Rouen

Introducing Rouen

With its elegant spires, beautifully restored medieval quarter and soaring Gothic cathedral – undoubtedly one of the most stunning in northern France – the ancient city of Rouen is one of Normandy’s highlights. Founded on the Roman city of Rotomagus, Rouen has had a turbulent history – the city was devastated several times during the Middle Ages by fire and plague, and was later occupied by the English during the Hundred Years’ War. The young French heroine Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc) was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in the central square in 1431. More recently, devastating bombing raids during WWII laid waste to much of the city, especially in the streets south of the cathedral, but in the last 60 years the city has been lavishly restored, and the medieval quarter is filled with half-timbered houses and punch-drunk, polished-up buildings. Rouen is an ideal base for exploring northern Normandy and Monet’s home in Giverny.