Rouen (France)

Rouen is a Seine River cruise port and city located in Normandy (northwestern France), approx 120 km (75 mi) up from the river's entrance on the English Channel. The city is best known for its Gothic architecture, including Cathedrale Notre Dame, and Eglise St Maclou (with some of France's finest woodcarvings).

Rouen is Normandy's historical capital and one of the region's biggest. The city was among the richest in Europe during Middle Ages. On the right bank of Seine River, the old city contains so many historical buildings, that some call it "museum town". Joan of Arc was imprisoned and burnt at the stake at Rouen's marketplace. During WW2 (1939-45), the buildings on the left bank were almost totally destroyed. Even though it is located 120 km (75 mi) inland, Port Rouen serves ocean-going vessels (including small cruise ships) as an alternative port for Paris. Among the city's best attractions are its astronomical clock and cathedral.

Rouen, although far from sea, was the country's main seaport during the 16th century. However, in the 19th century, it was surpassed by Le Havre (port to Paris City). It is exciting to cruise up River Seine from the British Sea to the city surrounded by beautiful scenery punctuated by forests, cliffs, medieval chateaux and abbeys. Upstream from Giverny (the village where Monet spent his last years) and approx 160 km (100 mi) further on is France's capital Paris.

In 2019, the cruise port handled 30 ship calls (including 24 overnights) with ~23,000 passengers. In 2019, during Rouen Armada's 30th anniversary (L'Armada de la Liberte / 10-days long tall-sail ships parade on Seine RIver), the city attracted ~10 million visitors between June 6-16.

Port Rouen has 2 dedicated cruise terminals (2 berths) serving ocean-going vessels. However, the Port currently has size limitations (max LOA length 250 m / 820 ft) which means that it can handle only small- and medium-sized cruise ships and megayachts. Both quays' extension (from 240 to 250 m) was completed in 2021-2022.. So far, the Rouen Port's largest cruise vessel is NYK Line's Asuka 2 (241 m).

In 2024, the cruise port had scheduled a total of 858 river cruise ship calls. Also in 2024, at the cruise docks was installed shore-power equipment that allows berthed vessels to turn off their diesel engines and use city grid electricity for their onboard services.