http://www.armada.org/Home--66.htm  From the 5th to the 14th of July 2008, more than 30 of the most famous tall ships will be back in Rouen once again for the world's biggest International nautical event.

On July 4th 2008, sailing ships from all around the globe will sail up the river Seine, and gather in Rouen, the Capital of Upper Normandy, passing as they go the biggest rising bridge ever built: the Pont Gustave Flaubert. Before the ships make sail for their race towards Liverpool, there will be a week of celebrations which include, fireworks, street vendors and performers as well as other nightly organized events to see them on their way.

The Armada is the largest entry-free maritime event, with over 10 million visitors expected over the course of the week. The outstanding location and exceptional programme of events add to the guaranteed success of this year's meeting, with 10 km of renovated quays on either side of the Seine from which you can watch not only the ships but the nightly fireworks displays. Visitors can also enjoy The "Fleet of Follies", a crazy collection of Non-Identified Floating Objects (NIFOs), the crew parade, the election of Miss Armada, sporting competitions with the sailors, a special disabled persons' programme and, to crown it all, the Parade of ships from Rouen to the sea (120 km!)

Rouen is just the departure point of the Tall Ships race; on the 18th of July they will set off on the first leg to Liverpool before sailing to Maloy in Norway on July 23rd to join Den Helder in the Netherlands.

The Tourist Office of Rouen, a member of ‘Maison de la France' and ‘Club Tourisme en ville', which will be celebrating its 100th birthday in 2008, is a privileged partner of the Armada and will be present on the Quay to welcome visitors.