Time for a road trip! Today, we’re heading 90 minutes north of Paris by car to explore Rouen, France. Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is located on the Seine and is chock full of history and art – two of my favorite things.

Exploring History and Art in Rouen

Settled by the Vikings and beloved by the British, Rouen practically bursts with history. Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy in Rouen – and left his heart here. Joan of Arc perished in Rouen. Prosperous medieval times led to a building boom of many beautiful churches and homes. More building occurred after WWII, and now you can see the new Panorama XXL, an extraordinary art museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and historic tall ships on the Seine. What is not surprising is that history and art are intertwined in this city, as you can see from these three sites you must visit:

Joan of Arc History Museum

Located in a 15th century archbishop’s palace that was bombed during WWII, and was the site of where Joan was tried, sentenced, and burned at the stake, this new museum offers much in the way of learning about her life. You’ll see fictional documentaries, a hologram of her exoneration procedures, crypts, towers, and more. The tour lasts one hour, but leave time to explore afterward. Whilst in Rouen, stop at the dungeon where Joan was held, and visit the modern Joan of Arc Church, built in 1979.

Eglise Sainte Jeanne D'Arc

 Joan on the stake, statue of Jeanne d'Arc, Rouen, France

Learn more:

http://www.rouentourisme.com/Default.aspx?tabid=3472&language=fr-FR

http://www.historial-jeannedarc.fr/en

Notre Dame Cathedral

Built and rebuilt since the 4th century, and partially destroyed in 1944, the extraordinarily beautiful Cathedrale Notre-Dame houses the heart of Richard the Lionheart, the King of Elgnad and the Duke of Normandy. There are several towers on the cathedral, but perhaps the most famous is known as the Butter Tower, built in the 16th century with monies donated by people who wanted permission to eat butter, prohibited during Lent (oh yes, cuisine here is important!). Whilst here, be sure to listen – the cathedral is well-known for its musical traditions and heritage. In the summer, stick around at night for the light show. But perhaps most importantly, be sure to allow time to look – broadly, and close up. You’ll recognize the cathedral from Monet’s many paintings. 

La cathédrale de Rouen. Le portail et la tour Saint-Romain, plein soleil, 1893, Claude Monet. 

The Rouen Cathedral as seen from the Gros Horloge tower. The church was the tallest building in the world from 1876-1880 with a height of 151m.

Close up – Rouen Cathedral Relief

Learn more:

www.cathedrale-rouen.net/

Gros Horloge

This famous astronomical clock symbolizes Rouen. Located in an arch crossing the Rue du Gros-Horloge, the clock was started in 1389 and finished (ish) in 1529. It’s beautiful – and was most famously painted by Turner. 

While you’re under the arch, look up – you’ll see a gorgeous carving of the Good Shepherd, referring to the lamb on the Rouen coat of arms, with St. John the Baptist and his lamb.

And, don’t miss the fountain right next to the arch, with a sculpture by Jean-Pierre Defrance, known as one of the most famous architects of Rouen, who worked on many churches. This sculpture is based on Ovid’s telling of the fable of Alpheus, the river god, and Arethusa, a nymph. 

Learn more:

http://archaeology-travel.com/tour-of-france/le-gros-horloge-rouen/

Photos via creative commons: Philippe Roudaut, ranopamas, Giogo, Claude Monet, DXR, Man vyi, sylaf, DXR, Sperreau2, Vitold Muratov