Rouen is the historical capital of Normandy. Rouen - holidays with children The city of Rouen in France in French
Rouen, a beautiful ancient city, with tall half-timbered houses and cathedrals in the flamboyant Gothic style. Unlike Le Havre, which was practically razed to the ground and rebuilt after World War II, Rouen was not so badly damaged by bombing and retained its appearance as a medieval city interspersed with earlier eras.
The capital of Normandy stands on the Seine, between Paris and Le Havre (to Le Havre - 86 km, to Paris - 132 km). From Paris to Rouen it is easy to get by train. Trains to Rouen depart from Paris Saint-Lazare Station, the journey time is just over an hour.
The old city of Rouen is located on the right bank of the Seine, where it was once founded by the Celts and equipped by Roman legionnaires. Over time, the Roman settlement of Rotomagus turned into the main city of the Norman principality - the Normans repeatedly sailed their ships up the Seine to Rotomagus: first they plundered and burned the city, then they settled in it as masters and made it their capital.
Rouen grew, moved the fortress walls further and further, and grew with churches, monasteries, and castles.
So: half-timbered and flaming gothic. Half-timbered - because the banks of the Seine were covered with forest, and there was no shortage of wood, but only rich city dwellers could build stone buildings. The streets of the city are narrow, half-timbered houses are up to five or six floors, the areas are usually small. There are many flowers, both in the squares and under the windows.
We started our walk from the Seine embankment, from the theater, in front of which there is a monument to the playwright Pierre Corneille, a native of Rouen, the founder of French tragedy. He lived in Rouen for 56 years, and there is a Corneille Museum in the city.
Monument to Pierre Corneille in front of the theater in Rouen
The main axis of old Rouen stretches parallel to the Seine: from the Church of Saint-Maclou - to the Old Market Square with the Church of Saint Joan of Arc (it was burned on this square).
Sights of Rouen on the map
On this axis, closer to Saint-Macl, is the cathedral, known from numerous paintings by Claude Monet. The artist painted it many times, capturing and capturing the nuances of light transitions and the transformation of the cathedral depending on the angle of incidence of the sun's rays. Over the course of two years, a large series of paintings by Monet dedicated to the Rouen Cathedral was completed.
Claude Monet. Rouen Cathedral at noon
There is an information center directly opposite the cathedral, which has maps and booklets in Russian. The map shows two routes around the historical center of Rouen: brown and purple. It is advisable to follow these routes - they pass through the most wonderful, indicative streets of Rouen.
The information center is located on the ground floor of the former Bureau of Finance building, a historic 16th-century building richly decorated with stone carvings. Claude Monet painted the cathedral from the second floor of this building.
Bureau of Finance - left
Medallions on the facade of the Bureau of Finance
On summer evenings, a spectacular light show takes place on the cathedral square, with two hour-long free sessions of the Cathedrale de Lumiere (Cathedral of Light) - various images are projected onto the façade of the cathedral.
The façade of Rouen Cathedral is unique - it’s not for nothing that it attracted the attention of Claude Monet. Over the centuries, the façade has been remodeled many times. Its left tower of Saint-Romain (12th century) is crowned with a spire, its right tower of Beure (15th century) ends with a terrace. Saint-Romain is the patron saint of Rouen, so his name has firmly and repeatedly entered the toponymy of Rouen.
The Bör Tower is translated as “Butter Tower”; it was built with the money of the townspeople, who were allowed to eat butter during Lent - for this indulgence they gave money for the construction of the tower. In addition, the tower of Bur is built from yellowish stone brought from Wales. The cathedral itself is white stone.
Bas-reliefs
There are three portals cut into the façade: Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Romain and Saint-Etienne. A bell tower with a cast-iron spire is raised above the middle cross.
Rouen Cathedral inside: central nave
Saints: Andrew, Peter, Roman, Nicholas
If you exit the cathedral from the right side portal, then in the depths of the street, on the Tall Old Tower Square, you can see a building with an unusual pedestal with a gazebo tower. It was built in 1524. The annual religious procession with the relics of St. Romanus ended on this pedestal.
Building with pedestal
Rue Saint-Romain leads from the cathedral to the church of Saint-Maclou, or rather a street with half-timbered facades. Nestled among the half-timbered buildings is a Viennese café. There are shops selling ceramics - Rouen is famous for its ceramics, the city even has a Ceramics Museum.
Viennese coffee shop on rue Saint-Romain
The Church of Saint-Maclou evokes a feeling of lightness, grace, and flight. A striking example of flaming Gothic.
Church of Saint-Maclou
Door fragment
The church is surrounded by half-timbered houses.
The narrow street Damiet goes to the left, along which you can walk to the Abbey of Saint-Ouen.
On the left side of the facade there is a fountain with drinking water. And here are the peeing boys, but they don’t look as radiant as their counterpart in Brussels.
Fountain with a pissing boy, drinking water
If you walk from the fountain along the Church of Saint-Maclou along rue Martainville, then on the left side you will find an arch leading to the Atrium of Saint-Maclou. Having passed under the arch, you find yourself in a narrow courtyard, where you simply feel the breath of centuries, such a feeling of antiquity and frozen time.
Courtyard in front of the atrium of Saint-Maclou
The passage under the second arch leads out into an enclosed courtyard - a former cemetery, surrounded by wooden galleries. This isolated cemetery at the church - the atrium of Saint-Maclou - arose during the plague epidemic. Skulls and skeletons are carved on the wooden walls, and funerary monuments are built in here and there. The place is quiet and eerie. Although now there is a regional school of fine arts there, and on summer evenings performances are held in this enclosed courtyard.
Atrium of Saint-Maclou - plague cemetery
On the other side of the Rouen Cathedral, from its facade, the pedestrian street of the Great Clock begins, idle, lively, filled with walking people. The large Clock is mounted on an arch with a metal roof with a ridge. Under the arch there are bas-reliefs.
Saint-Romain Tower of Rouen Cathedral
And here, in fact, is the tower with the Big Clock
...and the bas-reliefs underneath
Behind the arch, on the left side, there is a bas-relief fountain.
Bas-relief fountain behind the Big Clock Tower
Local “macaroni” - colorful macaroons - are sold on the street.
Continuation of the Big Clock Street
And - again a line of half-timbered houses, and we come out onto the Old Market Square. However, the market still exists today: a civilized indoor market: vegetables, fruits, cheeses.
We pass the market and find ourselves near a wonderful building: a rugged cube with stained glass windows under a strange roof: above the cube it soars upward in two tongues, and from the cube it slides down with the long narrow bottom of an inverted ship. This building was built on the site of the Saint-Vincens church demolished in 1944 and is called the Church of Saint Joan of Arc.
Church of Joan of Arc
To the right of the church are the remains of the foundation of the destroyed church.
Old Market Square. Foundation of a ruined church
On the other side, behind a low wooden fence, is the site of the burning of Joan of Arc. 
The church houses the restored stained glass windows of the Church of Saint-Vincens.
Church of Joan of Arc inside
If you walk from the Church of Joan of Arc towards the Seine along the Old Palace Street (rue du Vieux Palais) and turn left at the first intersection, you will find yourself on Martin Luther King Square, near the Reformed Church of Saint-Eloi. Luther King Square connects with the lovely little Place de la Pucelle.
Place Pussel
Watchman on the windowsill
At the junction of the squares there is a remarkable building - the Burgterulda Hotel. The Burgteruld mansion was built in the early 16th century for the influential Le Roux family. Built of yellow stone, decorated with bas-reliefs and a corner turret.
Hotel Burgteruld
Portal of the Burgteruld Hotel
After passing through Place Pussels, you can go to the Saint-André Tower - this is all that remains of the Saint-André Church after the Allied bombing. And from the tower along Jeanne d'Arc Street, go up to the Palace of Justice, or the Parliament of Normandy.
This is, indeed, a palace. The same flaming Gothic style, a stone lace shawl draped over the building.
Palace of Justice
Decor details
Previously, this place belonged to the Jewish community. After the expulsion of the Jews from Rouen, this land was no man's land for some time, then the herbal market was located here. At the end of the 15th century, it was decided to build a Norman feudal court, and a building arose that was not inferior in beauty and sophistication of decoration to many palaces.
From the previous owners of this place the so-called "The Wonderful House", found in the east wing of Parliament in 1076. Presumably this is a fragment of an ancient Hebrew university. You can get there only by appointment.
Along the Street of the Jews (rue aux Juifs) you need to go to the wide street of Carmes (rue de Carmes), turn left and at the second intersection turn right. On the small square of Carmes, among the trees, there is a monument to Flaubert. And on the neighboring Place Saint-Armand (rather, not a square, but a triangular public garden) there is a monument to Claude Monet.
From here it is very close to the Abbey of Saint-Ouen (go left along the Rue de la République). The same flaming Gothic style, three dented portals. The Church of Saint-Ouen is famous for its stained glass windows, but we didn’t get inside, the church was closed.
Portals of the Church of Saint-Ouen
To the left of the church there is a long gallery, behind it is a green square and the long yellow city hall building. In front of the city hall is an equestrian statue of Napoleon.
The gallery along the Saint-Ouen church is a meeting place for local youth
Opposite Napoleon, Rue Jean Lecanue begins, following which we find ourselves on Place Verdel, in the local “quarter of museums”. The most significant of them is the Museum of Fine Arts. Next to it is the Sec de Tournai Museum of Blacksmithing and the Museum of Ceramics. The Saint-Godard Church is adjacent to the Museum of Fine Arts. And just north of the Museum of Ceramics is the tower of Joan of Arc, in which she was located for some time. The donjon tower is the little that remains of the castle of King Philip on August 2nd.
From the Tower of Joan of Arc it is very close to the Rouen train station.
There is also a natural attraction in Rouen - St. Catherine's Hill. It is located on the eastern outskirts of the city, half an hour's walk from the city center. The hill itself is considered a natural monument; rare species of animals and plants are found here, including the Rouen violet, Italian crickets, and Soloni sheep. From the top there is a panoramic view of Rouen and the Seine with bridges.
The required time for a full inspection of Rouen is two days.
What to see in Rouen in one day: first of all, the masterpieces of flaming Gothic Rouen Cathedral, the Church of Saint-Maclou (and its Atrium), the Abbey of Saint-Ouen and the Palace of Justice. In addition to them - the Church of Joan of Arc and the Burgteruld Hotel. Well, and along the way – the streets and squares connecting them, lined with half-timbered houses. On the second day, leave the museums and St. Catherine's Hill.
Useful websites for preparing for your trip
Normandy is a region of modern France with an ancient history. The Romans called this area Celtic Gaul. At the same time, the first settlement arose in the place where the city of Rouen (France) is located today. As the administrative center of Normandy, it annually welcomes thousands of tourists who come to explore local attractions, including the famous Cathedral.
Capital of the Duke of Normandy
Already in the 3rd century AD. e. Rouen was a prosperous city in Roman Gaul with baths and an amphitheater. It is not known exactly when the local residents adopted Christianity, but the work of the Rouen bishop Victricius, dated to the end of the 4th century, has been preserved, where it is reported that at that time a Christian basilica was being built in the city.
Gaul was later conquered by the Franks and by the middle of the 9th century, when the Norman raids began, it was part of the West Frankish kingdom. During these raids, Rouen was repeatedly sacked by warlike Normans. Finally, in 911, the Frankish king Charles III, in accordance with the peace treaty concluded, declared Rollo, the leader of the Normans, duke of the territory he had conquered.
The duchy became known as Normandy, and Rouen became its capital. Rollo, like many of his fellow tribesmen, converted to Christianity, receiving the name Robert at baptism. Rouen Cathedral is where the remains of the first Duke of Normandy rest today.
From Romanesque basilica to Gothic cathedral
The first Christian temple in Rouen was destroyed during one of the Norman raids. The building was not restored, but in its place, after the formation of the duchy in the 10th century, another basilica in the Romanesque style with a baptistery was built. From the ancient structure, only the crypt has survived to this day, which can be seen when visiting the Rouen Cathedral.
The austere architecture of the Romanesque style was replaced by the sublime Gothic style. Like many other churches in France, the Rouen Cathedral in the 12th century began to be built in accordance with the new architectural style. The work lasted for several centuries, so the temple itself can be considered a unique illustration of the history of Norman Gothic.
Tower of Saint Romain
The Saint-Romain Tower is the oldest surviving part of the cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Rouen. Below it is the baptistery, reminiscent of the Romanesque basilica that once stood on this site.
The tower is named after one of the bishops of the city - Romain, who lived in the 7th century, who, according to legend, defeated the monster that lived in the Seine. It is a pity that Saint Romain could not save the tower that bears his name during the Second World War. As a result of the Allied bombing, the Rouen Cathedral was greatly damaged, in particular, only the walls remained of the Saint-Romain Tower.
During the twelve post-war years, restoration work was carried out in the cathedral. But let's return to the history of the tower. Its construction began in 1145, in the early Gothic era, and the last floors were completed in the late Gothic era. There are 813 steps leading to the top of the 82-meter building, which rises above the nave.
Since the 16th century, the Saint-Romain Tower was crowned by a tin-covered wooden spire, until in 1822 it burned down from a direct lightning strike. Later it was replaced by a metal one with four turrets, although one of them was demolished several years ago by a strong hurricane that swept over the north of France.
Architectural eclecticism
Rouen Cathedral, the architecture of which forms a single ensemble with the archbishop's palace, is one of the important monuments of French medieval Gothic.
True, its planning scheme with radial chapels around the apse is inherent in the earlier Romanesque style. The colonnade surrounding the vast altar of the temple was also considered an outdated architectural solution at the beginning of the 13th century.
But the façade with its stone ligature, many arches, and a string of statues of saints and apostles is a striking example of Norman Gothic at its peak. The Tour de Beur, that is, the Butter Tower, was built in this style, the yellowish stone for which was brought from Wales.
The central cross of the cathedral is crowned by a lantern tower with the tallest spire in all of France. This spire forged from iron was installed in the 19th century, and against the backdrop of medieval architecture it looks too technologically advanced.
What you can't miss
The Rouen Cathedral cannot fail to impress, especially on those visiting it for the first time. The height of the ceiling in the central part of the temple is comparable to the height of a modern twenty-story building, and the length of the central passage is 137 m. Under the ceiling, instead of the planned balconies, openwork windows were made.
Cathedrals often served as burial places for rulers and church prelates. In addition to the tomb of the first Duke of Normandy, Rollon and his son, the heart of Richard the Lionheart rests in the Rouen Cathedral and the sarcophagi of several archbishops are installed.
Medieval Normandy was famous for its craftsmen who made stained glass windows of an unusual azure color. Therefore, it is not surprising that Rouen Cathedral also possesses these 13th-century artifacts.
A description of the temple would be incomplete without saying a few words about the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. Here, in addition to stained glass windows, you can get acquainted with the main icons of the cathedral and examine medieval carved benches and panels.
Rouen Cathedral by Monet
The Cathedral became world famous thanks to a series of works by the French impressionist Claude Monet. The artist worked on it for more than two years, periodically coming to Rouen to capture the western façade of the temple at different times of the day.
In total, Monet created fifty paintings in one format. The first of them was painted by the artist in a hotel room located opposite the cathedral. On his next visit to Rouen, Monet worked in a store window whose windows overlooked the square in front of the temple. Returning a year later, the artist rented a factory workshop for his studio with a magnificent view of the Rouen Cathedral.
Monet tried to notice and capture on canvas subtle changes in the light environment depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Every half hour, he carefully recorded fluctuations in color shades, thus achieving a gradual transformation of the appearance of the cathedral in the rays of sunlight.
Curiosities of the Cathedral
Claude Monet was not the only one who was inspired by Rouen Cathedral. Interesting facts are also associated with the name of the French writer Gustave Flaubert. As a native of Rouen, he was no doubt well acquainted with the main temple of the city. In particular, a stained glass window dedicated to the story of St. Julian the Hospitaller inspired Flaubert to write one of his “Three Tales.”
Observing the installation of an iron spire over the central cross of the cathedral, Flaubert sarcastically described such an architectural solution as the whim of an enraged steam boiler manufacturer. Nevertheless, the spire branded by the writer brought Rouen Cathedral the glory of the tallest building in the world in 1876-1880.
Returning to Monet, we note that he destroyed some of his paintings with views of the Rouen Cathedral, and approximately 30 of the remaining ones were presented to the public in 1895. Monet sold some of them for 3-5 thousand francs, and not so long ago one painting from the famous cycle was has already been sold for $24 million.
Cultural heritage of the country
Rouen Cathedral is located in the historical center of the city, surrounded by well-preserved medieval, baroque and half-timbered houses. To appreciate the restrained beauty of Gothic architecture and feel the spirit of the distant Middle Ages, a leisurely inspection of the main temple of the city is required.
Rouen (France) spends a considerable part of the city budget on maintaining its historical attractions, in particular on the restoration of the cathedral, declared a cultural heritage of the country.
The Seine is a river located in the north of France, which is a major transport artery of the country. Its length is about 776 km, and the basin area is 79.66 thousand km². The river is fed primarily by rain, with water levels rising from November to March. The Seine has four main tributaries - the Marne, Aube, Oise and Yonne.
In the 60s of the 20th century, the level of water pollution in the river reached its maximum limits, the Seine became almost dead. But soon radical measures were taken that led to a significant improvement in the local ecology. In 2009, Atlantic salmon returned to the river waters.
The source of the Seine is located in the southern part of the Langres plateau in Burgundy, then it flows through the wide valley of the Parisian basin, where its bed is quite winding. Near the city of Le Havre, the Seine River flows into the English Channel. It plays an important economic role; thousands of ships with a draft of up to 6.5 meters pass along the Seine every year.
Rouen Cathedral
Rouen Cathedral is perfectly recognizable even without guides and numerous guidebooks, especially among fans of the Impressionists.
The openwork outlines of this temple inspired the great Claude Monet to create 36 paintings. The amazing, elegant, incredibly huge Rouen Cathedral stands proudly among the narrow city streets. At the end of the 19th century, Rouen's Notre Dame Cathedral was the tallest building in the world. Its powerful and at the same time graceful walls fascinate with their incredible, almost magical beauty. To appreciate the dimensions of this grandiose structure, tourists have to lift their heads very high, otherwise it simply does not fit into the entire field of view.
The pointed spire of Rouen's Notre-Dame Cathedral, 152 meters high, dates back to the 12th century; it is almost impossible to find its equal. The left tower of the cathedral was erected in the early Gothic era, and the construction of the right one was completed only in the 16th century. Some of the cathedral's windows feature stained glass from the 13th century, made famous by a specific blue hue, more commonly known as Chartres blue. The stunning beauty of these stained glass windows is described by Flaubert in his immortal novel Madame Bovary.
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Palace of Justice
The Rouen Palace of Justice is one of the most beautiful Gothic palaces in France, which dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. Half a century ago, the governing bodies of Normandy were located here, and today justice is administered in the building, but entry here is not open to everyone. The Palace of Justice is an excellent example of the late Gothic style, often called Flamboyant Gothic.
Inside the building there is a very beautiful vaulted hall. Such buildings look like fairy-tale castles. The Rouen Palace of Justice was heavily damaged by bombing during World War II, but was soon completely restored. To enjoy the Gothic spiers, turrets, statues, chimeras and gargoyles that decorate the palace, you must enter the courtyard through the main gate.
In the courtyard, be sure to pay attention to the “high house” (“Maison sublime”) - a beautiful stone structure used as a synagogue by the Jewish community of Rouen at the beginning of the 12th century. Now there are industrial and art museums, as well as a rich library (approximately 133 thousand volumes, 400 incunabula and 3,500 manuscripts).
The Church of Saint Macloup, located in the French city of Rouen, near the famous Rouen Cathedral, was built by the architect Pierre Robin in 1434-1470. The gray stone church attracts attention with its unusual appearance. Architectural style – flaming Gothic. The facade of the church resembles the flame of a burning candle, this is clearly visible in the special shape of the windows.
Biblical scenes are carved on the wooden doors of the three-nave gray stone church, and stained glass windows from the 15th century are preserved inside. Behind the Saint-Maclou church there is a cemetery of the same name, where in the Middle Ages people who died from the plague were buried. It is a columbarium with galleries decorated with figures of skulls and bones made of wood.
Place of the Old Market of Vieux Marchais (Rouen)
The place of execution is marked by a tall (20 meters) but modestly shaped cross standing in the middle of a small flower bed.
In the center of the square is the Cathedral of Saint Joan of Arc. It was built in 1979 by the architect Louis Arretsch. This is a very unusual structure, made outside the canons of the construction of Catholic churches. Its roof is shaped like flames that brought physical death to Jeanne, but in an instant gave her name immortality. The cathedral is interesting for its ancient stained glass windows, preserved after the destruction of the temple that stood on this site before World War II. The architect very organically integrated the saved stained glass fragments into the building of the new cathedral.
On the southern side of the Old Market Square is the Museum of Joan of Arc. The museum's exhibition, located in a vaulted dungeon, is dedicated to her life and death and presents lithographs, models, restored models of armor and flags of that era.
There is also a large indoor market on the square - a noisy, but very colorful place. Around the square are beautifully preserved multi-colored half-timbered houses, the first floors of which attract tourists with bright signs of cafes, souvenir shops and bistros.
Church of Joan of Arc
The Church of the Virgin of Orleans was built in 1979 on the site of the Church of St. Vincent, which was destroyed during the Second World War by an air bomb. The remains of the building served as building material for the new structure. The author of the project was the French architect Louis Arretche. The location for the church was not chosen by chance - it was here that Joan of Arc was burned.
The structure is unique in its design and appearance and is not very similar to temples in the traditional sense. The shape of the building resembles an overturned ship; the huge stained glass windows make a strong impression. The building has no clear lines or shapes, and the roof looks like scales.
The cathedral is open from April to November 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00, and from November to April 1.00-12.00 and 13.00-17.30. On Fridays and Sundays the church is closed in the morning.
Joan of Arc Museum
Normandy is closely connected with the name of Joan of Arc, because it was here that she was kept in the tower of an old castle, which has survived to this day, tried, and then burned at the stake. After the Second World War, a cathedral was erected on the Vieux Marché square, its roof shaped like a bonfire, which recalls the execution of the heroine. Near it there is a museum, also dedicated to the great woman.
The exhibition of this museum is entirely dedicated to the life and death of Joan of Arc. It includes engravings, paintings, ammunition and weapons of that era. The museum also has a wonderful gallery of wax figures that reflect the life of the heroine, from her childhood in Domremy to her arrival to Rouen.
The attention of tourists is attracted by ancient models, lithographs and restored models of flags and armor of that era, located at the entrance to the museum. Guests are offered an audio guide in 4 languages, but, unfortunately, there is no Russian in it. Be sure to visit the city of Rouen, which is steeped in historical events, and be transported mentally back to the Middle Ages.
Gustave Flaubert Bridge
The Gustave Flaubert automobile-pedestrian bridge crosses the Seine River in the town of Rouen in northern France. The opening of the bridge took place in September 2008 on the eve of the annual sailing regatta "Rouen Armada"
A distinctive feature of the tallest European drawbridge is that the spans are raised vertically to a height of 55 meters, and the support columns of the drawbridge rise to a height of 91 meters. It can be assumed that the 21st century French writer Gustave Flaubert would be very, very shocked to find out which bridge bears his name.
The bridge is designed in such a way that cruise ships and sailing ships that gather in Rouen for the Rouen Armada ship parade can freely pass under it.
The “Bridge Lift” slab rises for about 12 minutes 30-40 times a year. Each “bridge highway” is two-lane, measuring 2x18 meters plus a pedestrian lane of 2.5 meters and has its own lifting mechanism. When the bridge is operating, they act simultaneously.
Interestingly, each highway surface has its own lifting section. On the one hand, this facilitates the operation of the main mechanisms, on the other hand, it helps to maintain the natural ecosystem of the river. Through the openings between the bridge platforms, sunlight reaches the water under the bridge.
Its capacity is 50,000 cars per day, and the cost was 155 million euros.
With the opening of the bridge, unique for France, the number of tourists in the city of Rouen also increased. People especially come here to see with their own eyes the original project of a talented architect. The views from the bridge are also extraordinary - from there you can see a panorama of the city, and below - the unrestrained waters of the most beautiful French reservoir.
Normandy is a country of tranquil rural landscapes, green meadows, beautiful Gothic castles and ancient legends. This is the land of the famous William the Conqueror, who practically laid the foundation for the history of neighboring England as a state. In Norman Rouen, the legendary Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc, was convicted and executed. Today, an elegant temple stands near the site of her burning.
The streets of Rouen are a real museum of Gothic architecture. Several hundred houses were built here in the magnificent Flaming Gothic style. The exquisite facades and spiers of the Palace of Justice, decorated with thin stone lace, and the incredible stained glass windows of the Rouen Cathedral delight even people who are indifferent to architectural beauty.
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What to see and where to go in Rouen?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The legendary Joan of Arc, the heroine of the Hundred Years' War, canonized by the Catholic Church in the 20th century, was burned on Vieux Marché Square. Many buildings surrounding this place are somehow connected with her name. The square contains a museum dedicated to the memory of Joan, as well as a monument surrounded by flower beds marking the place of her execution. Along the perimeter of the square there are elegant half-timbered houses, decorating the city landscape.
The cathedral is one of the most striking monuments of Gothic architecture in France. It was erected in the 13th century on the foundations of a Romanesque church from the 11th century. The archbishop's palace is adjacent to the temple, which forms a single architectural complex with it. The bell tower of the cathedral reaches a height of 151 meters. The architecture of the temple made a strong impression on the artist K. Monet, who created a series of paintings dedicated to the cathedral.
The abbey was founded in the 6th century, and gradually it became the most influential monastery in Normandy. The monastery existed until the 9th century, until it was destroyed by pagan Normans. Restoration took place in the 11th century under William I the Conqueror. The first church of the monastery was built in the Romanesque style, later in the XIV-XVI centuries. the building was rebuilt in accordance with the canons of the Gothic style.
The temple was built in the picturesque Flaming Gothic style. Its spiers truly resemble tongues of stone flame reaching to the heavens. The church was built in the period 1437-1521. on voluntary donations from patrons. The temple is decorated with bright, skillful stained glass windows of the 15th century and elegant decorative elements. During World War II, the temple was partially destroyed; restoration was completed in 2010.
A Benedictine monastery of the 11th-12th centuries, which was badly damaged during the religious wars between Protestants and Catholics. Some buildings had to be rebuilt, so the abbey has buildings from both the 12th century and the 17th century, and there is some mixing of architectural styles. Around the monastery there is a picturesque French park with hedges, an orchard and a garden of medicinal plants.
The temple is located on the Vieux Marché square. In the 16th century, a Gothic cathedral stood in its place, from which only stained glass windows remained. The Church of St. Joan was built in a modern manner using asymmetrical architectural forms and interesting engineering solutions. The roof of the structure symbolizes the flames in which Jeanne died. The complex of church buildings also includes an indoor market.
The tower is the only surviving building of the Rouen Castle, which was built for Philip II Augustus. Local limestone was used to build the fortifications. The building was destroyed during the religious wars. The donjon tower is famous for the fact that the trial of the Maid of Orleans took place here in 1431. However, Jeanne was kept captive in another tower, now destroyed.
The palace is considered one of the most picturesque buildings in Rouen. It was erected in the 16th century according to the design of R. Le Roux and R. Ango and was used for city council meetings. The building is a striking example of secular Gothic. Today, the local court sits in the palace, and there are also two museums and a library. The palace facade resembles a fancy stone lace, its decorative details are so skillfully made.
The gallery is one of the largest in Normandy, its permanent exhibition is housed in 60 rooms. The collections of the 17th and 19th centuries are considered especially significant and complete. The collection contains works by Modigliani, Renoir, Lancret, Moreau, Monet and other masters. In addition to paintings, the museum collection includes sculptures, graphics, jewelry and furniture. The museum constantly hosts temporary exhibitions of famous and recognized artists.
The museum has existed since the 19th century; it is located in a church from the 16th century. Initially, the exhibition was located in Paris, but later it was transported to Rouen. The museum's collection contains artistic forging products from the Roman period to the 20th century. Many exhibits were brought from Arab and Asian countries, as well as from Russia. In the museum you can examine forged grilles, utensils, decorative railings, signs and much more.
An interactive exhibition that immerses visitors in the atmosphere of different eras. “Panorama” is a huge metal cylinder 34 meters in diameter and 35 meters in height. Inside this cylinder there is a circular volumetric fresco that reproduces the chain of events of a certain historical period. In 2015 it was the year 312 - the time of the adoption of Christianity by Emperor Constantine, in 2016 - a panorama of Rouen from the time of Joan of Arc.
The collection is located in a historical mansion from the 16th century. It contains exhibits dating back to the period of the 16th-19th centuries. For the first time in France, the secret of making faience was revealed by a resident of Rouen. Until this moment, only Italian masters were in possession of the secret. By the 17th century, Rouen became famous throughout the world for its ceramics. During a guided tour, you can learn about ceramic technology.
Pedestrian street located between the Market Square and Rouen Cathedral. Along the street there are town houses with half-timbered facades. Its name comes from the old astronomical clock, which is located on a stone arch of the 16th century. Several centuries ago, they even hired a special caretaker who monitored the serviceability of the mechanism and lived not far from the arch.
The garden was founded in the 17th century. At first it was private territory, once even Napoleon Bonaparte owned it. In the 19th century, the garden became city property and became accessible to everyone. Some parts of the park are closed to the public due to research activities taking place within their boundaries. The city botanical garden has a large rose garden where varieties grown by Normandy specialists grow.
The bridge was built in 2008, equipped with lifting structures and has a large capacity. The spans are specially placed high above the water so that large ships can easily pass underneath them. The supporting columns of the bridge rise 91 meters above the Seine, the length of the spans is more than 1 km. The structure was designed by engineers E. Zublen and M. Virlojo. The cost of construction work amounted to 155 million euros.
Rouen is a city that was talked about back in the Middle Ages thanks to the warlike Joan of Arc; since then, the name of this woman has been present in all world guidebooks. For me, the city has become a real discovery, where European calm reigns in the air, mixed with the notorious events of those years .
When I arrived in Rouen, I was in awe of Rouen Cathedral. Its scale is amazing, and its Gothic style is breathtaking. Notre-Dame de Rouen is in no way inferior to its Parisian counterpart, and, having spoiled it, even surpasses it.
This city is the center of the Normandy region, which has absorbed all the spirit of that authentic France that is so lacking in Paris. Divided by the Seine River into two banks, Rouen vaguely resembles the capital of the country, and at the same time other cities. High-speed trams, two short metro lines, in which there are no turnstiles and supervisors, are perhaps the only signs of civilization that has approached the city.
There are cobblestones in the center of the city, walking along which and listening to the ringing of the bells, I felt like I was part of history. For the first time in my life I was able to listen to a church organ play live here. The emotions you can get are so vast that they can hardly fit into one sentence. Rouen is different. Rouen is different. If you climb the 14th century chapel, you can take in the entire city at a glance and capture every ornament, window display in a Catholic church and feel the true spirit of freedom.
How to get there
Getting to Rouen is easier than it might seem at first glance. If, like me, you prefer as the first point of your trip, then ending up in the capital of the Normandy region will not be difficult.
Your entire route will be built, fortunately or unfortunately, from Paris, since there are no flights from Russian cities to Rouen. However, you may prefer to take a train or bus service to take you to your destination.
From Paris to Rouen
If you decide to fly from Paris to Rouen, then this idea will seem unpromising to you. The distance between the cities is only 112 km, which is easier to overcome by any land transport rather than by air.
I wouldn't take a plane because it would take too much time to get to the airport, check-in and customs. It is much easier to take a bus, train or car and go to your destination.
Rouen airport itself is small compared to others in major cities in France. It is not serviced at night, except on rare occasions by special order. On site you will find a restaurant, which has the advantage of stunning mountain views. You will not be overtaken by the usual flow of arrivals and departures, since the airport is not particularly popular.
How to get from Rouen Airport to the city center
If, by coincidence, you arrived at Rouen airport, then getting to the city will not be difficult for you. From the Rouen Vallée de Seine airport, you can get to the city center from the Gendarmerie de Boos stop, which is 500 meters from the arrivals terminal. Bus route No. 13, fare 1.60 €.
If you prefer a taxi, then use Les Taxis Blancs or Radio – Taxi. The fare is 25.30 €. The airport is located just 10 km from the city. You can call a taxi at the information desk or by yourself near public transport stops.
By train
A train to Rouen from Russia (Moscow) is also not the best prospect for travelers, even from a financial point of view. In any case, you will arrive in , from where you will take another train to get to the Normandy region.
How to get there from Paris
In the case of the train, you must arrive at St Lazare (address: 14, rue Interieure; metro stations: Saint-Lazare, Havre-Caumartin, Europe or Saint-Augustin) from where services operate every hour. You will be transferred to Rouen-Rive-Droite starting from 6 am until 21:55 local time.
The route is served by two carriers: Intercity and TER. There is no significant difference between them, the only specificity is the pricing policy depending on the chosen class:
- 1st class from 30 € per person,
- 2nd from 20 €.
Travel time is from 65 to 90 minutes.
How to get from Rouen train station to the city center
The central station of Rouen-Rive-Droite is located at the northern end of Rue Jeanne D'Arc. When you exit the metro, 40 meters from the station you will find the entrance to the metro (Gare Rue Verte station), from which you are only 2 stops from the historical center of Rouen.
Since travel on all types of transport is the same, the metro is the best solution. If you want, take bus routes No. 8, 11 and 13, their stop is nearby, opposite the entrance to the metro station. There is no fundamental difference, especially since you can cover this distance on foot, and at the same time explore the main street.
By bus
In my opinion, the bus is the best way to get to Normandy. You will save money and spend about the same time on the road as by train.
Transportation to Rouen from Paris is provided by Oiubus. You can find out all the details on their official page. This way you will be able to plan your time and will not be late for your meeting with Normandy.
Important tip: it is advisable to arrive at the bus station at least 15–20 minutes before departure. But don’t worry, like I did, if the bus arrives a little late. There is no point in trying to ask all the station workers about the reasons for the delay, since the driver will not leave you. In case of unforeseen circumstances, you will be informed about them.
Buses depart from two Paris metro stations: Bercy and La Defense. The earliest flight is at 8 am. The fare is no more than 6 €. If you choose to start your journey from Bercy, the journey time will be about 2.5 hours, and from La Defense 2 hours. What's not a nice bonus?
The condition of French roads will not make you disappointed in them, so the journey will not be a burden, and the view from the window of the vehicle will justify the chosen method of transportation. Car parks are located in close proximity to the metro, and there are signs everywhere that will easily lead you to the right place.
Arriving in Rouen, or how to get from the bus station to the city center
By the way, the bus stops in Rouen at the Joan of Arc bridge in close proximity to the Rouen Catholic Cathedral. The main temple of the city should serve as a guide for you, since you will depart from the same place.
After getting off the bus, it only took me a few minutes to walk to Notre Dame de Rouen. Essentially, you find yourself in the city center, where you can reach any attraction in a short walk. The metro is located right next to your arrival point.
By car
From Paris by car to Rouen
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