Rouen, France 🇫🇷 – The Fairytale City Just 2 Hours from Paris!

Rouen, France 🇫🇷 – The Fairytale City Just 2 Hours from Paris!

Just 2 hours from Paris lies Rouen, which feels 
like a hidden gem straight out of a fairy tale. With its half timbered houses, incredible 
cathedrals, and medieval streets, this city has so much charm, yet many travelers completely 
overlook it. So that’s why in today’s video, I’m going to show you why deserves a spot on your 
france travel bucketlist. So let’s explore the unexplored. Our first stop is the Donjon de Rouen. also 
known as the Rouen Castle Tower. This tower is all that remains of a 13th century castle built by 
Philip II of France. It’s here that Jean D´arc was interrogated before her trial, which gives this 
place an incredible historical weight. Even if you only see it from the outside, it’s a powerful 
reminder of Rouen’s impressive medieval past. Our next stop is the Saint Ouen Abbey Church, 
one of Rouen’s great Gothic landmarks. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, 
it once rivaled the main cathedral of Rouen in size and importance. Even though it 
was closed for renovations during my visit, I think that the cathedral still 
looks amazing from the outside alone. From here, it’s just a short walk to Rue de Robec, 
one of Rouen’s most picturesque streets. Colorful half-timbered houses and small cafes lined their 
narrow streets creating a peaceful atmosphere right in the middle of the city. Rouen is full of 
these medieval houses, more than 2,000 of them, giving the whole city a fairy tale-like charm. 
Just a few minutes away, you’ll find the church of Saint Maclou, a stunning example of flamboyant 
Gothic architecture built in the 15th century. It’s smaller than the main cathedral, but its 
intricate facade and five grand doors make it one of Rouen’s true gems. Inside, the wooden 
carvings and spiral staircases show the same attention to detail that defined so much 
of Rouen’s medieval art and craftsmanship. What makes this area even more special 
are the streets around it. Rue Malpalu and the nearby lanes are lined with century old 
half-timbered houses that somehow survived wars, fires, and modernization. Walking here feels 
like stepping straight into the Middle Ages. Every corner tells a story of Rouen has managed 
to preserve its soul throughout its centuries. And of course, no visit to Rouen would be 
complete without seeing the RouenCathedral. If the cathedral seems familiar to you, it is 
because the famous French painter Cloud Monet painted it over 30 times. Standing here, it’s 
easy to see why RouenCathedral is considered one of France’s greatest Gothic masterpieces. 
as this 150 m tall cathedral was once even the largest building in the world. Construction began 
in the 12th century and over time it became the heart of Normandy’s spiritual and political 
life. It’s also the resting place of Rollo, the Viking who became the first ruler of 
Normandy and several of his descendants. The inside of the cathedral is 
just as impressive as the exterior. Just the beautiful stained glass alone 
makes it worth visiting from the inside. Walking further into the old town, you’ll 
reach Rouen’s most iconic landmark, the clock tower. This 14th century astronomical 
clock stretches across the street and still ticks today. It’s one of the oldest working clocks 
in France and one of the most beautiful ones. Finally, we end our journey at the church of 
St. Jean D´arc located in the main square. Built in the 1970s, it bold modern shape stands 
in contrast to medieval architecture. Kind of resembling a Viking ship. It marks the exact spot 
where Jean D´arc was executed in 1431. And inside you’ll find stunning stained glass rescued from 
all the churches destroyed during World War II. Rouen may not be as famous as Paris or 
Marseilles, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a city full of centuries 
of history and amazing architecture. So, if you’re ever in northern France, take the 
short trip from Paris and discover for yourself. So, if you enjoyed this video, then please don’t forget to subscribe. Explore with me 
the unexplored in the next adventure.

Just two hours from Paris lies Rouen, one of France’s most beautiful and underrated cities.
Known for its stunning Gothic cathedrals, colorful half-timbered houses, and medieval streets, Rouen feels like stepping straight into a fairytale.

In this video, we’ll explore the city’s most iconic landmarks — from the Rouen Cathedral and Gros-Horloge Clock Tower to the Saint-Maclou Church and the charming Rue Eau-de-Robec. You’ll see why Rouen is often called “the heart of Normandy” — rich in history, architecture, and atmosphere.

Whether you’re planning a day trip from Paris or just love discovering hidden gems in France, Rouen is a place that deserves a spot on your travel list.

📍 Places featured in this video:

Rouen Cathedral ⛪
Saint-Ouen Abbey (exterior)
Rue Eau-de-Robec
Saint-Maclou Church & Rue Malpalu
Gros-Horloge (Clock Tower)
Parliament of Normandy
Church of Saint Joan of Arc
Timestamps:
0:00-Intro
0:23-Donjon de Rouen
0:50-Saint Ouen Abbey Church
1:16-Rue Eau de Robec
1:40-Saint Maclou Church& Rue Malpalu
2:48-Rouen Cathedral
3:53-Gros Horloge (The Clock Tower)
4:15-Church of Saint Joan of Arc
✨ If you enjoy discovering underrated and cultural destinations, make sure to subscribe and join me as we continue to explore the unexplored!