Port information & tips for Rouen (Paris)
Rouen is the historic heart of Normandy and enchants visitors with its unmistakable medieval charm directly on the bends of the Seine. The "City of a Hundred Spires" offers an impressive backdrop of magnificent half-timbered houses, Gothic masterpieces, and a lively French atmosphere. Absolute highlights include the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the ornate astronomical clock Le Gros-Horloge, and the historic Place du Vieux-Marché. Cruise ships dock at the central Terminal Croisière at Quai Jean de Béthencourt, which provides an ideal starting point for exploration. Thanks to the excellent location, guests can easily reach the picturesque old town after a short walk of about 15 minutes while enjoying the scenic view of the riverbank.
Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, impresses with its central location on the Seine and is excellently accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region. The modern cruise terminal Espace des Marégraphes is located on the right bank of the river and allows for a comfortable transition from the mainland directly on board.
Car
Thanks to the direct connection to the A13 and A28 motorways, you can reach the port city quickly and easily from all directions. On site, secure parking spaces are available at the Espace des Marégraphes terminal and at the Mont-Riboudet car park, offering convenient parking for the entire duration of your cruise.
Train
Rouen-Rive-Droite station is an important hub and can be reached from Paris Saint-Lazare in about 75 minutes by Intercité. After arriving at the station, you can reach the cruise quay on the Seine within ten minutes by taxi or with the modern TEOR bus lines T1, T2, or T3.
Airplane
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) serves as the central gateway for travelers from the DACH region and is located around 140 kilometers east of the port. Many cruise lines offer coordinated shuttle transfers; additionally, rental cars or private car services allow for a direct and pleasant journey to the ship in about two hours.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, impresses with its central location on the Seine and is excellently accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region. The modern cruise terminal Espace des Marégraphes is located on the right bank of the river and allows for a comfortable transition from the mainland directly on board.
Car
Thanks to the direct connection to the A13 and A28 motorways, you can reach the port city quickly and easily from all directions. On site, secure parking spaces are available at the Espace des Marégraphes terminal and at the Mont-Riboudet car park, offering convenient parking for the entire duration of your cruise.
Train
Rouen-Rive-Droite station is an important hub and can be reached from Paris Saint-Lazare in about 75 minutes by Intercité. After arriving at the station, you can reach the cruise quay on the Seine within ten minutes by taxi or with the modern TEOR bus lines T1, T2, or T3.
Airplane
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) serves as the central gateway for travelers from the DACH region and is located around 140 kilometers east of the port. Many cruise lines offer coordinated shuttle transfers; additionally, rental cars or private car services allow for a direct and pleasant journey to the ship in about two hours.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Rouen is located directly on the picturesque Seine and, thanks to its location, offers excellent access to the historic old town of Normandy. Depending on the berth, you are already in the immediate vicinity or just a short transfer from the center.
On Foot
You can reach the historic heart of Rouen in about 5 to 25 minutes, depending on the pier. The walk leads along the modernized riverbanks of the Seine and, thanks to wide paths, offers a relaxed way to head directly toward the Gothic architecture.
Public Transport (TEOR & Métro)
The local transport network Réseau Astuce efficiently connects the port area with the city center. The modern TEOR rapid buses and the Métro tram run at frequent intervals and also bring you comfortably to more distant sights or to the main train station Rouen-Rive-Droite.
Taxi
Official taxis wait for passengers directly at the terminal building and allow for a quick trip into the old town. Thanks to the short distances, you can reach the center in about 10 minutes, making this service a particularly comfortable option for your shore excursion.
To make the most of your stay in Rouen, we recommend exploring the historic city center in combination with the picturesque treasures of the surrounding Normandy.
Rouen Old Town & Gros-Horloge
The historic heart of the city impresses with its magnificent half-timbered houses and the famous astronomical clock, the Gros-Horloge. Additionally, the district around the monumental cathedral invites you to take an inspiring stroll in the footsteps of the Impressionists.
Claude Monet's Garden in Giverny
Thanks to good connections, this world-famous location is within easy reach and enchants visitors with its colorful flora and iconic lily pond, making this garden the perfect destination for art and nature lovers.
Honfleur
The charming harbor town at the mouth of the Seine is an ideal destination for a day trip. With its picturesque Vieux Bassin and close proximity to the beaches of the Côte Fleurie, it offers a perfect combination of maritime flair and relaxation.
The Historic Old Town and Notre-Dame Cathedral
The historic heart of Rouen, with the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, is easily accessible from the cruise pier in just a few minutes by taxi or shuttle and enchants with its magnificent half-timbered houses and impressive Gothic architecture. A stroll through the winding alleys to the famous "Gros-Horloge" clock tower offers fascinating insights into the history of Normandy and also invites you to linger in charming sidewalk cafes. Ideally, visit the cathedral directly in the morning to enjoy the special play of light on the facade in peace and then take a relaxed stroll through the boutiques of the Rue du Gros-Horloge. Thanks to the compact size of the city center, you can reach all the sights effortlessly on foot and can plan your return journey to the port stress-free about ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey to the cruise terminal in Rouen can be planned safely and quickly thanks to its direct location on the Seine and the short distances to the historic old town.
Taxi
Taxi ranks are located at central points such as Place de la Cathédrale and the main railway station, Gare de Rouen-Rive-Droite. Additionally, you can conveniently have a taxi called from the well-known hotels in the city center, which will take you directly to the terminal within a few minutes.
Shuttle Bus and Public Transport
The modern buses of the TEOR system efficiently connect the center with the stops near the port and ensure a reliable return. Many ships also offer their own shuttle services, which start at Place de la Cathédrale and transport guests directly and comfortably back to the pier.
On Foot
The walk on foot leads you along the lively banks of the Seine and is very easy to find thanks to the clear orientation along the river. From the cathedral, you can reach the berths at Quai Richard Waddington or Quai Gaston Boulet in a pleasant stroll through the pedestrian zones and well-maintained green areas.
