Car Rental - Rouen
Car rental in Rouen unlocks the history of one of France’s most ancient cities. Nestled around the River Seine, the capital of Normandy dazzles with its twisting, cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and centuries-old churches.
Experience the best of the city and surrounding region when you rent a car in Rouen. We know that planning a holiday can be time-consuming, so our online service offers you the chance to browse our range of available vehicles and reserve your preferred model ahead of time.
We have several pick-up locations dotted around the city, including at the railway station. This means that however you arrive in the city, you’ll be able to pick up your rental car and start your journey in Rouen straight away.
Rouen Locations
A Quick Guide to Rouen
Packed with more than 2,000 half-timbered houses in its center, Rouen is like something out of a storybook. Explore its rich heritage through the many intriguing museums, ancient churches and historic monuments before visiting the art galleries to discover the city’s thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re visiting on holiday or business, Rouen is easy to explore with a car rental.
Feel the Grandeur of the Religious Monuments
Dominating Rouen’s skyline is the glorious Cathédrale Notre Dame. Admire the neo-gothic architectural detailing of the facade, with three pointed porches at the front. The two bell towers loom 150 meters above, and the sharp spires create a formidable silhouette against the sky.
Built during the 15th and 16th centuries, Église Saint-Maclou is another impressive church within Rouen. Stained glass windows depict pictures from its past, and the skeletal structure and high ceiling will give you goosebumps. Turn back to the entrance to see the magnificent organ floating above the archway.
Explore the Streets
Taking the title as the capital of Normandy, Rouen is suitably brimming with heritage. Park your rental car and experience this by strolling through the streets of the old town.
Enjoy the medieval influences among the tangle of cobbled streets, flanked by quaint timber buildings in a spectrum of colors. One of the best places to see these buildings is along Rue du Gros-Horloge. Here, you’ll find the astronomical clock, the Gros Horloge, tucked above a renaissance arch across the street. Head inside the building to discover the town bells and enjoy spectacular views of the city below.
Along the narrow street of Rue Saint-Romain, near to the cathedral, is Historial Jeanne d'Arc. This museum allows you to travel back in time to the 15th century and follow the legendary saga of Joan of Arc through an interactive experience.
Discover the Normandy Coast
Cruise north of Rouen towards the cliffs and beaches of Côte d’Albâtre. This stretch of beautiful coastline is peppered with charming villages and towns – one of the best being Honfleur. Make your way to the Vieux Bassin, the ancient port, which serves as the heart of the town. Stroll along Quai Saint-Catherine, past half-timbered houses, and take a seat in one of the chic restaurants. Enjoy some moules-frites – followed by a fresh espresso – as you watch boats bob on the water.
Further west along the coast, you’ll find the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, just above Omaha Beach, known from the D-Day landings. This moving place is one of the largest American war cemeteries in Europe, as well as one of the most visited. Discover moving stories of those who fought here inside the visitor center and take a quiet walk around the cemetery.
When you rent a car in Rouen you can experience the heritage of this fascinating city, as well as the incredible Normandy region, at your own pace.
Driving In and Around Rouen
With gothic architecture, medieval streets and a stimulating art scene, the capital of Normandy is a real delight to explore when you rent a car from Rouen.
Navigating around the city in a holiday car rental is straightforward, with a ring road circling the center. The N138 and N28 both cross the River Seine, while the D6015 runs along the riverfront and the D938 loops around the north part of the city.
The old town is best experienced on foot. Nearly all the major sights are within walking distance from one another – but there are plenty of pay-and-display parking lots for your holiday car rental around the city. To visit some of the city’s best restaurants and the exquisite cathedral, leave your car safely in Rouen Park on Rue Saint-Denis, just off Rue de la République.
With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore beyond Rouen. Paris, the dazzling French capital, is less than a two-hour drive away along the A13. Here can explore its iconic attractions or take a trip to Disneyland.
Honfleur, a pretty harbor town on the coast, is just over an hour’s drive in your holiday car rental via the A29 and A150. Château Gaillard takes around the same time to reach if you follow the D1. The ruins of Richard the Lionheart’s medieval stronghold is worth the journey, boasting brilliant views across the French countryside.
While in France, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. Highways here are known as autoroutes, which are tolled. The speed limit on these stretches is 130km/h (80mph), while roads single-lane roads are usually 90km/h (55mph), and 50km/h (30mph) in towns, cities and villages. Note that speed limits do change in France according to the weather so keep an eye out for signage.
