Landmark
Palais de Justice
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The Palais de Justice in Rouen is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its façade adorned with ornate carvings, spires, and gargoyles. As one of the oldest courthouses in France still in use, it offers a rare blend of medieval grandeur and modern legal function. Visitors can admire the exterior from the surrounding square, noting the delicate stone tracery and the towering roof. The interior, while not always open to the public, occasionally hosts guided tours that reveal grand halls, historic courtrooms, and a sense of centuries of justice being served. The building's location in the heart of Rouen makes it a natural stop on any walking tour, and its illuminated facade at night is particularly striking.
Don't miss
- Examine the intricate Gothic façade with its sculpted details and flying buttresses.
- Look for the statues of kings and biblical figures adorning the main entrance.
- Visit the grand Salle des Pas Perdus (Hall of Lost Steps) if open to the public.
- See the restored 16th-century roof and the ornate spire.
- Observe the contrast between the medieval exterior and the modern courtroom interiors.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Palais de Justice
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGuided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen4.8★ · 62 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$28 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSmall Group Guided Tour of the Secret History of Rouen5★ · 80 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$116 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleSainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie & Palais de Justice Private Tour4.8★ · 74 travelers~2 hoursFrom$236 per personSee dates →More attractions in Rouen