Rouen, France
On the first day of our tour of France, we visited Rouen, the ancient capital city of Normandy. It is more famous for its affiliation with Joan of Arc. It was here where Joan of Arc was burned at a stake and where she died last 1431. It was under English occupation back then. The exact spot of the immolation is marked in the pavement in what is now a busy central market area of the city.
The helmet shaped roof of the St. Joan of Arc Church. The roof is designed after the helmet Joan of Arc used to wear.
A closer look at the roof of the St. Joan of Arc Church roof
The helmet shaped roof of the St. Joan of Arc Church taken from another angle
Here's Marc standing by the long white vertical pole which marks the spot where Joan of Arc actually died.
Rouen is a place dominated by ecclesiastical structures. They are almost completely Gothic in style built from the thirteenth (13th) to the fifteenth (15th) centuries. These include the famous churches of Saint Maclou (also pictured in this blog entry)and Saint Ouen. The most prominent structure here is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, famous for its contrasting towers.
In front of the Notre Dame de Rouen
Le Gros Horloge or the Great Clock in English, is another major landmark of the city. It is believed that the city's inhabitants are very proud of it. Just as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris so is the Gros Horloge is to Rouen.
Le Gros Horloge or the Great Clock adjoins a bell tower and consists of a Rennaisance arch crossing the Rue du Gros-Horloge surmounted by an astronomical clock from the sixteenth (16th) century.
For me, Rouen really stood out among French cities for its abundant share of half timbered houses. They looked really old, historic, and beautiful.
I loved the look of the half timbered houses. I understand that in medieval Europe, many houses had exposed wood framing and the spaces between the wooden timbers were filled with plaster, brick, or stone.
Records indicate that in Rouen there are around 2,000 half timbered houses of which half have been restored. This makes Rouen one of the first six cities in France in terms of historic architecture richness despite the destruction during the Second World War when a fourth of the houses were destroyed by fire.
More half timbered houses
And more half timbered houses
L'Aitre Saint Maclou
At L'Aitre Saint Maclou
Marc at L'Aitre Saint Maclou
In front of the Eglise Saint Maclou
The Eglise Saint Maclou
The Palais de Justice
Rouen is likewise known for its spires. The 15th century Palais de Justice is a strong evidence of this fact.
The Palais de Justice
In downtown Rouen
Placing the postcards in my backpack
Studying my way around
We passed by this store that sold statues and sculptures
L'Eglise Reformee