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Rouen Normandy

At one time Rouen was one of the greatest cities of medieval Europe. Today it is the capital of Northern Normandy and has been since 841. It connects to Paris through the River Seine, which is its major source of trade.

Rouen is well worth more than a day's stopover. There is the fact that Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) was burnt here in 1431. There lies also in Rouen the opportunity to look over scenes once studied and consequently transposed onto canvas by Monet. And what would a historically rich, French ville be without it's magnificent catehdral?

Were these incentives not enough, consider that the masterpiece of Gustave Flaubert, "Madame Bovary," was set in this very town. As the novel is a seminal work of Realism, it should be a good read while exploring Rouen. If already a fan of this famous French novelist, then there is the Flaubert family vault to visit as well as the Flaubert Museum/The Museum of the History of Medicine. Personally speaking, the history of medicine had never been more real, terrifying and yet brutally fascinating that in this small, sunlit museum. There are shrunken heads, calcified fetuses, and very - unusual contraptions. Steel yourself for a few surprises (and a great student discount!) here.

Though the original settlements of Rouen may have begun in 50BC, it is the half-timbered buildings of a later time that stun passer-bys. The skeletal structures seem on the verge of collapse at a whisper of breath. Look up through the windows at just the right angle and you will see the rather less-than-straight exposed beams in the ceilings of their interiors.

Attractions

Notre Dame Cathedral - This gothic cathedral is one of the most famous churches in the world because it was the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. He was studying light at different seasons and times, and the result were many painting of the facade of the Cathedral. Although heavily damaged in WWII, the Cathedral is still magnificent, especially its butter tower with spires and flying buttresses.

Gros Horloge - This is an astronomical clock that dates back to the 16th century. it is located on a street of the same name which is lined with Tutor style homes.

Tour Jeanne d'Arc - This is the spot where Joan of Arc was brought in 1431 to be threatened with torture, but she was not imprisoned there which is what many believe.

Rouen is also home to a number of museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Antiques and the Museum of Ceramics. Yet one of the best activities of Rouen is simply strolling the streets and appreciating the fascinating ways the buildings manage to remain upright!