About NNRFA

Norwich and Rouen

Sharing a common heritage from Viking times, both became centres of important agricultural areas and both thrived on the medieval wool trade. The relationship between Norwich and Rouen goes back many centuries to the Norman occupation of Norwich and William the Conqueror in the 11th century after the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. After the Norman conquest the Normans constructed abbeys and castles, of which Norwich Cathedral and castle, built of stone brought from Caen, are outstanding examples.

We became twin cities over 60 years ago and have had active twinning associations on either side of the Channel with regular alternating visits. And since 2012 we have both been members of the UNESCO Creative Cities network: Rouen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and Norwich is a UNESCO City of Literature. 

Rouen has many historic monuments: the 14th century astronomical clock (Le Gros Horloge), a Gothic cathedral, the ancient ossuary of Aître St Maclou, the market place where there is a modern church of Joan of Arc, and many picturesque cobbled streets of half-timbered buildings. Restaurants serving local and regional specialities abound and there is a food festival every October. Rouen is an important port on the River Seine and every five years, it hosts the Armada when magnificent sailing ships from around the world moor up for ten days of festivities. Along the Seine there are lovely parks and woods, ancient abbeys and picturesque villages. An hour away is Monet's famous garden at Giverny, the ports of Dieppe and Honfleur. 

Discover Rouen and the region at https://en.visiterouen.com/

NNRFA and the Rouen-Norwich-Club

The NNRFA President is the current Lord Mayor of Norwich. NNRFA is represented on Norwich City Council's Twinning Committee and in the Norfolk Association of Twinned Communities. The Rouen-Norwich Club is our partner association in Rouen and we jointly arrange links and visits.