About this experience
In multifaceted Rouen, everyone finds something 'for the soul'. And I will help you with that. You will not only hear many curious facts about fearless Vikings, brave Joan of Arc, and the secret symbolism of Gothic cathedrals, but also see the places loved by Claude Monet and Gustave Flaubert. I will also recommend cozy establishments where you can taste traditional Norman apple tart tatin and the freshest Norman oysters without going to the coast.
What to expect
Gothic Rouen
You will admire the world-famous Rouen Cathedral of Our Lady, celebrated on the canvases of Claude Monet, where amazing stained-glass windows from the 13th century in 'Chartres blue' have been preserved. It is also the resting place of King Richard I (the same Richard the Lionheart), who in his will asked to leave his heart in the Rouen Cathedral to 'always be with his Normandy'.
I will tell you about the construction of majestic Gothic temples that amaze with their refined architectural execution today: how people without special technical devices managed to build the tallest buildings in the world, which still stand undisturbed to this day; what the numerous signs and symbols used during the construction of French Gothic cathedrals mean. And believe me, you will be surprised by the phenomenon of the constellation of the Virgin Mary, which became a guiding light in choosing the locations for the construction of French churches. Gothic is both interesting and educational!
Joan of Arc
I will reveal to you the brave path of the warrior Joan of Arc, who in the distant 15th century managed to unite the French army and win victories in several battles that changed world history, but unfortunately could not withstand deceit and betrayal. It was in Rouen, on the Square of the Old Market, that the 19-year-old girl triumphed over the sentence of 128 inquisitors led by Bishop Cauchon (funny that in French the word 'cauchon' translates as 'pig'), who sentenced her to be burnt alive.
And despite the executioners ordering Joan's ashes to be scattered over the Seine to prevent 'a place of worship', millions of people still come to Rouen today to visit the Church of Joan of Arc, light a candle, and ask Saint Joan for favor and strength in important life endeavors. They say she never denies a sincere request...
Creatives of Rouen
Literature enthusiasts will hear interesting facts about the lives and works of outstanding natives and residents of the city:
- which place in Rouen Gustave Flaubert so meticulously described in his novel 'Madame Bovary';
- where the great Guy de Maupassant played sports;
- why Stendhal called Rouen 'the Athens of the Gothic style', and Hugo, who visited Rouen repeatedly, called it 'the city of a hundred bell towers'?
Route
- Old Market Square
- Big Clock Street
- Palais de Justice
- Rouen Cathedral
- St. Romain Street
- Church of St. Maclou
- St. Maclou Atrium
- Antique Quarter
- Abbey of St. Ouen
- City Hall Garden
- Equestrian Statue of Napoleon
- Bust of Claude Monet
- Monument to Gustave Flaubert
- Return to Old Market Square
This is what you will definitely see; the rest is up to your wishes.
Feel free to send a message if you have any questions about the tour, and see you in Rouen!
Organizational Details
- We can start the tour in the city center at your hotel or the train station
- Visiting churches and cathedrals in Rouen is free. The cost of a candle ranges from 2 to 5 euros depending on the size, so it is advisable to have coins and small bills.
- You will pay for meals, souvenirs, and any other personal expenses on the spot.
