This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
In the north of France, in the heart of Normandy, you will find the Parc du Bocasse family park. Come along on our excursion for the whole family! Experience exciting attractions, a wide variety of rides and magical discoveries in the 4D cinema. Enjoy an extraordinary day for young and old.
Only takes place on the following dates, if the minimum number of participants is reached before departure:
Seine Rendez-Vous with Paris: 28.03.2026
Seine Experience Normandy with Paris: 02.04. | 16.07. | 23.07. | 30.07. | 06.08. | 13.08. | 15.10.2026
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 159.00 per person
- duration:
-
approx. 7.5 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
- Hint:
- This excursion will only take place if the minimum number of participants is reached before departure.
Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey is one of the most famous places to visit near Rouen. It is a historic site with a two-thousand-year-old history. During this excursion, you will discover the Romanesque abbey church from the twelfth century with its chapter house, which boasts a remarkable ensemble of column statues and figural capitals. You will also stroll through parts of its beautiful four-hectare garden. Behind the abbey building, the abbey gardens have been restored to their original look from the 17th century. Then we will continue our tour, because nearby, right on a bend in the Seine, rises one of the most magnificent abbeys in Upper Normandy. There we will visit the famous ruins of Jumièges Abbey.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 82.00 per person
- duration:
-
approx. 4 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
An exciting cycling tour through the historic city of Rouen. Impressive cathedrals, medieval half-timbered houses and a picturesque old town await you. This truly is a very special city tour.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 54.00 per person
- duration:
-
approx. 3.5 Hours
- transport:
- depending on the weather, please contact reception in case of rain
- level:
- Sportlich
- route length:
- 15
- Hint:
- Only takes place from March to October.
Normandy impresses not only with its famous coasts, but also with its green nature and spacious pastures. By bus you will drive through the vast landscapes to the picturesque town of Beaumont en Auge, which is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy. A lot of half-timbering makes the ensemble of houses look particularly impressive and makes you dream. After a stroll through the alleys you will experience culinary highlights, which traditionally belong to Normandy. At Calvados Experience, you will learn more about the production of Calvados. Of course, a tasting is a must - both of the Calvados itself and of the Camembert, which is typical for the region.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 129.00
- duration:
-
approx. 6.5 Hours
- transport:
- Bus and walking
- level:
- Moderate
Come on an adventure and get in a kayak! The Andelle is a dynamic, wild river and perfect for a Normandy kayak trip. Pass by impressive old ruins, the Fontaine Guérard Abbey, and the Pont-Saint-Pierre Castle. Let the surroundings work their magic on you as you paddle along the waterways of the Andelle. An experience for kayak beginners and professionals!
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 1,490.00
- duration:
-
approx. 4 Hours
- transport:
- Bring sports shoes & change of clothes is recommended
- level:
- Sportlich
- Hint:
- This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online. All guests must be able to swim.
Although Rouen was heavily damaged in the Second World War, most of its old half-timbered buildings, paved streets and churches were rebuilt. Today, Rouen will remind you of an open-air museum rather than a city. The city of the 100 church spires - as it was called by Victor Hugo - sadly gained notoriety in 1431 when Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the middle of the market square. Experience the entire history of the harbour city during this guided walking tour.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 32.00 per person
- duration:
-
approx. 2.5 Hours
- transport:
- walking
- level:
- Moderate
Join us on this fascinating excursion! You'll get to see some of the most beautiful chalk cliffs in Normandy, which have already been captured in countless works of art by famous painters. Explore the village and its old market and enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-white cliffs. Afterwards, change your perspective on the Alabaster Coast and glide through the sea with your board and paddle. Experience the cliffs up close and enjoy a magical moment.
- port:
- Rouen
- price:
- € 1,799.00
- duration:
-
approx. 7 Hours
- transport:
- Swimsuit and change of clothes required
- level:
- Sportlich
- Hint:
- This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online. Available from April to October
- Hint:
- This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online. Available from April to October
The best Sights and Destinations in Rouen

NOTRE DAME DE L'ASSOMPTION
The focal point of the old town is Rouen Cathedral (12th–16th century). It impresses with its huge, well-preserved facade in flamboyant-style, which is flanked by the Tour de Saint-Romain and Tour de Beurre (16th century). The latter, which means ‘butter tower’, was financed by a tax levied on dairy products. The crossing tower, which is just as imposing at 151 metres high, is France’s tallest church tower. There are 56 bells distributed across the cathedral towers. In the choir, you’ll find several tombs, including those of Rollo, who was the first Duke of Normandy (10th century), and Richard the Lionheart.

GROS HORLOGE
In the busy Rue du Gros-Horloge, you’ll find the 16th-century Gros Horloge (Great Clock) built into a Renaissance archway. On each side, you can see an ornately designed clock face – which still works accurately today – as well as an opening showing the days of the week. You can view the clock’s mechanism inside the building. The phases of the moon are also visible and were vital for assessing whether tall ships due to land in Rouen would be able to sail into the harbour or not – they have a decisive influence on the tides and thus on the water level under the keel.

Vieux Rouen
The old town of Rouen enchants visitors with its countless half-timbered houses, which make a very imposing impression. Enjoy a stroll through the cobbled streets and be amazed by the history of the city. Discover the old town of Rouen, which is also known as the "city of 100 church towers".


