Are you thinking of leaving a big city for a more relaxed life in Normandy? But you haven’t decided on which town yet? Rouen was recently voted one of the top 3 cities in France to live in, and boasts a number of attractive features. Just an hour from Paris, the historic capital of Normandy is renowned for its quality of life, and its lively and friendly atmosphere. Could this “town of a hundred church bells” maybe be your little corner or paradise?
A city on the go
Top 5 reasons to move to Rouen
01
A living museum
If you’re a fan of cultural and industrial heritage, you’re in for a treat. Rouen has the highest number of listed buildings per capita.
02
A green city
Nature can be found all around Rouen. Enjoy a stroll or jog through its parks, gardens and forests. The Seine riverside is also a great place to relax and enjoy everything that Rouen’s nature has to offer, as is the marina.
03
A city for foodies
Normandy is a great place to eat, and Rouen is no exception. The city was even named “UNESCO Creative City 2021” in the culinary field
04
A lively town
Rouen’s residents love getting together in the city to socialise. Whether you’re into festivals, sporting competitions or cultural visits, there’s always a good reason to go out in Rouen!
05
Leave the car at home
Just like in Paris or London, you don’t need a car to get around in Rouen. Take the metro, bus or train to get wherever you need to go!
Everything you need to feel at home in Rouen
So, it’s decided – Rouen is going to be your new home! The whole time is ready to welcome you. Do you need to find housing, a job, a school or childcare? Sit back and let us guide you!
- Rouen Town Hall
Enrolment at school, administrative formalities, daily life and more. - Rouen Normandy Metropole
Housing assistance, refuse, cultural and sporting activities, tourism, etc. - AVF
Helping new arrivals get settled, informal get-togethers, outings, and other community activities. - Rouen Normandy Invest
Guidance for businesses wishing to set up in the area.
Rouen’s most unmissable spots
One of the many reasons why Rouen is one of France’s best cities to live in is its social life! If you love going out, the capital of Normandy has plenty of places where you can make the most of your free time in Rouen.
And also…
The Joan of Arc exhibition
An innovative, interactive tour that retraces the epic tale of the heroine, sentenced to death at the stake in 1431.
Kindarena
Get ready to support Rouen’s ice hockey team, the Dragons, or Rouen Métropole Basket (National 1). 6,000 spectators are waiting for you at the Palais des Sports in Rouen.
Working in Rouen, an attractive location for employment
With its ideal location just an hour from Paris and the sea, the city is home to thriving businesses in a number of booming sectors. Whether you’re actively looking for a job in Rouen or planning to set up your own business, the capital of Normandy (with 440,000 jobs) is definitely a good choice.
The top sectors and professions recruiting in Rouen
Aeronautics
Based in Rouen, the Normandie Aeropsace (NAE) cluster has 170 members, including leading names in the aerospace industry such as Safran Aerosystems and Thales, and employs 21,500 people.
Food industry
Rouen is home to the French headquarters of the Ferrero group, as well as a number of factories that produce their much-loved chocolates.
Automobile
Rouen boasts global names such as Renault, Alpine, Bosch, Knorr Bremse and Nextmove.
Health and cosmetics
Sanofi France, Aspen, Ethypharm, Eurapharma… All of these leading international pharmaceutical companies have chosen Rouen. The area is also home to biotech start-ups such as Robocath and Angany Genetics.
Environmental technologies
To the south of Rouen, the Rouen Madrillet Innovation technology hub is home to pioneering companies specialising in engineering sciences and environmental technologies.
Energy
Rouen is home to EDF, Europarc, Saipol, Aqualon France and RVH2 Boréalis.
Finance, insurance and fintech
Rouen is the birthplace of several insurance companies, including Matmut, which has its headquarters here.
The city also has 40 customer service centres.
Port and logistics operations
Rouen’s port area (HAROPA PORT) is home to many major companies, such CMA CGM, Sea-Tank, Somatrans, Bollore Logistics and Sea Invest.
Digital
The Rouen-based Normandie Web Xperts (NWX) group has around a hundred members: they include marketing, digital communications and e-commerce companies, developers, IT security, gamification, SEO, social marketing, big data and AI specialists, etc.
Be spoilt for choice when you study in Rouen!
A true student town, Rouen welcomes 40,000 students each year. What is it that attracts them? A wide range of high-quality, well-regarded higher education courses, as well as a thriving student life.
Academic establishments in Rouen
What’s on in Rouen
- Les Puces Rouennaises
January
Every year, collectors and vintage enthusiasts gather at the Parc Expo. - The French Cup
February
Come and cheer on the best synchronised skating teams as they prepare for the World Championships. - Joan of Arc festival
May
Parades, medieval market, performances… For 3 days, Rouen goes back in time to the Middle Ages. Take a trip through the ages, back to the days of the troubadours. - The Armada
June
Every two years, the world’s greatest sailing ships and more than 8,000 sailors gather in the port for ten days. It’s a spectacular sight! - Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie normande
October
Foodies – this one is for you! For a whole weekend, 160 producers will be present in the Vieux-Marché neighbourhood for this local produce fair, where you can taste and purchase all sorts of Norman products.
Useful information in Rouen
Top stories in Rouen
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