Depart Paris by train from Gare Saint-Lazare; relax with a coffee and a pastry from Maison Pradier on the platform and enjoy the short journey to Rouen Rive Droite.
Arrive at Rouen Rive Droite and take a brief walk to Place du Vieux-Marché, soaking in the timber-framed houses and stopping for a quick photo by the statue of Jeanne d’Arc.
Explore the lanes around Rue du Gros-Horloge, pop into La Couronne for a late lunch or a light plate of regional specialties, and admire the ornate Gros-Horloge clock from below.
Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen to view its soaring façade and stained glass, then step into Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen for a quick look at works by Monet and other Impressionists (short visit).
Wander down toward the Seine for a peaceful riverside stroll along the quays, pausing at Quai de la Bourse and the modern Hangar 23 area for views of the water and bridges.
Head to Le 6ème Sens or L'Épicerie for an early aperitif and light bites as the town transitions into evening, enjoying warm indoor seating if it's chilly.
From Rouen Rive Droite, take a short walk to Jardin des Plantes de Rouen for a calm 30-minute stroll among seasonal beds and sculptures, a pleasant contrast to the busy old town streets.
Visit Musée Le Secq des Tournelles to see its extraordinary ironwork collection and unique displays; a focused 45-60 minute visit highlights the museum's quirky masterpieces.
Climb the narrow stairs to the top walkway near Gros-Horloge for a different vantage point over the old quarter, then browse the artisanal shops on Rue du Gros-Horloge for local ceramics or textiles.
Enjoy a warm appetizer or small plates at Les Antiquaires near the cathedral, sampling Normandy cheeses and a glass of Cidre to accompany the changing light over the square.
Take a relaxed riverside walk toward Pont Jeanne d'Arc, pausing to photograph the sunset reflections on the Seine and the silhouette of city bridges as evening approaches.
Finish the afternoon with an early dinner reservation at La Petite Auberge or Le Bistrot des Marronniers, enjoying regional dishes such as duck confit or sole meunière before returning to the station.
Enjoy an atmospheric aperitif at Le 6ème Sens or L'Épicerie if you haven't yet, sampling a local cider or a glass of Bordeaux while the streets grow quieter and lights come on.
Dine at La Petite Auberge or Le Bistrot des Marronniers, savoring Normandy specialties like duck confit or sole meunière in a cozy, candlelit setting.
Take a post-dinner stroll along the lit quays toward Pont Jeanne d'Arc, pausing to photograph the Seine reflections and the illuminated stone bridges.
Warm up with a digestif or hot chocolate at Les Antiquaires or a nearby café, watching the cathedral and timbered houses glow under evening lights.
If trains back to Paris suit your schedule, head to Rouen Rive Droite for the return; otherwise relax at a late-night bar like Hangar 23 (if open) before making your way to the station.