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Rouen Journals

Rouen, the historical city

An April 1999 trip to Rouen by Anne-Marie

The Gros Horloge in Rouen, France Photo - Gros Horloge, Rouen, France More Photos
Quote: We were drawn to Rouen for its famous tie to Joan of Arc. Once in this medieval town, we were fascinated with its numerous gothic churches, half-timber houses and reknown gastronomy.
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Rouen, the historical city Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
Standing in the Old Market Square, imagining the sight of the courageous Joan of Arc tethered to the stake some 600 years ago then retracing her footsteps through Rouen. Walking through the town admiring beautiful Renaissance arts, flamboyant gothic churches and colorful half-timber houses. Having a long and satisfying meal at one of the restaurants on the Old Market Square.Quick Tips: The sights are grouped in a very compact area of town that is mostly pedestrian. One full day or an overnight is enough to visit all of the attractions. The ones we loved were the Cathedral; St Maclou, St Ouen, Joan of Arc churches; the Gros Horloge, the Old Market Square, the Palais de Justice.Best Way...Read More

Mercure Rouen Centre 3m Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Mercure Rouen Centre"

Quote:
In a town where hotels only come in 3-stars and below, Hotel Mercure is probably considered one of the best. It is very centrally located at half a block from the Place de la Cathedrale. As a result, space is at a premium. We had a tough time with our rental Mercedes E-class, a medium car by American standard, in the underground garage. There is another Hotel Mercure on the fringe of town that seems more spacious. We thought the hotel was OK, not great, a typical older 3-stars European hotel. Go to it for its location and because it is one of the best that this town has to offer but don't expect much.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on May 22, 2001

Mercure Rouen Centre 3m
RUE CROIX DE FER
Rouen, France
33-33-35526952

Rouen Gastronomy Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
Rouen is one of the most important gastronomical destinations in Normandy. Normand food is not light, most dishes are prepared with cream sauces and apple flavoring. Apples are prominent under many forms: apple tart, apple pastries, apple sugar, apple jelly, apple cider, apple brandy (Calvados). The rich local milk makes excellent cheeses, the most famous of which is creamy Camembert, and the best "creme brulee" we have ever had. Rouen is famous for its Canard a la Rouennaise (Duck in blood sauce), Duck Pate, Rouen Sheep's Foot. The numerous restaurants on Old Market Square, offer prix-fixe menus at less than FF150 for dinners comprising of an appetizer, entre, salad or cheese platter, and ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 22, 2001

Rouen Gastronomy
Old Market Square
Rouen, France

Cathedral of Notre Dame Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Cathedrale of Notre Dame"

Cathedrale de Notre-Dame in Rouen, France Photo - Cathedral of Notre Dame, Rouen, France
Quote:
If you are familiar with the work of Claude Monet, you will immediately recognize this magnificient church. Constructed over several centuries, the Cathedrale is the embodiment of gothic works developed through several periods. The left-handed spire, Tour St Romain, is the only structure that survived the fire in 1200. The imposing 250ft steeple on the right, Tour de Beurre, was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries. The cast iron spire was constructed in the 19th century. Spend a lot of time taking in all the details of the exterior then come look at the beautiful stained glass that decorates the interior of the Cathedrale. We were there for Sunday Mass. The 30 or so attendants looke...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 22, 2001

Cathedral of Notre Dame
Place de la Cathedrale
Rouen, France

Eglise Jeanne d'Arc Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Rouen, France Photo - Eglise Jeanne d'Arc, Rouen, France
Quote:
This church is dedicated to Joan of Arc. It is a modern low-raised church built on the very spot she was burned to death in 1431. However, not everything is new. The church incorporates some magnificient 16th century stained glass taken from the Church of St. Vincent that was destroyed during WWII.

Also on this Place du Vieux-Marche is the Joan of Arc Museum that retraces the life of the heroine through models, manuscript and wax figures; and colorful half-timber buildings housing several restaurants.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 22, 2001

Eglise Jeanne d'Arc
Place du Vieux-Marche
Rouen, France

Gros Horloge Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Gros Horloge in Rouen, France Photo - Gros Horloge, Rouen, France
Quote:
The popular pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes that links the Cathedrale Notre Dame to the Place du Vieux-Marche took the name of this Renaissance clock, the most visited attraction in Rouen. The structure consists of a belfry and a Renaissance stone arch spanning the width of the street, topped by a timbered house having at each side the face of a clock. You can admire it from the street or, for FF10, climb to the belfry to see the inner workings of the clock. Notice that the clock only has one hand indicating the hours.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 22, 2001

Gros Horloge
Rue du Gros Horloge
Rouen, France

About the Writer

Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie
Vienna, Virginia

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