Rouen, France has several noteworthy attractions and is a great places to spend a few hours.  Rouen is known as the place where St. Joan of Arc was executed and the city has played a vital role in French history.

The Cathedral Notre-Dame

The Cathedral Notre-Dame is a textbook example of French Gothic. Although severely damaged during a bombardment in 1944 (and still in restoration), the cathedral is beautiful. It feels extremely spacious inside and is a visual treat. The interior of the cathedral features some outstanding stained glass. In addition, it features a tomb containing the heart of Richard the Lionhearted.

Those of you who are art fans might be interested to know that this is the Cathedral featured in numerous paintings by Monet. He was so entranced by the cathedral’s image that he rented a room across from it so that he could paint it as it appeared in the changing light of different seasons.

The local Tourism Office is across the street from the Cathedral, located in the one of the oldest buildings in Rouen. It dates from the early 16th century.

St.-Maclou's Quarter

Follow the Rue St. Romain down the side of the cathedral to Église St.-Maclou, an over-the-top gothic church that is worth a quick peek. Follow another block east to the Aître St.-Maclou, a somewhat curiously decorated cemetery dating from the Great Plague in the 14th century. The graveyard, which is the attraction here, is now surround by a regional fine art school.

Just to the south of the Cemetery, the St. Maclou quarter is one of the oldest areas of Rouen. It features narrow (sometimes winding) streets lined with timber framed medieval houses, most leaning wildly to the right or left. There are a number of excellent outdoor cafés in this area, so stop and have a snack if you have time. If not, grab a loaf of bread or some pastries from one of the many bakeries along the way, for a treat to go.

Rue du Gros Horologe and Place du Vieux Marché

To the west of the cathedral, follow the Rue du Gros Horloge through a shopping area to the Gros Horloge, a delightful clock tower with an impressive clock. Follow further to the Place du Vieux Marché that contains the modern church, Église Sainte-Jeanne D’Arc, and a large cross marking the place of St. Joan of Arc’s execution in 1431.

The Palais de Justice and the Musée des Beaux Arts

Return towards the cathedral using the Rue Rollon exit from the square for a quick look at the Palais de Justice, a building with interesting architecture, constructed during the late Middle Ages. Numerous bullet holes pock the building’s surface and chunks of facing materials that were blasted out during the battle for the city following the D-Day Invasion have not been repaired.

If you have time, walk a few blocks north to Rue Jean Lecanuet to see the Musée des Beaux-Arts (next to Vedrel Square), which features a collection of sculptures and some excellent canvases by Velazquez, Delacroix, Sisley and Monet (including paintings of the Cathedral Notre-Dame in Rouen).

General

For more attractions in Rouen, as well as a detailed map of the city, see Rouen Tourism's  web site at http://www.rouentourisme.com  

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