Rouen, historic capital of Normandy

 Rouen - the other great city of the Seine

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Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is a city steeped in centuries of rich heritage. Its skyline is dominated by the striking spires of the Cathedral, once the tallest building in the world, which has stood as a symbol of the city for over a thousand years. The city stands at the tidal limit of the River Seine, some one hundred kilometres from its mouth at Le Havre, and some 200 km downstream from Paris.

A short History of Rouen

 

Rouen's history goes back to pre-Roman times, when the Gauls established a settlement which they called Ratumacos, the name becoming Rotomagus under the Romans in the 1st century BC. Rotomagus was the second biggest city in northern Gaul, after Lyon, and by the Middle Ages, the city whose name had evolved into Rouen had become the capital of the Duchy of Normandy and one of the most important cities in France. Its strategic location beside the Seine made it a key point for both trade and military campaigns. During the 100 Years' War, the city was held by the English (who at the time still ruled parts of France), and it was here that Joan of Arc was  tried and burned at the stake in 1431.

During the French Renaissance, Rouen was a center of intellectual and artistic development, home to leading painters and sculptors. Rouen’s rich history is visible in its architecture, from the half-timbered houses in the Old City to the fine Gothic  architecture of its civic and religious buildings

Rouen Cathedral

The most iconic monument in Rouen is the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the great gothic cathedrals of northern France, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Originally built in the 12th century and later expanded, the cathedral features magnificent stained-glass windows and a grandiose interior filled with intricate sculptures. It has undergone several renovations over the centuries, and there is no longer any trace of the damage sustained during the  Second World War. In 2024, a fire broke out in one of the spires during renovation work, but it was put out in less than two hours, thanks to prompt action by the fire brigade.

   Further examples of medieval architecture can be found at the Church of Saint-Maclou, a stunning example of the Flamboyant Gothic style, known for its intricate detail and beautifully sculpted façade. Even more noteworthy is the Gros-Horloge, a striking 14th century astronomical clock, which straddles a narrow street in the Old City. This remarkable piece of medieval engineering, still functioning today, not only marks the time but also serves as a symbol of Rouen's rich historic heritage.

Rouen in art and literature

Rouen has long been a source of inspiration for artists and writers, from the Impressionist painters to  writers such as Flaubert and Maupassant. The Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux Arts) is one of the best provinicial art galleries in France, with works by French and foreign masters, including Caravaggio,  Courbet, Monet, Renoir, Bonnard, and many others. Monet's paintings of Rouen cathedral are among the emblematic works of Impressionism.

Sites and monuments in Rouen

Rouen Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cathedral is one of the major medieval cathedrals in France, with impressive stained-glass windows and ornate sculptures.

The Gros-Horloge: A beautiful medieval clock tower with an astronomical clock,in the heart of the old city

Joan of Arc Historial: A museum dedicated to the life and death of Joan of Arc, located next to the cathedral. Joan was burnt at the stake on the Old Market Square in 1431.

Musée des Beaux-Arts: Rouen's fine arts museum, one of the best in provincial France, housing works by masters including Caravaggio, Delacroix, Monet, Pissarro, and Bonnard.

Church of Saint-Maclou: One of the best examples in France of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, built in the mid fifteenth century, with intricate details and beautiful stained glass.

• The Old Parliament A major 16th - 17th century building, which is one of the finest civic buildings of the period in France. Now occupied by the Rouen law courts, this monument is not open to the public.
• The Abbey church of St Ouen. Next to the Rouen Town Hall, Saint Ouen is a magnificent and large late Gothic abbey, with some of the best 14th century stained glass windows in France. The main western facade dates from the nineteenth century. Extensive renovation work began in 2021, and is expected to be completed in 2025.
• Other popular attractions include the banks of the Seine, the Botanical gardens (Jardin des Plantes), and the Museum of medicine.

• Jumièges Abbey(20 km northwest of Rouen): Often considered one of the most beautiful ruins in France, this former Benedictine abbey was founded in the 7th centuryand is one of the most interesting ruined abbeys in France.
• Le Neubourg (42 km southwest)  In 1135 the Norman Barons met here to decide the succession of England's King Henry II. The historic small town has a unique Museum of Anatomy, and, nearby, the 17th century Château du Champ-de-Bataille has some of the most remarkable gardens and grounds in France (chateau and grounds open to the public in April - October.)
• Le Havre (75 km north of Rouen): A modern port city (with ferry services to Britain)  known for its 20th-century architecture, Le Havre is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a vibrant cultural scene, and has an impressive modern art gallery, with a substantial collection of Impressionist and Fauvist art. There is also a bustling marina.
• Giverny (70 km). The country house in Normandy where Monet spent the later part of his life, and painted many of his well-known works.
• The Normandy beaches - known in French as Les Plages du Débarquement.
• Deauville (95 km) - the nearest seaside resort to Paris, a chic destination with a casino and large hotels.
• Honfleur  (80 km) Historic small port beside the mouth of the Seine. See Honfleur.

Rouen's combination of medieval charm, artistic legacy, and historical significance makes it an essential destination for visitors interested in French history and culture.

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