From June 8th - 18th, 2023, the city of Rouen in Normandy will be buzzing with excitement as it hosts one of France's most significant public events. The Rouen Armada will bring together 43 tall ships and military vessels from around the world for a grand spectacle along the picturesque banks of the River Seine.

Ships along the River Seine during the Rouen Armada
Tall ships along the River Seine
©

David BerardanCC-BY SA 3.0

This highly anticipated event has taken place around every five years since it started in 1989. The eighth edition boasts an impressive fleet of 43 magnificent sailing ships with multiple masts. 

Beyond these majestic vessels, the Armada offers a wide array of activities for everyone to enjoy, both on land and in the water.

You can witness spectacular fireworks displays and enjoy free concerts every evening. Best of all, everything is free for the general public. This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can experience the magic of the Armada.

See the Magnificent Tall Ships & Meet the Crew

During the Armada, you’ll be able to marvel at the world's most impressive tall ships as they sail along the Seine riverbanks. You may like to pack a picnic and your binoculars, and find a spot along the 75-mile stretch of the river to witness these majestic vessels embark on their journey from Le Havre to Rouen on June 7th and 8th, between 3:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

You can join the grand finale on June 18th, known as "La Grande Parade," as all the ships sail back to Le Havre together. Be sure to check the precise passage times of the ships on the Armada's official website or using the Armada’s app.If you’re visiting Rouen during the Armada, take the opportunity to explore the ships up close. Crew members are happy to guide visitors through each vessel, sharing their stories and answering questions. You’ll see the visiting times posted near each ship's gangplank or consult you can check these on the Armada 2023 app.

An Inclusive Armada

There won’t be any Russian ships this year, but Штандартъ (Shtandart) is a replica of the first ship of Russia's Baltic fleet, built by sailing enthusiasts 24 years ago. Nowadays, the ship is stateless and doesn’t have a home port. What’s more, in a gesture of inclusiveness and unity, around 300 Ukrainians residing in France have been invited to have breakfast aboard one of the ships.

Key Events to Experience During the Armada

La Grande Pagaille

This event translates as “The Big Shambles”! On June 7th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, there’ll be an amusing display of floating objects all attempting to navigate the Seine. Individuals, associations, clubs, schools, and companies will be showcasing their creations as they have designed innovative vessels made entirely from recyclable materials and without thermal engines.

Sailors' Mass

You may join the Archbishop of Rouen on June 11th at 11:00 AM for the Sailors' Mass aboard the Atlantis. If you follow the procession from the left bank of the Seine, located on the Rollet peninsula, you can be part of this significant event that honors the seafaring tradition.

 

If you’re interested in boats and sailing, let us know when you book a tour of France with us. We will do our best to include some relevant sites, events or activities in your itinerary!

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

5.0
Linda & Michael
When we received our packet, I was amazed with all the info. Emilie put into it for our trip. We needed more time in the day for places on our daily agenda that we did not get a chance to visit. We will just have to return and finish them on the next trip to the Loire. Flo and Phil's, Les Bournais was a charming place with wonderful accommodations …
Michael
My wife and I are fairly seasoned travelers so when we decided to include a trip to France in our year long 50th Anniversary Celebration we wanted to do something different. We looked at group travel companies including those who specialize in "small" groups. None of them had the flavor we were looking for. In my search for somethin new I happened …
Teresa & Garry
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November. They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the …
Deirdre
My husband and I spent one week visiting Normandy and the Loire Valley on a trip planned by France Just For You. The trip was amazing....We stayed in beautiful accomodations,had the BEST private guides,utilized many suggested itineraries---and all while keeping within our budget! For anyone who does not have the time or inclination to plan a trip …
Kathy from the US
A Trip "Just for us!' We had an outstanding driving tour through NW France. We got to experience the trip at our own speed focusing on our individual interests. No large groups, tour buses, or strict schedules. It was heavenly! Emilie set us up with four special guides during our trip. Each was passionate about their area of expertise, well spoken …
Cynthia
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked …