In a nutshell

An excursion on the theme of art, history and mysticism: Rouen, the pearl of Normandy, is not called a "Museum City" for nothing. It amazes visitors with its architecture spanning the centuries from Medieval to Gothic in a mysterious and mystical atmosphere. It's also famous for Joan of Arc, the great French heroine who seems to come back to life at every corner.

Main stops

Rouen: the old town
Rue Saint Romain and the church of Saint Maclou
Rue du Gros Horloge and the courthouse
Rouen Cathedral and its two towers, Tour Saint Romain and Tour de Beurre
Place du Vieux Marché

The programme

Our excursion will take us on a complete visit to the city of Rouen, situated on the northern banks of the Seine and considered to be the historic capital of Normandy as well as a source of inspiration for many writers and painters. The guide leads us on a walk along the narrow streets of the old town with over seven hundred houses, large and small, built in typical style from wood and timber, characteristic examples of medieval architectural techniques.

We will then stroll along Rue Saint-Romain, one of the most beautiful streets in the city with the magnificent church of Saint Maclou, an exceptional example of flamboyant Gothic architecture.
We will continue along the lively and highly populated Rue du Gros Horloge with its exceptional defensive clock tower and admire the adjacent courthouse/, housed in a magnificent Renaissance building.
We then visit Rouen Cathedral (13th-16th century.), considered to be one of the greatest examples of French Gothic art. What is most attractive about the cathedral is its variety: the immense façade, bristling with fretworked pinnacles, rises up between two completely different towers, the Tour Saint Romain on the left and the Tour de Beurre on the right.
Before enjoying our free time, perhaps indulging in some shopping, we will stop at the Place du Vieux Marché, the old market square where Joan of Arc was burnt alive as a heretic in 1431.

Good to know

The excursion is reserved for guests who do not disembark at Le Havre.
This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.