Rouen in one day during the Armada.

Rouen is about 1h25 by direct train from Paris Saint-Lazare, which makes a one-day Armada trip genuinely easy. The trick is an early start and a loose plan — here's ours.

Before 10am — Arrive and hit the quays

Take an early train and walk straight down to the Seine. The fleet is at its calmest and most photogenic in the morning light, before the day-trippers arrive. Start at one end of the quays and work your way along, boarding whichever tall ships catch your eye — it's all free.

Midday — Lunch on the move

When hunger hits, the quayside food village is the easiest option, with dishes from the crews' home countries. Prefer a sit-down meal? Step up into the old town, but be ready to wait — tables are in demand during the event.

Early afternoon — Old Rouen

Spend a couple of hours in the medieval centre: the cathedral Monet painted, the Gros-Horloge astronomical clock, and the lanes of half-timbered houses. A guided walking tour packs the history in if you'd rather not wing it.

Late afternoon — See the ships from the water

Round things off with a short Seine cruise for a completely different view of the moored fleet. Book ahead — Armada sailings fill up fast.

Evening — Stay for the fireworks (if you can)

If you can push your train back, the nightly fireworks over the river are worth it. Check what's on for timings.