Rouen is a city on the River Seine in northern France. It is the capital of the region of Normandy and the department of Seine-Maritime. It has a rich and turbulent history, dating back to the Roman and Viking eras. It was also the site of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc in 1431, and the inspiration for many paintings by Claude Monet.
Some of the main sights in Rouen are
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
A Gothic masterpiece that features the tallest spire in France, a magnificent rose window, and the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Rollo, the founder of Normandy.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen
One of the finest art museums in France, with collections ranging from the 15th to the 21st centuries, including works by Caravaggio, Rubens, Delacroix, Monet, and Sisley.
Le Gros-Horloge
A 14th-century astronomical clock that displays the phases of the moon, the day of the week, and the zodiac signs. It is housed in a Renaissance archway that spans the pedestrian street of the same name.
Historial Jeanne d’Arc
A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Joan of Arc, located in the Archbishop’s Palace where she was tried and condemned. It features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and historical documents3.
Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc
A modern church built in 1979 on the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. It has a striking roof that resembles an overturned boat, and stained glass windows that were salvaged from a 16th-century church destroyed during World War II.
Rouen is also a lively and vibrant city, with a university, a port, and a cultural scene. It has many shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs along the quaysides and in the historic center. It hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Rouen Armada, a gathering of tall ships on the Seine, and the Rouen Impressionnée, a contemporary art biennale.
You can also explore the city through the eyes of Monet, who painted the cathedral and other views of Rouen in different light and weather conditions. You can see some of his paintings at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen or online6.