Small Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen

Rouen, the historic city in Northern France, holds secrets waiting to be unearthed. A small group guided tour promises to reveal the hidden gems of this ancient metropolis. Led by a local expert with decades of experience, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through ten captivating locations, from the iconic Cathedrale Notre-Dame to the charming Gros-Horloge. Uncover intriguing tales about Joan of Arc and Rouen’s rich Roman and Viking heritage, all while enjoying personalized tips on the city’s renowned cuisine. Explore the secret history of this enchanting destination and unlock its true potential.

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Key Points

A 2-hour small group tour exploring 10 captivating locations in Rouen, including the Cathedral and Gros-Horloge, with a focus on the city’s secret history.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, Ludovic, who combines humor and historical anecdotes to reveal Rouen’s hidden stories beyond standard guidebooks.
Available in French, English, and Spanish, with free cancellation and a pay later option, offering an immersive and personalized exploration of the city.
Highlights include learning about Joan of Arc’s connection to Rouen, discovering unusual stories related to the Cathedral, and experiencing history from the Roman and Viking periods.
Tour rated 5/5 by guests who praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the tour’s ability to reveal captivating tales and provide local culinary recommendations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This small group guided tour of Rouen’s secret history offers guests a unique opportunity to discover the city’s must-see and hidden gems.

A small group guided tour of Rouen’s secret history offers a unique opportunity to discover the city’s must-see and hidden gems.

Priced from $81.61 per person, the 2-hour tour is available in French, English, and Spanish. Visitors can explore 10 captivating locations, including the Cathedral, the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and the Gros-Horloge.

They’ll learn about Joan of Arc’s legacy and uncover unusual stories about the Cathedral.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later option, this tour provides a flexible and immersive way to experience Rouen’s rich history.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Rouen

Tour Highlights

Guests on this small group guided tour will discover 10 must-see and hidden places in Rouen.

The tour highlights include:

Learning about Joan of Arc’s history and her connection to the city
Exploring unusual stories related to the iconic Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
Experiencing the city’s history from Roman and Viking periods
Admiring the Gothic architecture of the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, a historic monument

The 2-hour journey also takes visitors to the Aitre Saint-Maclou, a rare 16th-century ossuary, and the Renaissance Gros-Horloge arch with its 14th-century astronomical clock.

The tour culminates at the Place du Vieux-Marche, the site of Joan of Arc’s execution.

Key Locations Visited

The tour takes visitors to several iconic landmarks in Rouen, beginning with the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Over 10 minutes, the guide shares the facade’s history and architectural significance. Next, the group visits the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, an impressive example of Gothic architecture classified as a historical monument. After, they explore the Aitre Saint-Maclou, a rare 16th-century ossuary. The tour then moves to the Gros-Horloge, a Renaissance arch housing a 14th-century astronomical clock. Finally, they spend 20 minutes at the Place du Vieux-Marche, the site of Joan of Arc’s execution.

| Location | Duration |

| — | — |

| Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen | 10 minutes |

| Abbatiale Saint-Ouen | 10 minutes |

| Aitre Saint-Maclou | 10 minutes |

| Gros-Horloge | 15 minutes |

| Place du Vieux-Marche | 20 minutes |

Guide Profile

Ludovic, a resident of Rouen for 30 years, leads the tour with an energetic and knowledgeable approach. His passion for Rouen’s history is palpable as he welcomes guests like friends.

Ludovic combines humor with historical anecdotes, offering an engaging and immersive experience. Key features of his guiding style include:

Enthusiastic delivery that brings the city’s stories to life
Extensive knowledge of Rouen’s iconic figures, from Joan of Arc to the Vikings
Personalized recommendations on local cuisine and hidden gems
Ability to reveal the city’s secret history beyond standard guidebooks

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Customer Feedback

Positive reviews from past participants underscore the tour’s exceptional quality.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 14 reviews, the guided tour of Rouen’s secret history consistently delights visitors.

Guests praise the guide’s enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, which bring the city’s iconic figures and hidden gems to life.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s ability to reveal aspects of Rouen beyond standard guidebooks, enhancing the overall experience.

Whether it’s the guide’s gastronomic tips or captivating tales about Joan of Arc and the Vikings, the tour leaves a lasting impression on those seeking an immersive exploration of Rouen’s rich history.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Rouen might interest you

Exploring the Secrets of Rouen’s Past

What hidden wonders await visitors on this captivating tour of Rouen’s past? The tour guides guests through the city’s storied history, unveiling remarkable landmarks and surprising tales.

Visitors will:

Explore the secretive past of the iconic Rouen Cathedral, learning about its architectural marvels and the legends surrounding it.
Explore the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that has witnessed centuries of history.
Uncover the haunting story of the Aitre Saint-Maclou, a rare 16th-century ossuary that serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s past.
Stand in the historic Place du Vieux-Marche, the site of Joan of Arc’s execution, and gain a deeper understanding of this iconic figure.

Uncovering the City’s Hidden Gems

Beyond the iconic Cathedral and Gothic architecture, Rouen’s hidden gems captivate visitors on this engaging tour.

The guide leads guests through the Aitre Saint-Maclou, a rare 16th-century ossuary with intricate carvings.

The Aitre Saint-Maclou, a rare 16th-century ossuary, captivates visitors with its intricate carvings on this engaging tour of Rouen’s hidden gems.

Exploring the Renaissance Gros-Horloge reveals its 14th-century astronomical clock.

At the Place du Vieux-Marche, the guide recounts the tragic story of Joan of Arc’s execution.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide shares historical anecdotes and personal insights, bringing Rouen’s past to life.

Guests leave with a newfound appreciation for the city’s lesser-known treasures and a deeper understanding of its storied history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is not specified. However, it is described as a "small group" tour, suggesting the group size is likely limited to provide a more personalized experience for the participants.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The tour guides do provide recommendations for local restaurants. According to the details, the guide Ludovic shares "gastronomic tips" with guests, enhancing their overall experience beyond just historical information.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide, who’ll tailor the experience to highlight the visitor’s areas of interest within Rouen’s rich history and architecture.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

The company offers no discounts for seniors or students on this tour. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Guests With Mobility Challenges?

The tour is suitable for guests with mobility challenges. Most locations are accessible, and the guide can accommodate visitors with special needs. However, some sites may have limited accessibility due to the historic nature of the buildings.

The Sum Up

This small group guided tour of Rouen’s secret history offers an immersive and enlightening experience. Led by a local expert, you’ll uncover the city’s captivating Roman and Viking past, including intriguing tales about Joan of Arc. With visits to ten must-see locations, including the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover Rouen’s hidden treasures and gain insider tips on the best local cuisine.