The « Rouen Armada » by motorhome

From June 6th to June 16th will be held the 7th edition of the Rouen Armada. This will be the perfect time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this gathering of sailboats, which has become one of the most important events in that area.

In a few figures, the event is made up of more than 70 ships, coming from more than 30 different countries with more than 1000 sailors on board! This event takes place every 4 to 6 years on the banks of the Seine in Rouen. As you will have understood, this is an event not to be missed. As in most editions, the organizers are expecting more than 5 million visitors!

For 10 days, Rouen puts itself in the colours of the nationalities of the invited boats. Many activities are offered to tourists within the city during the gathering. It is on the banks of the Seine that concerts and by the end of each day are held fireworks displays. But, the main attraction is, of course, the splendid ships, which the crowd can admire on the docks!

For the record, it was in 1986 that Patrick Huerr suggested to the Mayor of Rouen, Jean Lecanuet, to celebrate the 100 years of the Statue of Liberty’s journey from Rouen to New York by organizing a sailing race between the two cities. The aim was to animate and revive the quays of Rouen, which had been abandoned. The event had an unprecedented success and became a must-attend event for sailboat, warship and barge enthusiasts!

The highlight of the Rouen Armada is the parade on the Seine. After a 10-day stopover in the capital of Normandy, the ships sail down the river, one after the other, before returning to the sea off Honfleur and Le Havre. Thousands of curious people are positioning themselves along the Seine to admire the spectacle of these magnificent sailing ships and wish them good luck for future journeys!

Some practical information about the Armada

Thanks to the excellent work of the organizing association « L’Armada de la liberté », this event is free and open to everyone. You can enjoy the catering areas, handicapped access and amenities installed for the occasion. As the people of Rouen like to say, « all oceans lead to Rouen ». Whether you are travelling by road, plane or boat, you will arrive at your destination easily!

Where to park during the Rouen Armada? Where to camp in Rouen?

During the Rouen Armada, the hotels in the area are full 95% of the time! Unless you book early on, it is difficult to find available rooms. For this edition, the organizers had the good idea to open the first floating campsite in France! Travellers who come to the festivities by bike will have the chance to spend the night on a barge or under an ecological tent on the river of the Seine. For tourists in motorhomes, caravans or vans, it is also very difficult to find availability in the surrounding campsites and parking areas.  The Normandy HomeCamper hosts are already looking forward to sharing this event with you, which is their pride and joy! They know the dates and locations of the festivities, which will allow you to fully enjoy the Armada and its ships. Don’t wait any longer to book your stay!

For more information : www.armada.org/

HomeCamper’s private campsite nearby Rouen :
https://homecamper.com/en/selections/france/normandie/seine-maritime/rouen

HomeCamper Team