The Finale

The Grande Parade.

The unforgettable closing act: every ship sails down the Seine to the sea as millions wave them off. Here's when it happens, the route, and where to stand for the best view.

⚓ Armada 2027 at a glance

Dates: 17–27 June 2027 (10 days)
Place: Seine quays, Rouen — free entry
Fleet: ~40 tall ships from ~30 nations + Viking fleet
Every evening: fireworks + ~1,000-drone show
Finale: Grande Parade down the Seine, Sunday 27 June

🛏️ Where to stay? Rooms in Rouen sell out fast for the Armada — see hotels for the Armada.

Tall ships sailing down the Seine during the Armada Grande Parade — Photo : Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0

When is it?

The Grande Parade takes place on the closing Sunday — 27 June 2027, traditionally from around 10am. The ships leave Rouen one after another and head downstream, a slow, majestic procession that lasts much of the day as the fleet makes its way toward the estuary.

The route

From the Rouen quays, the fleet sails roughly 120 km down the Seine toward the sea between Honfleur and Le Havre. Because the river winds, the ships pass a string of viewpoints over several hours — so you don't have to be in Rouen to see them.

Best places to watch

Pont Flaubert (Rouen): a classic spot as the ships leave the city.
La Bouille: a pretty village on a bend of the Seine — a favourite send-off point.
Sahurs: open riverbank views, usually calmer than the city.
Duclair: a riverside town with cafés and a wide stretch of water.
Jumièges: the romantic abbey loop — arguably the most beautiful backdrop of all.

More detail on each spot is on our best viewpoints page.

Tips for parade day

Go early. Roads downstream get busy and many close as crowds build.
Plan parking & your exit in advance — see the parking guide, or better, rent a car for flexibility along the river.
Bring water, sun protection and patience — it's a long, slow, glorious day.
Or watch from the water on a parade cruise for the closest view of all.

Exact 2027 timings and the official parade order are published nearer the event. Join the list and we'll send the schedule and a suggested-viewpoints plan.

Chasing the fleet downstream? A rental car is the easiest way to hop between the riverside viewpoints — La Bouille, Sahurs, Duclair, Jumièges — and stay ahead of the crowds on parade day. Compare car rental deals → — free cancellation, 4.6/5 from 270k+ reviews.

Don't Miss the Send-Off

Get the parade plan.

Join the list for the 2027 parade route, timings and the best viewpoints — sent the moment they're confirmed.

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Where to stand: see the best viewpoints to watch the Grande Parade — from the Rouen quays to La Bouille, Duclair and Jumièges.

Where to stay for the Armada

Rooms in Rouen sell out fast for the Armada — compare live prices and book early.

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📍 Best viewpoints along the Seine : Pont Flaubert · La Bouille · Sahurs · Duclair · Jumièges