One day, a weekend, or a whole week.
However long you've got, here's how to make the most of the Armada 2027 — the ships, the city, and the best of Normandy beyond it.
1 — The day trip
Coming in from Paris just for the day? Easy — Rouen is about 1h25 by train. Aim for an early start and focus on the quays.
Walk the quays & board the ships
Arrive by 9–10am, before the crowds. Start at one end and work along the fleet, climbing aboard the tall ships that take your eye. See the fleet guide.
The food village or old town
Grab something at the global food village on the quays, or duck into the half-timbered old town. Ideas on the where to eat page.
Old Rouen + a river view
See the cathedral and Gros-Horloge, then catch a Seine cruise to see the ships from the water before your train home.
Stay for the fireworks
If you can push your train back, the nightly fireworks over the Seine are worth it. See what's on.
2 — The weekend
Two or three nights lets you enjoy the Armada without rushing — and actually see Rouen. Book a room early; rooms sell out and prices climb. Start with where to stay.
Arrive & explore the quays
Check in, then spend the afternoon and evening on the fleet and at the concerts. Finish with the fireworks.
Old Rouen + a day trip
Morning guided walking tour of the old town, afternoon out to Giverny or Honfleur.
One last ship & the parade
If it's the closing Sunday, find a spot for the Grande Parade before heading home.
3 — The full week
The best of both worlds: dip into the Armada across several days and tour Normandy properly. Base yourself in or near Rouen and branch out. A local concierge can build the whole thing for you.
The Armada, unhurried
Ships, concerts, food village and fireworks — at your own pace, weekdays to dodge the crowds.
Giverny & the Seine valley
Monet's garden plus the Jumièges abbey loop.
The Alabaster Coast
The cliffs of Étretat and a clifftop walk.
Honfleur & Le Havre
The painters' harbour and the UNESCO city at the river's mouth.
Cider route & the Grande Parade
A relaxed self-drive through apple country, then back to wave the fleet out to sea.
Get a tailored itinerary.
Send your dates and we'll come back with a plan built around your group — including where to stay and the best-value tours and day trips.
Explore more of Rouen: Armada 2027 dates & schedule · Rouen Cathedral · the Gros-Horloge clock · Joan of Arc in Rouen · best viewpoints.