What to Pack & Bring: Rouen

Seasonal Layers

Packing adaptable clothing makes for a comfortable trip.

Spring & Summer

Spring (April-May): Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and a Lightweight waterproof jacket or a Compact umbrella. Jeans or comfortable trousers are good for daytime.
Summer (June-August): Light clothing of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Shorts, skirts, and Short-sleeved shirts are suitable. Evenings can become cool, so a light sweater or Rain jacket is helpful.
Cultural Dress: For churches and religious sites like the Cathedral, it is respectful to cover shoulders and knees. Smart casual attire is common for general sightseeing.

Autumn & Winter

Dressing warmly and waterproof is good for cooler months.

Cooler Weather Essentials

Autumn (September-October): Heavier sweaters (wool or fleece), long-sleeved tops, and a warm, Waterproof coat. Scarves add warmth and style.
Winter (November-March): Pack a warm, Waterproof winter coat. Include wool or fleece sweaters, Thermal base layers, a hat, Gloves, and a Scarf. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended.
Activity Attire: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for Rouen's historic center with cobbled streets. Prioritize comfort and support for extensive walking.

Footwear Favorites

Walking Shoes

Your most important item of footwear. Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning, suitable for walking for hours on various surfaces.

Men's Walking Shoes

Waterproof Boots

Especially useful if traveling in autumn or winter, or if rain is forecast. Keeps your feet dry and comfortable.

Women's Walking Shoes

Dressier Shoes

Pack one pair for evenings out if you plan to visit nicer restaurants or attend cultural performances.

Evening Attire

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Papers

Careful organization of your documents simplifies travel and avoids potential issues. Keep these items secure and accessible, but separate from your main luggage.

Passport and visa documentation (if applicable): Your main identification. Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If you needed a visa, carry all related documentation.
Travel insurance policy information: Print a copy of your policy and save a digital version on your phone and in the cloud. Include emergency contact numbers for the insurance provider.
International Driving Permit (IDP) (if applicable): Required in France if you plan to drive and hold a non-EU driver's license. Obtain this in your home country before departure.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Carry any specific vaccination certificates required for entry. Have a list of any prescribed medications and a doctor's note for them, notably for controlled substances.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Keep copies of flight tickets, train tickets, hotel bookings, tour confirmations, and car rental reservations. Digital versions on your phone are convenient, but a few printed copies serve as a backup.
Emergency contact information: A physical card with contact details for family or friends at home, your country's embassy or consulate in France, and your travel insurance provider.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): If you have an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), an international senior card, or a press pass, it may offer discounts at museums or attractions.
Backup solutions for important data: Use cloud storage services (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud) to back up photos and important documents regularly. An external hard drive for larger photo collections provides another backup.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Ensuring your devices work and stay charged is .

Power Up

Power adapter: France uses Type E/F sockets. Standard voltage is 230V, 50Hz. If your devices operate on a different voltage (e.g., 120V in North America), you will need a Voltage converter. A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is a convenient choice for multiple devices.
Mobile phone compatibility and SIM card options: France uses the GSM standard, compatible with most modern smartphones. Consider purchasing a local SIM card from providers like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, or Free Mobile for prepaid plans, offering data, calls, and texts. These are available at phone shops.
Ensure your phone is unlocked before leaving home. ESIMs are also a convenient alternative for compatible phones, allowing you to activate a local plan digitally before you arrive.

Capture & Navigate

Rouen presents many photographic opportunities. Navigation tools are also very useful.

Tech Toolkit

Camera equipment recommendations: Rouen offers many photographic opportunities. A versatile mirrorless or DSLR camera with a standard zoom lens. A Wide-angle lens can capture the full grandeur of the Gothic architecture. Do not forget extra batteries and memory cards.
Portable chargers and power banks: With heavy use of your phone, a Portable power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity provides multiple phone charges.
Recommended apps: Google Maps or Apple Maps for navigation. Deepl Translate or Google Translate for language assistance. TheFork or TripAdvisor for restaurant bookings and reviews. SNCF Connect for train schedules.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud storage services (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud) to back up photos and important documents regularly. This provides easy access from any device.

External Hard Drive

An External hard drive for larger photo collections or crucial files provides another physical backup, separate from your main devices.

Digital Copies

Always keep digital copies of your passport, visa (if applicable), and travel insurance on your phone or in the cloud. Physical copies should be stored separately.

Health & Wellness

Medical Preparedness

A well-stocked personal first aid kit covers minor issues.

First Aid Kit Contents

A basic Kit should include pain relievers (Ibuprofen), adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, allergy medication, antacids, and rehydration salts. A Compact first aid kit is easy to carry.
Prescription medications: Carry all prescription medications in their original labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note explaining the medication. Pack enough for your entire trip plus a few extra days. Keep these in your carry-on bag.
Over-the-counter medications for common issues: Include remedies for cold and flu symptoms, motion sickness pills, and any other specific medications you use regularly.

Personal Care & Protection

Protect yourself from environmental factors and maintain hygiene.

Protection & Hygiene

Insect repellent and Sun protection: In warmer months, notably near the Seine, insect repellent can be useful. High SPF Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a Wide-brimmed hat are advisable, especially during summer. Choose travel-size containers for liquids, like Travel-size sunscreen.
Water purification options: Not necessary for Rouen, as tap water is safe and potable. You can refill Reusable water bottles without concern.
Personal hygiene essentials: While pharmacies and supermarkets in Rouen carry most standard hygiene products, if you rely on specific brands or sensitive skin products, bring them from home in travel sizes. Hand sanitizer is always useful.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness pills: If prone to travel sickness, pack your preferred medication.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated counters dehydration during travel, which can worsen motion sickness.
Light meals: Avoid heavy meals before or during travel if you are prone to motion sickness. Opt for lighter, easily digestible foods.

Specific Dietary Needs

If you have specific dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegan), consider packing specialty items that might be harder to find.
Allergy cards: Carry cards translated into French for any severe food allergies to communicate clearly in restaurants.
Favorite tea/coffee: If a particular type of tea or coffee is a must-have for your routine, bring a small supply from home.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Walking Tours

Pack for comfort and convenience during your city explorations.

A small, comfortable Daypack for water, snacks, and a camera.
A Reusable water bottle.
A Light jacket for changeable weather.
Comfortable walking shoes are paramount for exploring Rouen's cobbled streets.

Photography

Capture Rouen's beauty with the right camera gear.

Extra batteries for your camera.
A Travel tripod for low-light shots of the Cathedral.
Plenty of memory cards.
A wide-angle lens for grand architectural shots.

Cycling & Rentals

Padded shorts for extensive cycling trips.
Bicycles are easy to rent locally through bike-sharing programs or rental shops.
For general sightseeing, no other specialized gear is typically needed.
Bringing your own quality walking poles for extensive hiking in the surrounding region might be an option.

Rent vs. Buy Equipment

Consider Renting When:

The item is bulky or heavy to transport (e.g., specific sports equipment).
You only need the item for a short period of time.
Local rental options are readily available and affordable (e.g., bicycles in Rouen).
You want to try an activity without committing to purchasing equipment.

Consider Bringing Your Own When:

The item is small, lightweight, and critical for your personal comfort or health (e.g., specific toiletries, medications).
You use the item frequently and its quality is important to you (e.g., a specific camera lens).
You are unsure about local availability or quality of rental options for that specific item.
It's a long trip and the cost of renting would exceed the cost of buying/transporting.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Make your journey smoother and protect your valuables.

Travel Comforts

Comfort items for transportation: A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs make train journeys or flights more comfortable.
Security items: TSA-approved luggage locks for checked bags. A Money belt for securing cash and passports. An RFID-blocking wallet or passport holder protects against electronic skimming.
Reusable items: A reusable water bottle (easy to refill from taps in Rouen). A Foldable shopping bag for purchases at markets or shops. A Portable cutlery set if you plan many picnics. A Collapsible water bottle saves space.
Region-specific essentials unique to Rouen: A basic French phrasebook or a downloaded Translation app for offline use is incredibly useful. While English is spoken in tourist areas, attempting French is always appreciated.

Specialized Needs

For specific preferences or items, consider bringing them from home.

Items to Bring from Home

If you rely on specific brands of toiletries, pack a sufficient supply.
If you have specialized dietary items (e.g., gluten-free products, certain snack bars), bring enough from home.
If you use particular over-the-counter medications regularly, bring a sufficient supply.
These might be harder to find or more expensive locally.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Bags

Reduce plastic waste with your own shopping bags.

Portable Cutlery

Carry a set for picnics and street food, avoiding disposables.

Reusable Coffee Cup

Enjoy your beverages without generating extra cup waste.

Water Filter Bottle

While Rouen tap water is safe, good for other travel. (LifeStraw)

Destination-Specific Items

Historical Exploration

A good guidebook for historical sites, offering detailed information.
Audio guide compatible headphones for museum and walking tours.
Binoculars for viewing intricate details of the Cathedral's architecture.

Art & Culture

Sketchbook and pencils for artists inspired by Rouen's picturesque scenes.
A quality camera to capture the city's beauty, inspired by Monet.
Portable music player with French music for a truly immersive stroll through the city.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light and efficiently. Roll clothes to save space. Use packing cubes for organization. This makes unpacking and re-packing easier.

Remember to leave space for souvenirs!

What to Pack & Bring