Rouen (France) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Rouen with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Rouen (France)
Rouen is a city in northern France and the center of the Upper Normandy region. Famous for its winding old streets and picturesque half-timbered houses, medieval and modern landmarks, gems of Gothic architecture and the incredible cathedral that inspired Monet. Rouen is the historical capital of Normandy, which is infamous as the site of the execution of Joan of Arc. It is one of the most beautiful cities in France with a rich history and cultural life.
Geography and climate
Rouen is located in northern France on the banks of the Seine, 135 km from Paris. The old town is located on the right bank of the river. The northern part is quite hilly. The climate is temperate maritime. Winters in Rouen are mild and summers are warm but not hot.
Practical information
- Population - more than 110 thousand people.
- Area - 21.38 km².
- Language - French.
- Currency - euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
- Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
- Rouen is 1.5 hours from Paris on the A13 toll motorway.
- Every Saturday and Sunday in St. The brand is carried out by the market. Products can be purchased at Vieux Marche.
Story
The settlement on the site of modern Rouen appeared more than 2,000 years ago (most likely even before the conquest of Gaul by the Romans) and was the center of the Celtic tribe of Veliokassi. The city was founded during the reign of Octavian Augustus and quickly grew into the second largest settlement in Gaul after Lugdunum (Lyon). Rouen reached its peak by the 3rd century AD. Baths, an amphitheater and other structures were built here. The prosperity of the Roman city ended with the invasion of the Germans in the 4th century.
In the 9th century, the Normans began to frequently visit the mouth of the Seine, who sacked and burned Rouen several times. In 911, the city became the capital of the Viking duchy of Normandy. In 941, Duke of Normandy Richard I defeated the combined army of King Louis IV of France, German Emperor Otto the Great and Count of Flanders. In the 10th century, Rouen became a major port city. During the period of Normandy's independence it was the capital of the duchy for most of the time.
In 1204, Rouen was occupied by French troops. In the same year, all of Normandy was annexed to France. In the 13th century the city flourished thanks to river trade and the textile industry. Rouen merchants had a monopoly on navigation along the Seine almost to Paris. In the late 13th and 14th centuries there were several revolts due to high taxes. After the last of them, local merchants lost all their privileges.
During the Hundred Years' War, Rouen was occupied by the British and annexed to the possessions of the English king. On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here. Normandy again became part of France only in 1449. After the end of the Hundred Years' War, Rouen was significantly rebuilt. In the 15th - 16th centuries, beautiful Gothic buildings were erected here. At this time, the city flourishes fishing, cloth production and fairs.
During the Huguenot Wars, part of the population of Rouen joined the Reformation. The tension between Catholics and Protestants was suppressed by regular troops, who entered Rouen in 1562 and plundered the city for three days. In 1572 (despite the attempts of the city authorities to prevent the massacre), the Catholics dealt with the Huguenots.
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, Rouen was occupied by German troops. During the First World War there was a British military base here. During World War II, Rouen was occupied by German troops from 1940 to 1944. During this period, the city was repeatedly bombed by Allied aircraft. Due to the bombing, historical neighborhoods and some landmarks were destroyed. The restoration of Rouen lasted 15 years.
Attractions
Rouen is famous for its magnificent old town, where you can touch its rich history and enjoy an authentic atmosphere in its charming medieval streets. About 2,000 old half-timbered buildings have been preserved in the city. Of these, 227 are declared historical monuments. In terms of the number of attractions, architectural and cultural heritage sites, Rouen is among the TOP 10 cities in France.
The cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, located in the heart of the old city. The church began to be built in the 13th century. Interestingly, construction was completed only in the 16th century. The cathedral has the tallest spire among French churches (151 meters), original stained glass windows and a remarkable Gothic façade.
Saint-Ouen is a Benedictine abbey famous for its impressive 14th-century church, considered a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. The church has a striking Gothic facade and 80 exquisite stained glass windows.
Aître Saint-Maclou is one of the most mysterious and gloomy attractions in Rouen. This is a medieval building that now houses a school of fine arts. Its origins go back to 1348 and the plague epidemic, which killed a third of the townspeople. The space that is now the courtyard was once used for the burial of those who died as a result of illness, with the surrounding structures serving as crypts. The building's galleries are decorated with eerie decor depicting skulls, bones, gravediggers' tools and objects of funeral rites.
The Palace of Justice is a Gothic masterpiece and a superb example of medieval civil architecture, built in the early 16th century. The building has a magnificent balustrade and an exquisite façade decorated with gargoyles.
The large clock tower is one of the main symbols of Rouen. The Gothic bell tower was built in 1389 for defensive purposes, and the astronomical clock dates from 1889. Interestingly, the clock still performs its function.
The Church of Saint-Maclou is a gem of Gothic architecture, located a short walk from the cathedral. It was built in 1437 and dedicated to the Breton patron. The church has a remarkable Gothic façade and structure. The wooden doors from the Renaissance era are intricately decorated with biblical scenes.
Church of Joan of Arc The Church of Joan of Arc is an interesting modern church located on the Vieux Marché square. It was here that the national heroine of France was burned at the stake. Therefore, the building is shaped like a bonfire flame. Inside the church there are impressive stained glass windows from the Renaissance.
The Tower of Joan is the only remaining part of the medieval castle built by Philippe Auguste in 1207. The large and imposing cylindrical tower has three rooms and an attic. It is believed that it was here, in the dungeon, that Joan of Arc was imprisoned.
The Tower of Saint-André is all that remains of the medieval Gothic church of Saint Andrew, built between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Church of St. Nicasia is a 16th century Gothic church. The building was heavily damaged during a fire in 1934, after which it was extensively rebuilt.
Church of St. Viviana is a medieval three-nave Gothic church built in 1358 and expanded in the 15th century. On the north side there is a medieval hatch where mothers could leave their newborn babies to be cared for.
Church of St. Godard is a medieval parish church in Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance style. It was built in the 13th century on the site of an older religious building. The church has a three-nave structure and beautiful stained glass windows from the 16th and 19th centuries.
Saint Laurent is a beautiful medieval church in Gothic style, built in the 15th century. The bell tower was added between 1490 and 1501. The church was desecrated during the French Revolution, when it was used as a stable. Nowadays there is a museum of metal structures here.
Church of St. Eloy Church of St. Eloy is a 16th-century medieval Gothic church located in Martin Luther King Square. Is Protestant.
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 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.
What sights of Rouen did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
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.
The city of Rouen, France, was founded in ancient times on the site of the Roman settlement of Rotomagus. Over time, the territory of the city increased and soon Rouen became the capital of Normandy from a small village. The Great French Revolution caused irreparable damage to the city, but currently the authorities of Rouen are trying their best to preserve the architectural heritage of the capital of Normandy.
Joan of Arc, a cult figure throughout France, is closely associated with the city of Rouen. The famous warrior, one of the commanders-in-chief of the French troops during the Hundred Years' War, was executed in the capital of Normandy. It is thanks to this event that the city of Rouen in France is famous. And even though nothing in the city has been able to gain greater fame, nevertheless, Rouen itself, the sights and beautiful landscapes are worth coming there.
How to get to the city of Rouen in France?
The city is located on the banks of the Seine in the northern part of the Parisian agglomeration. In this part of France, the climate is moderate, which means the answer to the vital question for all tourists “what is the weather in Rouen” is this: in the summer the city is warm, the temperature stays around 20 degrees, and winter in Rouen is mild and warm.
It rains almost all year round, but in the summer months there are still more sunny days, so it is better to choose summer for traveling around Normandy.
Route: Paris - Rouen by car
It is noteworthy that Rouen is located almost equidistant from Paris, Brussels and London. The city has an airport, which could mean getting there is very easy. However, the airport only accepts domestic flights, so the best thing travelers can do is get to Paris.
Getting to Rouen from the capital is not difficult: in addition to air transport, the capital of France and Normandy is connected by a train, which departs every hour or two from the Saint-Lazare train station. The journey from Paris to Rouen takes only about an hour and a half, so you can easily do without booking a hotel.
But, despite such a short route to Rouen, it is advisable to leave Paris early in order to be able to thoroughly examine all the sights without rushing.
Public transport in the city
Rouen has 2 tram lines, 3 TEOR express bus lines and 24 regular bus lines.
The cost of a ticket for 1 trip is 1.4 euros, for 10 trips - 11 euros. A one-day pass costs 4 euros, a 2-day pass costs 6 euros, and a 3-day pass costs 7.5 euros.
Tickets can be purchased at TCAR offices, tobacco and newsstands, from vending machines at public transport stops, and from conductors.
Map of attractions and restaurants in Rouen
Sights to see in Rouen
Interesting sights of the city are concentrated in its historical center, where you should head straight from the station or airport. The most important attraction in Rouen, after Joan of Arc, of course, is the famous.
The famous Rouen Cathedral in Rouen
One of the most beautiful buildings in France was built over three centuries, and the western facade of Rouen Cathedral became famous thanks to a series of paintings by Monet.
On summer evenings, laser shows are held here, the meaning of which is to change the illumination of the facade based on the paintings of the famous Monet. Leaving the cathedral through the northern door, you will find yourself in a small courtyard, from where you will have a view of the northern façade of the cathedral and access to a picturesque Rouen street.
Turning right, you will see the bishop's palace, and a little further down the street the most observant will notice the remains of a window, on both sides of which there are memorial plaques nailed. These monuments are another reminder of the main hero of the city - Joan of Arc. The remains of the windows were once the windows of the chapel in which Jeanne's trial took place, and later the trial that rehabilitated her.
Moving further along the street, you will come to another famous cathedral of Rouen - Saint-Maclou, built in the Gothic style. Next to the cathedral there is a “pissing boy” fountain, opposite the church there is a square with dilapidated houses, and a little further, turning left, you can find a path leading to a 16th-century cemetery.
Market Square, where Joan of Arc was burned in the fifteenth century.
To re-enter the main street, you will have to return to the cathedral. The street that begins at the cathedral leads us to the market square, where Joan of Arc was burned in the fifteenth century. Today there is a memorial complex in this place, part of which is modern church erected in honor of Joan. Here, everyone who is hungry and tired can rest a little and eat, because opposite the complex there is the Corona restaurant, known as the oldest inn in France.
In the historical center there is another object to visit - on the Gothic tower you can see a huge clock called Le Gros-Horloge with the oldest clock mechanism in Europe.
Gothic Church of Saint Ouen in Rouen
In the historical center you can find the monastery church Saint Ouen. Once the most influential church in France, the church is now famous for its Grand Organ, which has played many famous works of organ music.
Literally a few steps from Saint-Maclou stands Rouen Cathedral.
Next on the list of attractions is Notre Dame Cathedral, the square in front of it and the building opposite the cathedral, in which the tourism office is located. This building previously housed a cafe, from the windows of which Monet observed the beautiful Rouen Cathedral and created his famous series of paintings.
Now the tourism office will be useful to all travelers - there you can buy souvenirs, books, tickets for various events, reserve a hotel room and book any excursion. In addition, at the tourism office you can get something that every tourist needs, such as a map of Rouen. Office website: http://www.rouentourisme.com.
Tourists will also be interested in Rouen museums, for example, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Ceramics, the Museum of Fine Arts, Blacksmithing, as well as the museums of G. Flaubert and P. Corneille.
The final chord in your trip to Rouen should be the ascent to hill Sainte-Catherine, from where the tourist will see a breathtaking panorama of the city.
At this point, the express tour of Rouen can be considered complete - all that remains is to get to the station. I would like to note that transport in Rouen is very well developed; there is no problem getting from one point of the city to another.
In addition to ground transport, Rouen also has a metro and even ferries. However, it is justified to use transport to explore the distant regions of Rouen.
Rouen - the historical capital of Normandy - VIDEO
It is better to take a tour of the historical center of Rouen on foot - this is the only way to feel the whole atmosphere of this wonderful corner of Normandy.
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Rouen– Norman city in the north France. Gothic monuments of the Middle Ages fill the air with an indescribable sense of mystery and romance inherent in this time. Small streets with dense buildings of specific northern architecture Europe only complement the already mystical picture.
A few months before the trip, while still at home, I looked at the computer monitor and calculated travel options. Highlighting on Paris week, I generously allocated two days to travel. Opening the map Google, I looked carefully at the surroundings Paris and identified more or less interesting cities to visit. At the same time, I monitored the website of the French railways for the price of movement. In principle, everything was logical - the shorter the distance, the cheaper.
But there was one more small feature - the more convenient the travel time, the more expensive it is. Those. very early or very late you can get there for almost half the price. And this made me very happy. After trying a lot of different options and studying information on the Internet, I decided on a place and time. The choice fell on the city Upper Normandy – Rouen.
Rouen - history of the city
Rouen— the city is quite ancient. Historians suggest that it was founded by Celtic tribes back in ancient times. And it was called then Rotomagus. During times Ancient Rome on the right bank Seine baths and an amphitheater were built. This suggests that Rouen was quite important to the Romans. Indeed, in those days, every self-respecting city had to have an amphitheater.
Your heyday Rouen reached in the Middle Ages. IN IX century, the harsh Normans began to devastate it. And soon they liked this activity so much that they decided to simply seize it and start living there. So it became the capital of the duchy Normandy. From now on Rouen becomes a major port city and begins to conduct active trade with Paris.
At first XIII century, thanks to several unsuccessful wars, Normandy loses its independence and becomes part of French kingdom.
Being in the north France, Rouen was often the center of hostilities. The British especially loved to conquer it. During times Hundred Years' War between England And France the city was one of the important strategic points.
Now Rouen is not as large as in the distant past, but this does not prevent it from luring a variety of inquisitive travelers with its historical places and panoramic landscapes. This cup has not passed me either.
From Paris to Rouen
Leaving the hotel early in the morning, we walked at a brisk pace to the already known one, fortunately the walk was about 15 minutes. There the train was waiting for us to Rouen. The morning walk finally opened my eyes, and the day began.
We had printed tickets on hand. The tickets themselves were purchased at home a couple of months before the trip at a price 40 Euro for two round trip. IN 8-20 in the morning we set off, and at 9-50 stood at the station Rouen. The most perspicacious reader has already calculated that we spent only 1,5 hours. Considering that the distance from Paris before Rouen near 130 km, then everything fits.
From the train station Gare de Rouen-Rive-Droite there is a street Joan of Arc (Rue Jeanne d'Arc), along which we went to explore the city.
After Paris the city seemed quiet, modest and provincial. Most likely, this is what he is. There were very few people on the street. Perhaps it was because it was Sunday, and morning at that. But as the day went on, the number of people did not increase - it was a quiet and deserted place, which personally made me very happy - since I wanted to walk around the city in the calm atmosphere of the French province.
On the street Joan of Arc We reached a small park, which we did not fail to look into. In a deserted park, swans swam in a small pond. We stood and were moved, looking at these imperturbable birds.
We were also indescribably (what a suitable word) pleased that there was a free dry closet in the park, since we already needed it.
Dry toilet in Rouen - even if you live there
The toilet differed from the Russian blue practical stalls quite significantly. Sink with water, soap, paper, dryer - everything is available. Tse "decaying" Europe, where to go. I saw approximately the same toilet on the territory Kremlin. Well, that's by the way :)
Having done all our most important things, we set off to explore the main attractions Rouen.
Rouen - attractions
After passing through the park with swans, we came to Museum of Fine Arts. It looks no less elegant than what is inside. Although we didn’t go there, after reading the information on the Internet, I realized that the museum is quite good.
Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Rouen) V Rouen was founded in 1809 year. As is known, in this turbulent time of change, which began after French Revolution came to power Napoleon. And he carried out many victorious military campaigns, accompanied by vigorous plunder of the defeated territories. These were rich times for French museums.
Of course, he took off the cream of the crop Louvre. But the regions also got enough. Including Rouen Museum of Fine Arts. The collections grew, and by the middle of the century there was not enough space. It was decided to erect a new museum building. So in 1877-1888 years, a modern building appeared Museum of Fine Arts V Rouen.
Rouen is the capital of the Impressionists, and therefore the museum has one of the largest collections of artists of this style of painting. Among them 11 paintings by the founder of impressionism Claude Monet, including one of 50 cycle paintings "Rouen Cathedral". There is also a collection of Russian icons XVI-XIX centuries.
Right behind the museum, two Gothic buildings stand modestly. Wandering around, we assumed they were churches. Only later, after the trip, did I find out that one of these buildings was Forging Museum, and inside there is a huge number of relevant products. This information was extremely unexpected for me, and I realized that it was bad not to know the local language, since there was a sign on the building that it was a museum. And we, naturally, did not understand anything when we read it.
Rouen since the Middle Ages has become famous throughout Europe by their skilled blacksmiths. Plus, the presence of a river port contributed to the active sale and popularization of their products. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Museum of Forged Products opened here.
Forging Museum (Musée Le Secq des Tournelles) opened in 1921 year in a former church building built in the distant XV century. The museum's collection is considered one of the largest in the world, and is still regularly replenished. It presents both works of art that do not have much practical value, as well as simple household items of the Middle Ages. Many specimens are extraordinary and exclusive. Admirers of various openwork iron items will be interested in wandering around there.
And if you consider that all these antiquities are included in the interior of the Gothic church, it will become even more interesting to visit there and enjoy the medieval surroundings.
We decided to enjoy it some other time. If we stopped at Rouen for 2-3 days, then it would be reasonable to take a stroll through the museums, but in our case, a one-day trip, there was not much time for sedate pacing among antiques. So we moved on.
The building next to the museum is still a mystery to me. Some abandoned church without signs or other identifying marks.
It is obvious that there used to be a church in this building. What happened to her is completely unclear. Everything looks desolate, dull, and even gloomy. There was a feeling that now blacks would jump out from around the corner and attack. If it had been evening outside, they would definitely have jumped out :)
Further down the street Rue Jean Lecanuet reached the square Charles de Gaulle (Place du Général de Gaulle), on which the administrative building of the city hall is located, and in the center of the square there is a monument to Salavat Yulaev (hello Ufa😉) to the general de Gaulle On horse. This is what I thought, wandering in the labyrinths of logic. If it's de Gaulle Square, then it's a monument to him.
It turned out that this is not de Gaulle, and where did he suddenly get a horse? The monument turned out to be an ordinary emperor Napoleon I. To the right of the square rises a Gothic church Abbey of Saint-Ouen.
Abbey of Saint-Ouen
Abbey of Saint-Ouen de Rouen founded in distant 553 year. A small basilica was built as the main cathedral. Before the Normans began to make mischief in these territories, the abbey was considered one of the most influential. But in IX century the Normans came and destroyed it.
IN XI century in times of strong Duchy of Normandy on the site of the old basilica, a new church was built - this time in the Romanesque style. But it wasn’t easy for her either. IN 1248 year it burned down.
IN XIV century, restless monks began another construction of the church, this time in the Gothic style. She was luckier than others - she has survived to this day, and pleases the eye of every visitor Rouen.
Today, of course, no abbey remains there. The building where the monks lived, at the beginning XIX centuries they made the city hall Rouen, and the monastic garden at the church became the garden of the city hall.
In the church itself, services have also not been held for a long time, since it is not active. Concerts and exhibitions are held there periodically.
Personally, I like churches like this, so I had to wander around a little and breathe in the smell of the stone XV century. And in general, the whole church-town hall-square ensemble is nice - clean, tidy and green. Behind the buildings there is a nice green garden. And there are no Chinese tourists, and not only Chinese ones, there are none at all.
From the church Saint-Ouen headed down the street Rue des Boucheries Saint-Ouen, smoothly flowing into the street Rue Damiette. The street itself is impressive - the houses are huddled together like football players in a “wall”.
The architecture of the houses is in the signature northern style called half-timbered. “Fachwerk” comes from Germany, but the proud French built almost the same houses. But for some reason they called their style “colombage”. We won’t argue about who stole who’s style, let those who get money for it do it :-).
Turning our heads left and right, we reached the next point of our journey - Church of Saint-Maclou.
Church of Saint-Maclou was built with 1435 By 1521 of the year. One of the brightest representatives of the “flaming” Gothic style. Severely damaged during the famous landing in Normandy allied forces in World War II. She received two shells in the “torso”, but was not completely destroyed, which made it possible to restore it after the war.
Gothic is truly “flaming”, as the Internet writes. I agreed with them. Very gothic and very flaming. It was not really possible to get closer to it, since at that time it was fenced off and repair work was going on there. They say that they have now been completed, the church has been cleaned, and now it is even more beautiful.
The church is also interesting for its “plague” cemetery Saint-Maclou located next door.
We walked down the street Rue Martainville along the church and saw on the left a small open gate and an arrow inviting you to go inside. Slightly intrigued, we accepted the invitation and entered.
Having leaked through an incredibly narrow corridor-alley, we found ourselves in a strange mystical place. A square of old wooden black and gloomy houses, with a small garden inside. Various body parts “grow” on the lawn, apparently made of stone (hardly real).
Body parts at the Saint-Maclou cemetery in Rouen
There are skulls and some mysterious symbols and inscriptions everywhere on the walls of the houses. The sensations are specific, as if you are in a crypt.
After walking around and falling into a little confusion and thoughtfulness, we went back out. As usual, we found out after the fact that this is an old cemetery Saint-Maclou, where people who died from the plague were buried. The new dead were buried in the ground, and the old bones were dug up and carefully placed on the upper floors of these same houses.
At one time there was even a children's school on the ground floor. I am still in slight shock from this whole story. We went there by chance and didn’t think or guess about where we were. And our inner feeling did not deceive us - there really is some kind of evil spirit of death there. Nevertheless, it was interesting to go there.
After visiting the cemetery Saint-Maclou everything went more or less standard. After passing just a couple of houses, we came to the main religious building Rouen – Rouen Cathedral. As always - gothic. Cute, like everything of this kind. Partial repairs were underway there too. Therefore, the camera lens will certainly catch various structures that, with a stretch, can be called part of the cathedral. Huge, impressive, and, according to tradition, beautiful.
Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen) was built in stages from 1145 By 1506 year. Before construction began, on the site of the cathedral there was a basilica, which was torn to smithereens by the Normans in IX century. Then they built a Romanesque temple. And in the end - modern Gothic.
Rouen Cathedral severely damaged during the bombing Second World War. After which it was successfully restored. The first ruler of the duchy is buried there Normandy Rollon- comes from Scandinavia. Until now, Norwegians and Danes argue about his nationality. Almost like us Rurike.
The height of the cathedral is 151 m. At the end XIX century, for several years it was considered the highest church in the world, but was soon “surpassed”. To date, it has been “furnished” by two more churches - Ulm Cathedral(city Ulm V Germany) And Notre-Dame de la Paix(in the capital Ivory Coast city Yamoussoukro).
At one time the cathedral was favored Claude Monet. The artist created a whole cycle, which he called "Rouen Cathedral" — 50 paintings from three different points at different times of the year. The bulk of the paintings are stored in Orsay Museum V Paris.
There is a street leading from the cathedral Rue du Gros Horloge, walking along which you can stumble upon the famous Rouen astronomical clock Le Gros-Horloge. They are somewhat similar to the Prague ones, only a little more modest and a little less informative - time, days of the week and lunar phases. The silver ball on top of the clock tells you what phase the moon is in. Judging by the ball that day, there was a full moon (or not :-)).
Mechanism Rouen Clock (Le Gros-Horloge) was manufactured in 1389 year. The watch is rightfully the oldest such watch in France. And the mechanism is the largest in the world. Dial diameter approx. 2,5 m.V XVI century, the clock was placed in its current location, ennobled by a beautiful gilded Gothic façade.
The clock is at the very first France pedestrian street. And it is named after them Rue du Gros Horloge.
"Clock" street Gros Horloge
The street connects two large cathedrals and is the main tourist artery Rouen.
On the way to the clock, I glanced down one alley and could not resist going there. I was so interested in this building, which turned out to be Palace of Justice. Another Gothic architectural structure, consisting of a huge number of small statues, which you can look at for a couple of years.
Palace of Justice built in XV century. One of the brightest representatives of the Gothic style not only in Rouen, but also in Europe generally. Abundantly “hung” with small sculptures and “cheerful” gargoyles, looking friendly from the roof of the building.
Initially it was conceived as a gathering place for local wealthy Pinocchio merchants to discuss pressing problems. Then it became the main building of the treasury and the seat of parliament. And in the years Great French Revolution played the role of a court. Yes, that’s how it remained for them later.
Now, in addition to administrative tasks, it performs cultural tasks, housing two small museums.
It’s a pity there is a fence there, and it’s difficult to get through it, and probably even punishable. They didn't check. They just walked around him. Behind the palace there was an interesting arch. Obviously some piece of antiquity. You can imagine what was there before using your imagination.
We returned back and, having passed through the arch with the clock, soon came out into a busy square, where we decided to take a breather and collect our thoughts. Further on our entertaining trip to Rouen.
Rouen– an interesting city with a good selection of attractions, mostly Gothic. At the same time, the small number of tourists is very pleasing. A calm and leisurely walk through the ancient city, without constantly scurrying masses of people, and standing in line to view the monument - what could be better :)
