Friends, imagine a day that starts under a gilded clock arch, winds through timbered lanes into serene galleries with free permanent collections, then pauses in about an 8-hectare botanical garden before a riverside stroll along looping bends of the Seine.

With clear museum hours, seasonal garden times, and straightforward ticket info for the clock tower, Rouen is easy to navigate without rush.

Old core

Begin on Rue du Gros‑Horloge, where a 14th‑century astronomical mechanism spans a Renaissance arch above one of Rouen’s most photogenic pedestrian spines. The street doubles as a prime shopping axis, so it’s simple to blend landmark photos with quick café stops between half‑timbered façades.

Clock show

Go inside the Gros‑Horloge belfry for exhibits, city views, and a close look at the movement; plan 30–45 minutes and check seasonal hours in advance. Admission is typically about €7.70 (≈$8–$9), with reduced rates for children and students; pass options occasionally include the site. The pedestrian zone around the arch is flat and accessible, though the tower stairs are narrow and not wheelchair‑friendly.

Fine arts

Set aside 60–90 minutes for the Musée des Beaux‑Arts, open 10:00–18:00 and closed on Mondays; the permanent collections are free to enter. Expect a deep lineup from the 15th–20th centuries and strong Impressionist ties, with practical access via bus stops around Square Verdrel. Temporary exhibitions rotate, so a quick check of the program helps decide whether to budget extra time.

Iron & clay

Ten minutes on foot brings the world‑class Musée Le Secq des Tournelles: open 14:00–18:00, free for permanent collections, and €4 (≈$4–$5) for temporary shows. Thousands of pieces of ironwork—locks, keys, signs, fittings—fill a former Gothic space in a compact, surprising hour. Nearby, the Ceramics Museum (also 14:00–18:00) offers free permanent‑collection entry for a tidy loop of two specialty collections in one afternoon.

Garden pause

Cross to the left bank for the Jardin des Plantes, about an 8-hectare botanical garden with free admission and seasonal greenhouse programming. Seasonal opening hours run roughly 08:00–20:15 (May–August), 08:00–18:45 (March–April and September–October), and 08:00–17:30 (November–February). Reach it on bus line F1 (Jardin des Plantes stop) and linger among rose beds, themed plantings, and broad lawns for a calm mid‑day reset.

River loops

For a green escape, aim west toward the Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande, a protected sweep of plateaus, valleys, and wetlands between Rouen and Le Havre. Short sections of the GR2 “Seine trail” hug viewpoints above the river’s meanders, making easy half‑day walks from villages near Rouen’s edge. Pick a segment, carry water, and keep an eye on return bus/train times to fit a country hour into a city‑center day.

Easy passes

If stacking multiple entries, consider a Rouen Pass (24/48/72‑hour options) for bundled access and discounts across key attractions and tours. It’s convenient for mixing paid sites with the city’s many free permanent collections in museums.

Lunch tips

Midday set menus are typically the best value; expect around €15 (≈$16) for a 2–3 course lunch in many central spots. Plan the main meal between roughly 12:00–14:00 to match local rhythms and keep the afternoon free for galleries or garden time.

Sample route

- Morning: Rue du Gros‑Horloge photos, then belfry visit (≈30–45 minutes) for mechanism details and views.

- Midday: Musée des Beaux‑Arts (free permanent collections), then short walk to Le Secq des Tournelles for a focused hour.

- Afternoon: Bus F1 to Jardin des Plantes for a free, shaded loop; optional GR2 edge walk later if time allows.

Practical moves

- Museum hours: Most municipal museums run 10:00–18:00 or 14:00–18:00 with closures one day a week; confirm site‑specific days before you go.

- Free entries: Permanent collections at municipal museums are free; temporary shows may charge modest fees.

- Garden timing: Jardin des Plantes is free, with long summer hours and shorter winter days; check the city page for any special closures.

- Tickets: Gros‑Horloge tickets are around €7–€8 (≈$8–$9); arrive near opening or late afternoon to avoid peak lines.

Conclusion

Rouen rewards a steady rhythm: the landmark arch, compact museums with strong permanent collections, a leafy garden interlude, and a gentle river-edge stroll that still leaves breathing room in the day.