Rouen, the capital of the French region of Normandy and host of L’Armada Rouen 2019 will be the first host port of The Liberty Tall Ships Regatta 2019. To celebrate our collaboration with this beautiful city and event, we’ve taken a look at what’s on offer for visitors…
This culturally rich and historic city dates back to the 10th century and maintains a strong connection to its past with beautiful Gothic architecture and a stunningly restored medieval quarter.
There are not many places that can lay claim to such an eventful history as this Norman city which found itself victim of large scale fires and widespread turmoil throughout the centuries. In spite of this, Rouen has grown from strength to strength and continues to delight tourists with numerous landmarks, architectural buildings and museums.
We’re excited to be collaborating with Rouen for the 30th anniversary of their world famous maritime festival, L’Armada Rouen 2019. The collaboration between the two events will hold extra significance as the 75th anniversary of the D Day landings will also be commemorated in June.
A Few of Our Favourite Things to See in Rouen
There really is too much to see and do in a city as storied and beautiful as Rouen, but you can’t leave without checking out these fantastic spots.
Sitting proudly across the city skyline, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is one of the most important site in both Rouen and the region of Normandy. This beautiful 12th century construction is the epitome of Gothic architecture and holds nearly a millennium’s worth of history within its walls.
A relative youngster in comparison to the Cathédrale de Rouen, this stunning clock tower in the centre of Rouen dates back to the 1300’s. The clock, set in a stunning Renaissance arch provides some of the best panoramic views of Rouen and the surrounding region – a must for all tourists.
A panorama of a wholly different kind and from a vastly different time, Panorama XXL is a truly unique artistic stop on the cultural trail. Opened in 2014, this panorama is the only one of its kind in France and displays immersive 360° art works from the German artist and architect, Yadegar Asisi.
Key to the historic identity of Rouen is its beautifully preserved old market square, it has been the backdrop to much of Rouen’s history and saw Joan of Arc burned at the stake in 1431. Since then, it has become part of the beating heart of Rouen and has grown into a bustling shopping district.
The Jardin des Plantes de Rouen can be found in upper Normandy and is a municipal botanical garden built in the 17th century. Across its 8 acres you’ll find a wealth of open air and greenhouse horticultural collections that bring plants from every corner of the globe to your finger tips.
Teaming Up with L’Armada Rouen
The Liberty Regatta will join L’Armada Rouen – running from 6-16 June – to help celebrate its 30th anniversary, creating a truly fantastic backdrop for the famous Tall Ships fleet. The last instalment of the event in 2013 attracted over 4 million visitors and 2019 is sure to attract many millions of spectators again.
During the seventh edition the regatta, the Tall Ships fleet will make an impressive entrance as they make their way along the 120km of the River Seine to the city of Rouen, where they will spend four days welcoming visitors on board and taking part in all of the maritime festivities.
As with all Tall Ships events host port celebrations, crews and trainees will enjoy an action packed four days of celebrations, sports, cultural excursions and more. The close of the festival will see some of the most memorable moments with a spectacular fireworks display and grand Parade of Sail with all attending vessels making their way down the Seine and on to the Liberty Tall Ships Regatta race start.
It’s not only crews and trainees who can look forward to Rouen, spectators will be able to get up close and personal with the ships in port and sample a taste of what life is like at sea on these beautiful vessels. Free boat tours throughout the event will provide even more chances to see the Liberty Tall Ships Regatta fleet from unique perspectives.
See which tall ships will be in Rouen
ABOUT THE EVENT
The Liberty Tall Ships Regatta 2019 will see the international fleet of Tall Ships race from Rouen, France, to The Hague, The Netherlands. We’re delighted to have now added a feeder race that will enable the ships to go onto the start of the Tall Ships Races 2019 in Aalborg.
Coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of occupied territory in Northwestern Europe, the Liberty Tall Ships Regatta 2019 will echo the theme of international friendship and understanding that is central to each and every Sail Training International Tall Ships event. After racing through the English Channel the fleet will embark on a Cruise-in-Company to Scheveningen and the Hague where there will be an invigorating port programme between 20-23 June.
iMAGES
Rouen from the air courtesy of Frederic Bisson
Horloge Regarder Doré courtesy of MrsBrown
Rouen fair at night courtesy of Rico76000
Rouen cathedral courtesy of KirkFisher
Rouen featured image (cropped) and banner image (cropped) courtesy of Claude Villetaneuse