Rouen, France

Rail Guide to Rouen

Introduction

Rouen’s monuments and cathedrals are the main attraction for visitors, who come for the medieval quarter which has gothic churches aplenty. Rouen is also where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, and you can see the exact spot where it happened at the Place de Vieux Marché, where the 20th century Eglise Jeanne d’Arc now stands. Themost famous building is perhaps the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, with a 75 metre tower called the ‘Butter Tower’, because it was paid for by locals in exchange for allowing them to eat butter during Lent. If you fancy a bit of retail therapy pretty Rue Saint Roman is known for its antiques shops, and there are many food shops in the town centre selling local specialities.