France > France regions > Normandy > Seine-Maritime > Rouen
Rouen
Rouen is a large town, and capital of the Upper Normandy region. It is found in the Seine-Maritime department.
Unfortunately a great deal of Rouen was vey badly damaged during the second world war, but extensive reconstruction has taken place, and the town also contains an impressive cathedral - famously painted by Monet on many occasions.
Places to visit in Rouen
Rouen cathedral
Th cathedral is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit, despite the troubled history it has had. The third cathedral in the same location (nothing remains of the first, but the crypt from the second is part of the current cathedral), it was very badly damaged during bombing in April 1944 and came close to complete collapse. Happily the cathedral was saved, of course, and has undergone major renovations since that time.
It is the ornate facade with highly decorated entranceway that is the main feature, although the very tall iron spire might catch your eye first. Inside the cathedral, the light filled nave, the stained glass windows, the effigy of Richard the Lionheart, the staircase to the library and the Lady Chapel are among the features of interest.
Monet: Rouen cathedral
Monet painted 30 pictures of Rouen cathedral, attempting to capture the building in all different light and weather conditions, as one of the most impressive series of impressionist paintings.
Other
As you explore the centre of Rouen you will come across several buildings and monuments of interest:
- numerous attractive half-timbered buildings are to be seen
- the large arch featuring the astronomical clock and the phases of the moon dates from the early 16th century
- other medieval highlights include the Palace of Justice and the ornately decorated courtyard of Aitre St-Maclou
- the impressive Church of Saint-Ouen, the Church of Saint-Maclou and the ominous Joan of Arc Tower
- there are several museums in Rouen, including a Museum of Fine Arts and a Museum of Ceramics (historically an important product in the town). Gustave Flaubert (Madame Bovary, Salambo) was born in the town, commemorated as a museum in the house where he was born.
Joan of Arc
It is hard to visit Rouen without thinking a little of Joan of Arc. After the Burgundians had captured Joan of Arc, and subsequently sold her to the English, she was brought to the town, threatened with torture at the Joan of Arc Tower, then put on trial for heresy. She was subsequently burned at the stake here in the Place du Vieux Marché on 30 May 1431.
The Church of Saint Joan is the modern church that you will see in rouen, in the Place du Vieux Marché.
Rouen: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
|
|
Plan a visit to Rouen, France
Hotels Rouen
Holiday rentals / travel
Property for sale Rouen |
|
Map of Rouen, France |
Places to visit - Rouen
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Rouen.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Rouen are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Tourist Classifications for Rouen
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Rouen when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
Find road directions to reach Rouen
