Home

Solo Travel

Europe

France

Rouen

Located in the northwestern region of France, Rouen offers travelers a perfect blend of fascinating history, culture, and beautiful architecture. Known as the capital of Normandy, this city is home to the stunning Rouen Cathedral, frequently depicted in the paintings of the famous Impressionist artist, Claude Monet. Known for its historical significance, Rouen is the city where Joan of Arc was tried and executed, and visitors can explore this history at a dedicated museum. This charming city also boasts vintage half-timbered houses, a vibrant arts scene, lovely gardens, and a notable gastronomic culture, appealing to a variety of tastes and interests.

3.9 /5

Based on our research

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Safety:Very safe

Rouen is a city in France that is not only beautiful but also known for its safety. Police presence is visible around the city, especially in crowded areas and at night, thus security issues rarely occur. As a solo female traveler, you can feel at ease while exploring the city. Most locals, especially those in the hospitality or service industry, are polite, helpful, and respectful. Navigating Rouen is made easier due to its organized public transportation, well-lit streets, and good signage. However, like in any city, it is always a good practice to avoid less crowded areas during late-night hours. Overall, Rouen is indeed a safe haven for female travelers.

Transport:Easy

Rouen offers an accessible and manageable city layout for solo travelers. Its historic centre is pedestrian-friendly, making it simple to explore on foot. Biking is also a popular option due to the presence of dedicated bike lanes, while buses and trams provide options for longer distances. However, the city's signage might be a bit confusing, but with a good map or navigation app, you should be fine.

Things to do:Interesting

Rouen is a richly historical city full of charm. From the stunning Rouen Cathedral which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, to the Gros Horloge, every corner of Rouen has something to tell. Don't miss the old market square where Joan of Arc was martyred which now hosts a beautiful church dedicated to her memory. For art lovers, there's Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, boasting an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Throughout the city, you'll find many quaint streets full of traditional half-timbered houses, particularly in the Saint-Maclou neighborhood. The gastronomy scene is quite delightful too, with a variety of French bistros and bakeries to try. Though not as bustling as Paris or as romantic as the French Riviera, Rouen is steeped in history and culture which make for a memorable visit. However, some might find their options slightly limited after a prolonged stay.

Food:Above average

Rouen offers a rich culinary scene with its wide array of French delicacies. The city has traditional, gourmet and irresistible offerings- from the creamy Camembert to the strong Calvados liquor. Your taste buds will also enjoy both fresh seafood dishes and taste-bud tingling pastries. The occasional exotic cuisine restaurants also exist for those desiring a break from local flavors. Diversity could be higher, but quality and authenticity are exceptional.

Budget:Moderate

Rouen provides a moderate value for money. It's certainly not the cheapest city in France, but it isn't the most expensive one either. Expect to spend on par with what you'd pay in a mid-range city in Europe. Attractions, meals, transportation, and accommodations are reasonably priced. But, with careful planning, you can still have an enjoyable trip while minimizing expenses. Always look for discounts, opt for walking instead of public transportation when you can, eat where the locals eat, and consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations.

Mahshid

Netherlands

Solo travel experience

Rouen is so beautiful. If you love architecture and art, you’re in luck because this little city houses more than 5 gorgeous cathedrals in it, each one more breathtaking than the other. On the door of each church/cathedral there’s an agenda showing all the programs going on in different churches during the week. So make sure you go visit each church when they open it for service. Because not all the churches are touristic attractions. There is a ceramic museum with free entry, so if you’re into arts, you’re gonna love that as well. The food is a bit pricy in the city and in little cafes. But if you spend some time, you’ll find delicious food with reasonable price as well. I was able to find this Turkish kebab place with a vegan wrap that was super flavorful and about €5! There’s so many bakeries of course, but there is this one bakery called Leon and it has the best cappuccino ever! I’d go back just for that cappuccino alone! In total, this town has so much to offer and I would love to go back. Oh one last thing, people were super amazing and friendly!

Posted: August 7, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 6

mode_comment 0

Meet local women in Rouen who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Camille

About Me

I’m planning an Interrail trip around Germany and Danemark this summer with one of my best friend ! I lived in Canada for 2 years and I also travelled to Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Great-Britain and Ireland !

mode_comment 0

Stay with local women in Rouen who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Celine

Rouen

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey ! Voulant voyager et découvrir le monde. Je suis sociable, curieuse et assez nulle en anglais mais pas grave c'est la rencontre avec des gens de tout horizons qui me feront apprendre ! Hâte de découvrir la culture des pays que je rêve de visiter.