Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Rouen, France

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Rouen, France.

ROUEN, FRANCE
A taste of living life à la française
Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life à la française in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Does enough French food keep your stomach full and your taste buds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get.

The city’s roots go back to the 10th century when Vikings and Romans claimed the city. If you think the cathedral looks familiar, that is probably because Rouen’s most famous resident, Claude Monet, painted the town in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalized Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city hosted many other famous faces. Take your pick: William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc. While the others may have metaphorically left their hearts, Joan left hers on a funeral pyre in 1431.

A museum of the Roman Catholic Saint was opened in 2015. Touring the city on foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horloge (Big Clock) is by far the city’s number one must-see, but with gothic churches and streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d’Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville and the D-Day beaches are just a short drive away.

SIGHTS
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Gros Horloge
• Historial Jeanne d’Arc
• A stroll along the River Seine
• The Quartier Libre
• Panorama Sainte-Catherine
• Church of St Joan of Arc
• Rue Saint-Romain

SHOPPING
Plenty of restaurants are in the historic downtown and around the Church of St Joan of Arc, but interesting finds await in alleys outside the immediate city centre. The area is renowned worldwide for its apples, cider, pears, and dairy products like cheese and milk. You must try the apple brandy Calvados, one of the local specialities. Also, some of the best lamb, duck, and poultry in the world can be found here.

Shopping in Rouen is a dream come true for all art enthusiasts. The city offers numerous antique shops, art galleries, and markets. On and around Rue Saint-Romain, right in the city center, you can find many high-street and local shops and boutiques.

Today’s Activities included:

9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Rouen, France: Gateway to Paris
From the Norman Vikings to Joan of Arc to Monet, Rouen has attracted visitors to its picturesque vistas, which are not far from Paris.

11:00 Intermediate Bridge

Today’s Excursion – Rouen on Foot
Rouen is a city that has stirred the souls of many great writers and inspired numerous painters. It is situated on the north bank of the River Seine and is considered the historic capital of Normandy.

Rouen Walking Tour
After a short drive from the pier, follow your guide on a walking tour of the old part of the city. The narrow streets are lined with more than 700 timber-framed houses, large and small, all characteristic examples of medieval building techniques.

Rue Saint Romain, Rue du Gros Horloge
Walk down rue Saint Romain, one of the town’s most fascinating streets, with the beautiful St-Maclou church of Gothic-
Flamboyant style and along the bustling and popular Rue du Gros Horloge, which features a unique medieval defensive clock
The tower and the nearby law court are in an outstanding Renaissance building.

Notre Dame Cathedral
Enjoy an inside visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen (built between the 13th and the 16th centuries), which is considered
one of the finest achievements of French Gothic art. The attraction of Rouen Cathedral lies in its infinite variety, including an
immense façade bristling with openwork pinnacles and framed by two different towers: the tour St-Romain on the left
and the tour de Beurre on the right.

Old Market Square
Before enjoying some free time, stop at the Place du Vieux Marché. It was on this old market square that Joan of Arc
was burned alive following her trial as a heretic in 1431.

Tonight’s dinner was a traditional London-style family meal at La Terrazza Restaurant.