How to Plan Your Private Day Trip to Rouen, Normandy: On the Footstep to Joan of Arc

Are you planning a trip to Paris and looking for a unique and historical day trip? Look no further than a private day trip to Rouen, Normandy, where you can walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc and explore the medieval city with a personal guide.

Overview

This private day trip from Paris includes round-trip train tickets, entry tickets to an immersive show at Historial Jeanne d’Arc, a full walking tour of medieval Rouen, and plenty of time for photographs. Your personal guide will take you through the cobbled streets of Rouen, showing you highlights such as the famous cathedral painted by Monet and teaching you about the area’s medieval past.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see more of France during their visit to Paris but are short on time. By taking the high-speed train, you can travel through the French countryside and arrive in the heart of Normandy in just over an hour.

What’s Included

• Train tickets Paris to Rouen round trip
• Entry tickets to Immersive show at Historial Jeanne d’Arc
• Commented walking visit of Rouen’s historic town its cathedral Notre-Dame and more…
• Your personal guide’s optional gratuities
• Lunch
• Transportation hotel to meeting point

The Itinerary

Your private day trip to Rouen will start with a meet and greet with your personal guide at the Rouen train station. From there, you’ll embark on a full walking tour of the city, visiting highlights including:

Historial Jeanne d’Arc

This interactive museum retells the story of Joan of Arc’s life and death in Rouen. Through a combination of historical artifacts, immersive videos, and interactive exhibits, you’ll learn about the political and religious context of Joan of Arc’s trial and execution.

Rouen Cathedral

The Rouen Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and has been painted by famous impressionist artist Claude Monet. Your personal guide will take you through the cathedral, explaining its history and significance.

Medieval streets of Rouen

As you walk through the cobbled streets of Rouen, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Your personal guide will point out hidden gems and explain the medieval history of the city.

The Place du Vieux-Marché

This is the location where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Your personal guide will explain the history of this area and its significance in Joan of Arc’s story.

Throughout the tour, you’ll have plenty of time to stop for photographs, and if you would like, your professional photographer guide can take them for you.

At the end of the tour, your personal guide will escort you back to the train station, where you’ll catch the high-speed train back to Paris.

Booking the Tour

You can book this private day trip to Rouen, Normandy, on the Viator website, using the following link: book the tour here.

Conclusion

A private day trip to Rouen, Normandy, is an excellent opportunity to explore a unique and historical city in France. With a personal guide, you can learn about the area’s medieval past, walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc, and discover hidden gems. From the Rouen Cathedral to the Place du Vieux-Marché, you’ll experience the history of this city firsthand. So why wait? Book your private day trip to Rouen today!

Insider’s Guide to Rouen, Normandy

If you’re planning a private day trip to Rouen, Normandy, you’re in for a treat. Located in the northern region of France, Rouen is a picturesque medieval town that offers a mix of history, culture, and art. It’s known as the ‘city of a hundred spires’, highlighting the beauty of its gothic architecture, which can be seen from afar. The city has a rich history, particularly as the site of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc.

Local Attractions

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Rouen. One of the most iconic landmarks in the city is the Rouen Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. This architectural marvel is a must-visit on any trip to Rouen. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for stunning views of the city and the Seine river.

Another must-visit attraction is the Joan of Arc Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Joan of Arc, who was famously burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431. The museum contains exhibits that showcase her story, including replicas of her armor and weapons, manuscripts, and artwork.

If you’re interested in art, you can’t miss the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This museum houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, featuring works from local artists as well as European masters such as Monet and Rubens.

Dining Spots

Rouen has an excellent food scene, and visitors can enjoy traditional Normandy cuisine as well as international dishes. One of the most famous restaurants in the city is La Couronne, which claims to be the oldest inn in France and was a favorite of Julia Child. Their menu features classic French dishes, such as escargot and beef bourguignon.

For a more casual dining experience, try Le Ratafia, a cozy bistro that serves delicious local dishes like Camembert cheese and cider. For a sweet treat, stop by Maison Georges Larnicol, a popular pastry shop that offers a wide variety of macarons, chocolates, and other desserts.

Cultural Experiences

Rouen is a city known for its culture and art. One of the best ways to experience this is by attending a theater performance at the Théâtre des Arts. This historic theater was built in the 19th century and hosts a range of shows, including plays, operas, and ballets.

For a unique cultural experience, take a tour of the Gros-Horloge, a famous clock tower in the Old Town. Visitors can climb up to the top of the tower for a great view of the city and can also learn about the fascinating history of the clock.

Local History

As mentioned earlier, Rouen is steeped in history, particularly related to Joan of Arc. Visitors can take a walking tour of the city to see the various sites related to Joan’s trial and execution, including the Place du Vieux-Marché where she was burned at the stake.

Another historical site to visit is the Aître Saint-Maclou, an eerie cemetery and ossuary that serves as a reminder of the Black Death that swept through Europe in the 14th century.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you have time, consider taking a day trip to Giverny, a quaint village about an hour and a half from Rouen. This is where Claude Monet lived and painted for many years, and visitors can see his stunning gardens and the house where he lived.

Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to rent a bike and take a ride along the Seine river. There’s a bicycle path that runs for miles along the river, offering beautiful scenery and fresh air.

In conclusion, Rouen is a city that has something to offer everyone – history buffs, art lovers, foodies, and those looking for a relaxing day trip. With so much to do and see, you won’t regret taking a private day trip to this beautiful city in Normandy.