Best Things To Do in Rouen With Kids on a French Family Holiday

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Rouen was such a dream to visit! It’s been loosely on my family vacation list for a long while because I thought it would be fun to see the place that inspired so many of Monet’s paintings. I had no idea how amazing it truly is! In my opinion, it’s one of the best places to visit in France with family – lots of Paris vibes but on a much smaller, more accessible, less overwhelming, less crowded scale.

Rouen is the perfect balance of big and small, has plenty to do and see for a few days, has great food and art, and is quintessentially French. And I was shocked that even at the end of July it was still fairly quiet. It’s perfect for a family trip to France and should definitely be on your list if you’re visiting France with toddlers.

Here are the best things to do in Rouen, including kids activities in France, along with tips for what to pack, family-friendly accommodations, and where to eat with kids.

What to Pack for a European Vacation: Minimal Packing Essentials for Families

Especially with a big family, it’s important for us to pack minimally so we don’t feel totally overwhelmed when we travel. Here are some of our favorite minimal packing essentials for families!

eSim – If your phone plan doesn’t include France coverage, I highly recommend an eSIM – they’re easy to use and really affordable so you can access things like maps, restaurant recs, and so many other little things. Most phone plans cost $7-10 per DAY, which adds up quite a bit, but eSIMs tend to be quite a bit cheaper. My favorite ones are Saily and Airalo.
Merino Wool Base Layers, Socks, & Sweaters: Here are my favorite base layers to use as pajamas or to layer under clothing in cold weather. I also really love this stretchy merino silk v-neck under clothes or as a top, especially in warmer weather. All our favorite merino wool base layers and wool socks are linked HERE!
Belt Bag: I absolutely love this little bag because it holds so much but is really compact and easy to wear with a variety of outfits.
Packing Cubes: I love packing cubes for keeping things organized, contained, and compact. These are my favorite expandable packing cubes, and I also love these.
Lightweight Women’s Pants: I absolutely adore these pants for travel because they’re SO comfortable, fold super small, and dry in a flash. More about why I love them HERE.
Lightweight Packable Coat: I love this lightweight packable parka because it is really warm and good for layering, and folds into a bag a little bigger than a water bottle when not in use. My kids have also used these coats for years and they’re excellent because they fold up easily but are warm and layer well. They have a big line of them for the whole family.
Shoes: I often only take one pair of shoes – either my favorite white sneakers or my beloved black Chelsea boots. More about both shoes HERE. For my kids, we really love Keen shoes because they’re durable and waterproof. For summer, we love these sneakers or these close-toed hiking sandals. For winter, we love these boots.
40L Backpack: I love this kids backpacking backpack because it’s roomy, easily fits in most carry on requirements on airplanes, and fits really comfortably. (My 6 year old uses the smaller 18L version, and my 3 year old uses the even smaller 12L version.)
Pop Up Tent Baby Bed: We’ve had this super lightweight baby travel bed for over a decade. We love it so much because it’s so lightweight and fits easily in a suitcase without having to take a bulky and heavy pack n play.
Lightweight Folding Baby Carrier; I absolutely love this baby carrier because it’s supportive but still lightweight and weighs about a pound.

For more packing ideas here’s what I packed for:

Accommodations in France: Best Places to Stay in Rouen With Kids

We stayed in an apartment right across from the Notre-Dame cathedral. I’d highly recommend staying in the historic city centre area if at all possible. The city is extremely walkable and it’s so easy to get around from this location, and also is safe and compact. We especially loved being able to pop out to see the light show at night (see below)! Sadly, the place where we stayed doesn’t appear to be rented out anymore, but there are lots of other great options.

Here are a few family-friendly accommodations in the historic city center:

Book a Rouen Hotel with Kids

Book a Rouen Apartment Rental

What to Eat in Rouen With Kids

Rouen is a great food city! We found so many wonderful options for treats, snacks and meals that were just as enjoyable for the adults as the kids. Here are some of the best foods to try in Rouen;

Chocolat Auzou (chocolate almonds), also known as “Joan of Arc tears”
Apple tart
Camembert cheese
Galettes/creps – be sure to try La Cornaelle

MAP: Best Things To Do in Rouen With Kids

See THIS MAP to view all the best sites to visit on a Rouen family vacation!

MAP: Best Rouen Itinerary for Families

Attractions in Rouen: What to Do in Rouen France With Kids

Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen

Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen with kids is a can’t miss experience! The history is fascinating – including Joan of Arc’s connection to Rouen. And then there’s the architecture! The Gothic details are stunning, and the cathedral’s towering spires and beautiful stained glass windows offer plenty of photo opportunities for families. Don’t miss the chance to explore the crypt!

Sketch Rouen’s Cathedral Like Monet

One of our favorite activities while visiting Rouen was to sketch the beautiful cathedral that Monet painted so many times. We had previously visited the Musee d’Orsay in Paris that houses several of these paintings so our older kids remembered seeing it, and we showed images of several of the paintings to all our kids to spark their imaginations. Then we pulled out their travel journals, some colored pencils, and let them go to town creating their own versions.

We had the very fortunate advantage of staying in a place that had an incredible view of the cathedral so we sketched while peering out our window, but you could easily take your sketching materials to a spot outside the front of the cathedral and draw from there. You could even go at different times of day to see how the light changes on the side of the cathedral, just like Monet did!

Explore Rouen’s Gothic Architecture

And speaking of amazing architecture… there’s much more to see beyond the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Exploring the architecture in Rouen with kids is like stepping back in time. Wandering through the old cobblestone streets, you’ll come across cool half-timbered houses and plenty of historic spots. Don’t miss the Gros Horloge—more below! And if architecture and history are your family’s vibe, a private walking tour of Rouen is definitely worthwhile to go into more depth.

See the Gros Horloge (Visiting Rouen’s Clock Tower)

The Gros Horloge is a giant, ornate clock is right in the heart of the city. Kids will love the bright colors and beautiful details. Climbing up to see the inner workings is like a little adventure, and the views from the top are totally worth it. Plus, there’s a cool story behind the clock that you can share with them as you explore. It’s a great way to mix a bit of history with some hands-on fun during your visit to Rouen.

Learn about Joan of Arc at the Historical Jeanne d’Arc

Visiting the historical Jeanne d’Arc sites in Rouen with kids is a fascinating dive into history. They’ll be intrigued by the story of Joan of Arc. The spot where she was martyred is powerful to see, and the accompanying museum helps bring her story to life with interactive exhibits that kids will enjoy.

Watch the Rouen Light Show at the Cathedral

Catching the light show at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen with kids is an absolute must-do. As the sun sets, the cathedral’s façade comes to life with vibrant colors and animations. It’s like watching history come alive right before your eyes – it’s engaging for both kids and adults. The atmosphere is magical, and it’s a great way to end a day of exploring Rouen. The light show is a fun, free, and unforgettable experience that everyone will enjoy.

Visit Joan of Arc Tower

This historic tower, where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, is packed with stories and exhibits that help bring Joan’s story to life. Climbing the spiral staircase gives a real sense of history, and the views from the top are a nice bonus. It’s engaging for the whole family – a great spot to dive into history while keeping the kids entertained on your visit to Rouen.

Musée des Beaux Arts With Kids

Visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen with kids is a surprisingly fun way to enjoy art together. The museum is filled with beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other artworks and there’s a nice mix of famous pieces and local treasures. The spacious galleries make it easy to explore at your own pace, and the variety of exhibits keeps things interesting for younger visitors. It’s a great place for a relaxed, educational outing that the whole family can enjoy together.

Rouen Musée de la Céramique With Kids

Taking the kids to the Musée de la Céramique in Rouen is a bit different from the typical tourist stops. The museum is all about beautiful ceramics, from colorful pottery to intricate porcelain pieces. It’s fun to see how these artworks have been made and used over the centuries, and the unique designs are especially eye-catching for kids.

Visiting Place du Vieux-Marché

Visiting Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen with kids is a lively and fun way to experience the heart of the city. This historic square is full of energy, with plenty of cafes and shops to explore. It’s also where Joan of Arc was martyred, so it’s another piece of important history. The vibrant atmosphere and the half-timbered buildings surrounding the square make it a great spot to take in the local vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or just soaking up the scene, it’s a must-see spot that the whole family will enjoy.