We took a train to Rouen for a day trip. Yet, we jumped back in time! We were met by Medieval craftsmen, troubadours and a Medieval market!
We were visiting during the Medieval and Joan of Arc Festivals.
We strolled through the streets with timber-framed houses:
We were awestruck by the beauty of this 12th century Gothic cathedral -- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.
This is the same cathedral that Claude Monet painted in a series demonstrating changes in appearance due to different lighting conditions of the day and season. I was inspired to create my own series:
Joan of Arc was imprisoned and burned at the stake in Rouen.
Donjon de Rouen:
Only this tower remains of the early 13th-century castle where Joan of Arc was imprisoned.
Church of Saint Joan of Arc:
Built next to the site where Joan of Arc was martyred, is this modern church honouring St. Joan.
With its slate and copper scales, the church's exterior evokes the sea.
Inside are beautiful Renaissance stained-glass windows from the Church of St. Vincent that was destroyed in 1944.
Our day went quickly. There is so much more to see in Rouen. We will definitely have to return to this charming Normandy town!
