The cathedral, the Gros-Horloge, the city of a hundred spires
The Norman capital, an hour away. The Notre-Dame cathedral that Monet painted dozens of times, the rue du Gros-Horloge with its Renaissance clock face, old Rouen and its half-timbering, the place du Vieux-Marché where Joan of Arc died.
The Gothic façade Monet painted some thirty times, at every hour of the day. Three towers, including the cast-iron spire rising to 151 metres — the tallest in France. Inside lies the heart of Richard the Lionheart.
Hundreds of half-timbered houses, medieval lanes and the Aître Saint-Maclou. On the place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431, a modern church shaped like an upturned hull watches over the terraces.
Practical
Getting there — what to know
All year round; the centre stays pleasant in the rain (covered streets, museums).
Distance
≈ 60 km · 1 h drive
See
Notre-Dame cathedral, Gros-Horloge, old Rouen, place du Vieux-Marché
Tip
On foot in the medieval centre; a full day is doable
