Where is Rouen? Rouen Cathedral (Rouen, France): description, history, interesting facts. Rouen Cathedral in art. From Paris to Rouen

Victor Hugo called the city of Rouen “the city of a hundred bells”. The words of the romantic writer should not be taken literally: this is hyperbole. But it came to his mind, of course, not by chance.

Story

The first here, in the 1st millennium BC. e., on the right bank of the river the Celts of the Veliokas tribe, who then owned all the valleys of the lower Seine, began to live. They named their fortified settlement Ratumakos. In 57-56. BC e. it was taken quite easily by the legionnaires of Gaius Julius Caesar, the fortress was renamed Rotomagus, and a city began to grow around it. It was the second most important center of the Roman province of Lugdunian Gaul after Lugdunum (now Lyon). Ships bringing wool and ore from British Isles, from Italy - marble, from Spain - olive oil, from Gaul - wines, cheeses and other gastronomic delights, all this was sent by sea to Foggy Albion, as the Romans called the future Great Britain. In the 3rd century, under Emperor Diocletian, Rotomagus could already afford the construction of an amphitheater, baths (the ruins of which have been preserved), a temple, from which several statues and fragments of columns found by archaeologists remain, and a monumental fountain. But his prosperity was interrupted by the first invasion of Gaul by German barbarians in the second half of the 3rd century. Forced to defend himself, Rotomagus was reduced to the size of a castrum - a military camp surrounded by hastily erected walls. In 393, under the last emperor of the unified Roman Empire, Theodosius I (c. 346-395), Orthodox Nicene Christianity became the official religion of the state. In Rouen at this time the first basilica was built and the first bishop named Saint Victrix appeared. In 476, the Western Roman Empire ceases to exist. Soon, Rouen was conquered by the Frankish king Clovis I (c. 466-511), who became monarch at the age of 15. After the death of Clovis, the Frankish kingdom was divided between his four sons, and Rouen became the capital of Neustria. In the 8th century the city became part of the empire of Charlemagne (742/747 or 748-811).
In 841 Neustria was conquered by the Vikings (Normans), they plundered and burned Rouen. In 856 everything happened again. Under a king named Rollo (Hrolf) Pedestrian (c. 846-931), who adopted the Frankish name Robert, from 912 Rouen became the capital of the Norman Duchy and its religious center, in exchange for Rollo's oath to the Frankish king, although William the Conqueror ( 1027/1028-1087) preferred Caen to Rouen (until he conquered England).
In 1150, the Charter of Rouen was adopted, the capital became one of the most prosperous cities in Europe, the Treasury of Normandy was located here, and many wealthy merchants lived here, laying the foundation for the “hundred spiers.” In 1204, Philip II Augustus (1165-1223) annexed Normandy to the Kingdom of France. Shortly before this, construction began on the famous Gothic Rouen Cathedral to replace the burned one, from which a crypt in the Romanesque style has been preserved. All this complex and at the same time light, openwork, richly decorated building, in which, however, nothing seems superfluous, was completed by a cast iron spire 151 m high in 1880, which made the cathedral for several years the most tall building Europe.
In 2002, Rouen was awarded the honorary rank of “city of history and art” as part of a special national program. Then the project “Let me tell you about...” began here.
These stories can last, it seems, endlessly, for they are replete with a mass of colorful, often dramatic details. This is the story about the most famous historical figure associated with Rouen, Joan of Arc (1412-1431), or rather, about last days life of the national heroine of France. During the Hundred Years' War in May 1430, Jeanne was captured by the Burgundians and handed over to the Inquisition, which defended the interests of the British. They kept the warrior in the only surviving tower-donjon of the Rouen fortress, and tried and tortured her as a heretic. Her heresy consisted of wearing men's clothing, disobedience to the hierarchs of the Catholic Church and connections with the devil, who spoke to her with “voices.” On May 30, 1431, Jeanne, wearing a long shirt soaked in sulfur, was taken to the Old Market Square and burned alive, and she shouted only one word: “Jesus!” At this place, a flower garden was laid out and a marble plaque was placed with the text of the Church’s verdict of 1920, recognizing Joan as a saint. Nearby, the modernist Cathedral of St. Joan was opened in 1979, decorated inside with stained glass windows from the 13th century. from the Saint-Vincent church destroyed in 1944. The complex roof of the cathedral, with a silhouette reminiscent of tongues of a fire, is covered with imitation tiles with a fish scale pattern. This is an allusion both to the market that still operates here, and to the fish - as a symbol that the first Christians worshiped.
Another fascinating story of Rouen is the story of the heart of Richard the Lionheart (1157-1199), which is buried in a sarcophagus with his sculpted image in Rouen Cathedral.
In 1944, during the Normandy operation, the city was heavily damaged by bombing; the Rouen Cathedral was almost completely destroyed, which was also subjected to a powerful disaster in 1999. But it was completely restored and looks exactly the same as it was depicted by one of the founders of impressionism, Claude Monet. (1840-1926). He painted 36 paintings depicting the cathedral in different time day, under different lighting, he left 47 sketches for them. Monet's paintings are kept in the most famous museums in the world, and the Museum's collection of impressionists fine arts in Rouen is considered the second most important after the collection of the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. So Rouen rightfully considers itself a city of impressionism. And post-impressionism too: many artists of this school of painting lived and worked here. As well as great writers: playwright Pierre Corneille ( 1606-1684), novelists Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) and Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) described the Rouen Cathedral, Rouen itself, and its surroundings in the novel Madame Bovary. admitted that he never loved this city, considered it “too provincial.” has more vertical lines and resembles the English half-timbered style, which is not surprising: many things connect Normandy and England in the “colombage” part of the city; they all look like authentic medieval buildings, although they were also mostly destroyed. during the Second World War, but were carefully restored and after reconstruction acquired all modern communications.
Trade has always been the main occupation of Rouen, and the main exports from the city itself are blue and white earthenware, linen, wool and cotton textiles, as well as forged metal products that adorn the interiors of many buildings and churches in Rouen. The city's metallurgical plants were built on English iron ore, and to this day metallurgy is one of the city's main industries.

general information

Historical capital of Normandy, the center of the modern region of France Haute-Normandie and the prefecture of the Seine-Maritime department in the north of the country.

Administrative division: The Rouen agglomeration includes 71 communes.

Language: French.

Ethnic composition: French - 96% (in France, the concept of “nationality” is equivalent to the concept of “citizenship”), immigrants - 4%.

Religions: Catholicism - 88%, Protestantism - 2%, Islam - 1%, Judaism - 1%, non-religious - 8%. But these numbers are most likely incorrect. About a third of French residents overall call themselves atheists in surveys, and another third call themselves agnostics, and Rouen is hardly an exception.

Currency unit: Euro.

Largest river: Seine.

Major airports: immediate international airports- Orly and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle in Paris (130 km).

Numbers

Area: 21.38 km2.

Population: 112,787 people. (2011), in the agglomeration - about 600,000 people.

Population density: 5275.4 people/km 2 .
The most high point: 87 m above sea level (right bank of the Seine).

Climate and weather

Moderate continental with marine influences, soft, humid.
Average January temperature:+4°C.

Average temperature in July:+18°С.
Average annual precipitation: 1250 mm.

Economy

Industry: in the suburbs - metallurgy, mechanical engineering; textile, oil refining, chemical, woodworking and pulp and paper.
Port industry, ship repair (Rouen is one of the largest river ports in France, accessible to sea vessels).

Railway junction.

Service sector: trade, tourism.

Attractions

■ Old Market Square (Vieux Marchais), Old city with houses of Gothic, Renaissance and half-timbered architecture.
■ Religious buildings : Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral (Norman Gothic, founded in 1210, construction was mainly completed in the 16th century, the central spire - 19th century), Saint-Ouen Abbey Church (Gothic, 14th-16th centuries), Church of Saint-Maclou (“flaming” Gothic, 15th century), Church of Saint-Godard (Gothic, late 15th century), Cathedral of Saint Joan of Arc (1979). Historical Center, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saint-Ouen and Saint-Maclou churches are on the tentative list World Heritage UNESCO.
■ Buildings: Palace of Justice (former building of the Parliament of Normandy, Gothic, XV-XVI centuries), Town Hall (formerly the dormitory of the Abbey of Saint-Ouen, Renaissance, XVI century), hotel (mansion) Burgteruld (Renaissance, XVI century), Clock tower Gros Orloge (Great Clock) with an astronomical clock (XIII-XVI centuries) and a museum, tower of Joan of Arc (XV century).
■ Museums: fine arts - paintings by Veronese, Velazquez, Rubens, Poussin, a collection of impressionists (Monet, Renoir), natural history, antiquity, ceramics, navigation, river and port affairs, metal structures of Le Sec de Tournelle, National Museum education; museums of Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, Pierre Corneille.
■ Botanical Garden(exists since 1840).
■ In the vicinity: a castle from the 12th century. Richard the Lionheart in Les Andelys, the towns of Giverny (Claude Monet's estate with a garden), Etretat, Honfleur, Deauville; Road of the Abbeys (Saint-Ouen in Rouen, Saint-Georges in Saint-Martin-de-Borcheville and Saint-Pierre in Jumièges), Fruit Road.

Curious facts

■ Most Gothic cathedrals are characterized by complete identity of the towers of the facade, hence the expression “twin towers”. But the towers of Rouen Cathedral are significantly different from each other. The northern tower is called Saint-Romain - Roman, the southern one is nicknamed the Butter Tower - for the yellowish tint of the stone from which it was erected in 1485. Perhaps the name here is primary. It is forbidden to consume butter during Lent. Those who were unable to refuse it paid the church six deniers in the Middle Ages - a kind of compensation for a minor sin. The Oil Tower was built with these funds.
■ Behind the Church of Saint-Maclou in the Middle Ages there was a cemetery for victims of the plague (now concert hall). One of its attractions is the mummified body of a cat placed behind glass, stuck hundreds of years ago between the stone blocks of one of the crypts.
■ In 2010, the first Normandie Impressionist festival was held in Rouen. Its program included exhibitions, lectures, conferences, musical concerts and historical performances. The second festival is planned to be held from April 27 to September 29, 2013. Its main theme is water in Impressionist paintings and, in parallel, everything connected with the rivers of Normandy.

Sights of Rouen. The most important and interesting sights of Rouen - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

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Church of Saint-Ouen

Rouen, Place du General de Gaulle

The Gothic church of this monastery is considered an absolute masterpiece of French Gothic, along with the Rouen Cathedral, which is almost equal in size and monumentality. The monastery was founded in the middle of the 6th century. and became one of the most influential Benedictine abbeys in the country quite quickly.

• A walk through the ancient streets of Rouen is a real journey through time: history awaits tourists around every turn. There are more than 50 churches in Rouen, many of which are real gems gothic architecture. Most of the tourist attractions are concentrated in the pedestrian zone, a charming area with winding medieval streets and half-timbered houses.

  The first and, perhaps, main attraction of the city is the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the largest and most majestic in France. Its main part was built in the 13th century, although the work was completed only in the 16th century. The incredible facade of the cathedral inspired Claude Monet to create a famous series of paintings: the great impressionist painted the view from the same point at different times of the day, mesmerized by the play of light and shadow on the richly and carefully decorated openwork facade.

  Today the cemetery of Saint-Maclou is quite pleasant and beautiful place. For those, of course, who are not unnerved by the countless images of skulls and bones on ancient tombstones.

  Another Gothic landmark of Rouen, not too inferior in beauty to Notre Dame, is the Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen. Amazing 14th century building. was built by the Benedictines and is considered a masterpiece of the late Gothic style. The church tower is crowned by a section with a pointed turret, which is called the “Crown of Normandy”. It is also impossible not to mention the 80 stained glass windows, thanks to which the church is surprisingly light, and the masterpiece organ by Cavalier-Coll.

  Another Rouen Gothic and again stunning - the Church of Saint-Maclou from the 15th century. buildings and its cemetery. The history of this place, however, is rather gloomy: people were buried in the cemetery in the 14th century. victims of the Black Death epidemic, which killed a third of the inhabitants of Rouen. But today it is quite a pleasant and picturesque place - for those, of course, who are not unnerved by the countless images of skulls and bones on ancient tombstones.

  Only the last of the “golden Gothic four” buildings in Rouen had and still has a purely secular purpose: this is the Palace of Justice, where the city court sits today. Previously, a richly decorated building with an abundance of spiers, turrets, gargoyles and other paraphernalia of the flaming Gothic style served the Parliament of Normandy. The wonderful palace was built in several stages and was quite badly damaged during the bombing of 1944: shell marks, deliberately left untouched, can still be seen on the walls.

  One of Rouen's most recognizable landmarks is the enormous astronomical clock, which can be found next door to the Palais de Justice, on the charming cobbled Rue Gros Horloge. Clock 14th century. they still go and mark the day by ringing bells.

  The Rouen Art Museum can be considered one of the most important in the country. It is widely known for the abundance of art schools and movements represented there. The oldest exhibits of the museum date back to the 15th century, and the youngest - to the 21st century. Among the masterpieces of the collection of paintings, the richest, are works by Rubens, Caravaggio, Velazquez, Delacroix, Degas, Modigliani, Monet and other greatest world masters.

French city Rouen (Normandy region)

The French city of Rouen is the historical capital of Normandy and the center of the entire Haute-Normandie region, a prefecture of the Seine-Maritime department in northern France.

Rouen is one of the oldest cities in France and has the fourth largest port in the country. It was not by chance that it appeared on the site of the Rotomagus settlement - it was impossible to build a city with a stone bridge across the river downstream of the Seine.

Normandy region) became the first from the mouth populated area with a bridge over the Seine, which was built by the Viking Rollo, shortly after he became Duke of Normandy in 911. Until the 13th century, when Philip II annexed Normandy to France, Rouen was the capital of the Duchy of Normandy.

During the Hundred Years' War in 1419, after a long siege, the city was captured by Henry V, and in 1431, the fearless national heroine of France, Joan of Arc, was burned here. It was not until 1449 that the French recaptured the city from the British. Centuries-old history The city is replete with tragic events.

Wars and fires repeatedly struck the city. In the first half of the 13th century alone, there were 45 large fires in the city. The Second World War also left its mark on the city, during which bridges, embankments, industrial districts and architectural buildings were destroyed. attractions .

Fabulous amounts of money were spent on the restoration of the city. And today, thanks to the painstaking work of thousands of people who participated in these works, you can, while walking around Rouen, see true masterpieces of Gothic architecture, ancient quarters with their colorful houses, museums and other attractions that will leave you with indelible memories.

Arrival, city information and accommodation in Rouen

Rouen airport is located in Bos, 9 kilometers southeast of the city. Rouen airport and train station are connected by bus. Avis, Budjet and Hertz offer car rental services. The central train station Gare Rive Droite is located at the northern end of rue Jeanne d'Arc. The train station can be reached by metro (metro station: Gare Rue Verte), construction of which was completed in 1998.

A one-way trip costs €1.30 and a multi-way ticket costs €10.40. All buses, except No. 2-A from the railway station, follow Jeanne d'Arc Street to the center. The journey takes 5 minutes. If you get off at the fifth stop - "Theater des Arts" - and walk along the river one block to the west, you will see the bus station (rue Charettes).

The Tourist Office of Rouen, located opposite the cathedral (25 place de la Cathedrale), organizes daily two-hour walking tours of the city at 14.00, and on Saturdays at 17.00 conducts tours of the Jewish Quarter. The cost of such an excursion is 6.50 euros per person.

In addition, you can take a 40-minute sightseeing tour on small train, which departs from the tourist office. You can rent a bike from Rouen Cycles (45 rue St-Eloi). The post office is located in the city center (45 rue Jeanne-d`Arc). Internet access is provided by the stylish Cyber ​​Net cafe (47 place du Vieux-Marche).

The city has more than 3 thousand hotel rooms, so there should not be any problems with choosing a suitable accommodation option in Rouen even at the busiest times. Most of the hotels below are open all year round. Some hotels They have their own restaurants, and they are quite cheap, since there are many places in the city where you can eat.

Rouen Hotels

1). Hotel Beausejour– The hotel is located in a good location near train station(on his right side). There is a beautiful garden in the courtyard, however, the windows of the rooms face one unsightly side. All rooms have TV, telephone and other amenities. Opening hours: closed in the second half of July. Hotel address: 9 rue Pouchet;

2). Hotel Bristol– Clean, beautiful small hotel (9 rooms), located in a half wooden building above its own cafe. The rooms have all the necessary amenities and TVs. Opening hours: closed the first 3 weeks of August. Hotel address: 45 rue aux Juifs;

3). Hotel Le Cardinal – Good hotel opposite the cathedral. The rooms have all the necessary amenities. A rich buffet breakfast costs 7 euros. Hotel address: 1 place de Cathedrale;

4). Hotel Des Carmes– Twelve rooms are located in beautiful building XIX century on a quiet central square, north of the cathedral. Normandy breakfast costs 6.90 euros. Hotel address: 33 place Des Carmes;

5). Hotel de la Cathedrale– One of the most attractive and well located hotels in Rouen on a quiet pedestrian street leading to the cathedral. There is a beautiful courtyard decorated with flowers. Breakfast buffet 7.50 euros. Hotel address: 12 rue St-Romain;

6). Hotel Des Familles– Very friendly a good place. The hotel is located near the Rive Droite train station. Hotel address: 4 rue Pouchet;

7). Hotel Du Palais– A fairly inexpensive hotel, centrally located, north of the Big Clock and offering stylish, although not top quality single rooms at reasonable prices. Hotel address: 12 rue du Tambour;

8). Sphinx Hotel– The most ordinary, even somewhat gloomy hotel, located near the Museum of Antiquity, but perhaps this is the only hotel in Normandy where you can rent a room for 15 euros. There is no shower in the rooms, and you have to pay 2 euros to use it. Hotel address: 130 rue Beauvoisine;

9). Hotel Du Vieux Marche– A modern hotel located near Place Vieux Marché, it is the best hotel in the city. Hotel address: 15 rue de la Pie.

Campings in Rouen

1). Camping d'Aubette– It is located in a rural area 4 kilometers east of the city. You can get there by bus number 8. Camping location: 23 rue Vert Buisson in St-Leger du Bourg-Denis;

2). Camping municipal– The campsite is located 4 kilometers northwest of the city. More suitable for heavy vehicle drivers than tourists. Bus number 2 goes here. Camping location: Rue Lules-Ferry in Deville-les-Rouen.

Sights of Rouen

Traditionally, the authorities of Rouen allocate much more budget money for the construction and maintenance of local monuments than any other provincial city.

From Place Vieux Marché to the Cathedral

You should start sightseeing in Rouen from the Vieux-Marche market square, where a small memorial plaque and a huge cross (20 meters high) mark the place where Joan of Arc was burned alive on May 30, 1431.

In the center of the square is the Church of Saint Joan of Arc; with its bizarre shape it resembles a sailboat or a tongue of flame. An architectural find, undoubtedly, is the indoor food market, which fits perfectly into the overall ensemble and style.

The theme of the church is continued here, where the windows are made in the shape of a fish, and the somewhat elongated roof is decorated with scaly tiles. The square itself is surrounded by lovely old brown and white buildings, made half of wood. Behind the houses on the south side of the square, most of which house restaurants, is the Joan of Arc Museum.

From the Vieux-Marché market square to the east leads to the cathedral Tower Clock Street(rue du Gros-Horloge). At the intersection with Rue Joan of Arc, on the arch you will see the Big Clock (originally it was on the Gothic bell tower, but then in 1529, at the request of the people, it was lowered lower so that people could see it better).

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rouen

According to legend, Jeanne, since 1425, heard the voices of saints who encouraged her to a military feat and promised her their help. Jeanne managed to convince the heir to the French throne of her liberation mission, she led the French troops and, supported by experienced military leaders, inflicted a number of defeats on the British army.

As a result of the campaign launched on May 8, 1429, the siege of Orleans was lifted, and the British lost dominance in the Loire Valley. Joan's fame and influence grew enormously. At her insistence, Charles was solemnly crowned in accordance with ancient tradition in the Cathedral of Reims on July 17.

In May 1430, in Compiegne, Jeanne was captured by the Burgundians, who demanded a ransom for her. However, the indecisive monarch did nothing, and Jeanne was handed over to the British for 10 thousand ducats. On Christmas Day 1430, she was imprisoned in the tower of the castle of Philippe-Augustus in Rouen. The church court, which accused Jeanne of heresy and witchcraft, sentenced her to execution, and on May 30, 1431, she was burned in the Vieux-Marche square. And her remains were thrown into the Seine.

Jeanne went down in history, legends were formed about her even before the court records were discovered and deciphered in 1840. She demonstrated self-control and pious humility during all the trials that befell her. She is rightly called the great national heroine of France. True, she was recently canonized in 1920, after which she also became a local patron saint.

Where to eat and drink in Rouen

Unlike hotels that often offer special discounts and weekends, good restaurants, tend to raise prices at this time as families dine out for lunch and dinner. Most restaurants are concentrated on the Old Market Square. In the north of the city there are many Tunisian establishments that offer takeaway food, as well as creperies and other eateries. Several of Rouen's attractive bars are located between rue Thiers and the Old Market Square.

Rouen Restaurants

1). Restaurant Au temps des Cerises– If you came to Normandy to try local cheeses, then this is just what you need. Turkey breast in Camembert, pancakes with goat cheese and various processed cheeses. A set of dishes for lunch costs from 13 euros, for dinner from 16 euros. A fashionable and even somewhat over-stylish restaurant. Opening hours: Closed on Sundays and Mondays, and for lunch on Saturdays. Restaurant address: 4-6 rue des Basnages;

2). Restaurant Des Beaux Arts- Very good quality Algerian cuisine. Located on a pedestrian street north of the Saint-Maclou church: couscous from 8 euros or hotpot from 10 euros, as well as various types of sausages and meats. Opening hours: Closed on Mondays and Tuesday evenings. 34 rue Damiette;

3). Bistro Brasserie Paul– This is a typical Rouen bistro, located in a beautiful square, where you can sit both inside and on the terrace, admiring the views of the cathedral. For lunch they serve goat cheese and smoked duck salad, which were very popular with Simone de Beauvoir, who regularly visited this establishment in the 1930s. It costs 11 euros. Bistro address: 1 place de la Cathedrale;

4). Restaurant Flunch– Spacious self-service restaurant on the street leading north from the cathedral. Numerous fresh dishes and daily special for 4.40 euros. Restaurant address: 60 rue des Carmes;

5). Gill Restaurant– A classic French restaurant offering fried lobster with asparagus and baked pigeons. On weekdays, a set of dishes for lunch costs 40 euros, and the cheapest dinner will cost you no less than 85 euros. Opening hours: Closed on Sundays and Mondays, and the first three weeks of August. Restaurant address: 9 quai de la Bourse;

6). Restaurant Le Maupassant– One of the most visited among the many restaurants on the Old Market Square. Its terrace overlooks the Saint-Jean church. They offer excellent meal sets for 16.50-22.30 euros, which include duck breast and amazing chocolate desserts. Restaurant address: 39 place du Vieux Marche;

7). Restaurant Le Marmite– A very romantic small restaurant to the west of the Old Market Square, offering beautifully and elegantly presented gourmet dishes at reasonable prices: set dishes for 19, 28 euros (which includes hot oysters) and 45 euros. Opening hours: closed on Mondays and Sunday evenings. Restaurant address: 3 rue de Florence;

8). Restaurant Les Nympheas– Located in a small courtyard west of the Old Market Square. This chic restaurant has excellent french cuisine. Set of dishes for 25.15 euros, 30.49 euros and 39.64 euros. Try the beef with truffles. Opening hours: Closed on Sunday evenings and for lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays (1-5 September). Restaurant address: 7-9 rue de la Pie;

9). Cafe-teahouse Le P`tit Bec– Very friendly cafe-teahouse. A popular lunch spot in Rouen. There are two simple meal sets available for €11 and €13.50, which include salmon with spaghetti and chocolate desserts. There is also a large selection of vegetarian dishes. Opening hours: Closed on Sundays and Monday-Thursday evenings. Restaurant address: 182 rue Eau de Robec.

Bars and music clubs in Rouen

1). Music club Le Bateau Lvre– Focused on rock programs and performances. On Tuesdays, “Free Microphone” events are held for lovers of French chanson. Opening hours: Closed on Sundays and Mondays, also in August. Bar address: 17 rue des Sapins;

2). A pub Big Ben – Located under the Big Clock, which is where the name comes from. There are always a lot of people here. Entrance from the courtyard through house no. 30 on Vergetiers street (rue Vergetiers). There is karaoke (weekends). Opening hours: open Tuesday-Saturday 12.00-2.00. Pub address: 95 rue du Gros-Horloge;

3). Bar Le Curieux– A very noisy and hectic bar where they play a mixture of techno and drum and bass music. Opening hours: open Tuesday and Friday 19.00-4.00; Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 19.00-2.00. Bar address: 3 rue des Fosses Louis VIII;

4). Bar Exo 7– This bar is the main hard rock scene in Rouen. The bar is located just south of the city center. Now it is becoming more and more eclectic, and at night techno sounds here. Opening hours: open on Fridays and Saturdays from 23.00 to 5.00. Bar address: 13 place des Chartreux;

5). Nightclub La Luna– Charming night club, specializing in Latin American culture. They dance salsa here at night. Opening hours: open from Tuesday to Saturday 19.00-4.00. Club address: 26 rue St-Etienne-des-Tonneliers;

6). Bar La Taverne St-Amant– A popular bar where they serve meat snacks with dark beer. Located at the end of Republic Street near the cathedral. Opening hours: Closed on Sundays and the first three weeks of August. Bar address: 11 rue St-Amant.

Things to do in Rouen

IN big city With a population of 400 thousand people there are always many events taking place, ranging from classical concerts in churches to alternative events held in in public places and commercial centers. There are several theaters in Rouen that mainly operate only during the winter season.

The most spectacular performances take place at the theater of arts (7 rue de Dr-Rambert). Operas and ballets are staged here and concerts are held. A more varied repertoire is at the Theater des Deux Rives (rue Louis-Ricard), which is located opposite the Museum of Antiquity. It offers productions of plays by such playwrights as Beaumarchais, Shakespeare, Beckett and Gorky.

Concerts are often held at the Théâtre Duchamp-Villon in the center of the Saint Sever complex, as well as at the Théâtre Charles Dullin (allee des Arcades Grand Quevilly) and the Théâtre Maxim Gorky (rue Francois-Mitterrand, Petit Quevilly), which specializes in contemporary and classical European music. There are two multiplex cinemas. One is located north of the river, the other is in the Holy North complex.

“See Rouen and die!” - this is how, to paraphrase the famous statement of the Russian writer Ilya Ehrenburg, one can say about this French city, the historical capital of Normandy. Since antiquity, the city of Rouen, like a Phoenix bird, has repeatedly risen from the ashes and ruins. Stendhal called it the Athens of the Gothic style, and Victor Hugo called it the city of hundreds of bell towers. Gustave Flaubert wrote his novel Madame Bovary here. Notre Dame Cathedral, which embodied all the trends of medieval Gothic, inspired the French impressionist Claude Monet. And the ashes of the national heroine Joan of Orleans, scattered over the stones of the city, still “knock” on the heart of the French people.

In modern France, Rouen has the official status of a city of arts and history. And it is truly rich in events, each of which left its mark on the appearance of the city. He is considered the fifth largest historical monuments among the cities of France.

History of Rouen

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It was in Rouen that the national heroine Joan of Arc went to the stake. The city never remained aloof from the political and religious strife that tore apart medieval France. Normandy has always been a tasty morsel for the English crown. Here, in Rouen Cathedral, the heart of a descendant of William the Conqueror, King Richard the Lionheart, is buried. "Black Death" - a plague that covered the city in the middle of the 14th century, carried away most townspeople She left a historical trace in the form of an ossuary in the courtyard of the Church of Saint-Maclou.

The Renaissance was marked by new construction in Rouen. It was a time of economic and cultural prosperity. The city has become the center fine arts. Famous sculptors decorated the palaces and houses of the city with architectural elements and sculptures, and artists painted churches and cathedrals with frescoes. Many mansions have survived to this day, and invariably attract the attention of tourists. At the dawn of the 16th century, 10 printing houses operated in Rouen.

The economic well-being of the center of Normandy was determined by sea ​​port and manufactories. Cloth and silk weaving workshops, as well as metallurgy, made the main contribution to the well-being of the city. At this time, trade operations with overseas countries, in particular with Brazil, began to develop rapidly. And in the middle of the 16th century, the port of Rouen became Starting point sea ​​voyages of French colonialists to develop South American territories.

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Modern Rouen

The city of Rouen in France has about 100 thousand inhabitants (about 400 thousand live in the entire agglomeration). This is the center of Upper Normandy, part of the Paris agglomeration. The peace and beauty of the city prepares its guests to meet the past. Half-timbered houses with miniature attics, characteristic wall paneling and balconies decorated with flowerpots with geraniums form narrow streets. The ancient Crown restaurant, dating back to the Middle Ages, and the astronomical clock, symbolizing the leisurely passage of time, are the face of Rouen.

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Currently, Rouen is the main grain port in Europe and the fifth largest and most important in France. Like Paris, the city is divided into two parts by the Seine River. The right bank is the historical part. But this does not mean that only there are its attractions. On the left bank, ancient buildings peacefully coexist with houses of more modern architecture. The city attracts travelers and tourists from all over the world.

How to get to Rouen?

You can get here from London, Brussels and Paris. Local airport receives flights from Barcelona, ​​Venice, Rome, Milan and Berlin. The distance from Paris to Rouen is 112 - 132 km (depending on the route).

You can get there from Paris by purchasing a one-day ticket sightseeing tour. But it includes sightseeing of other cities in the Seine Valley. This is not entirely convenient, because there will be very little time left in Rouen to fully feel the spirit of the city and enjoy its beauty and comfort.

The easiest way to get from Paris to Rouen is high-speed train. It departs from Paris Saint-Lazare Station every hour and a half, starting at 6 am. The fare costs about 20 euros, depending on the fare and method of purchasing a ticket (through the website it will cost almost half as much). Travel time is a little over an hour. Trains on the route Paris - Rouen are quite comfortable, the cars are divided into compartments with 6 seats, they have tables and electrical outlets.

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Convenient travel and a short distance from Paris remove the question of how to get to Rouen on your own. Compared to an organized excursion and a trip by car, traveling by train will cost much less.

There are also buses between Paris and Rouen. The fare is about 5 euros; you can buy tickets at a discount on websites. The bus is coming a little longer than the train - it will take about 2 hours to get to Rouen. In France there is a lot to see besides historical monuments, so the road to Rouen will bring a lot of pleasant impressions.

Weather

The climate in Rouen is dictated by the proximity of the Atlantic coast. The weather is warm and humid, rainy days here on average there are more than 100 per year. Winters are mild, and in summer temperatures can rise to +30°C. You can go here at any time of the year, and no matter what the weather - Rouen always remains attractive and even acquires some charm when covered in the haze of drizzling rain.

The main influx of tourists occurs from May to September. If Rouen is the main purpose of the trip, then you can simply find out what the weather is like in Rouen for a week. In summer there is little rain, most often it occurs in July. December and January are considered the rainiest months. The driest month is April. The advantage of spring and autumn holiday are low prices for accommodation and food. And there are no queues to visit attractions at this time either. Information about what the weather is like in Rouen for 14 days will help you decide on the dates of your next visit.

Sights of Rouen

What to see in Rouen? To explore the city thoroughly and get to know the sights, one day will not be enough. The Rouen map will help you save time and plan your route. The most remarkable thing about the city is its architecture. The French medieval Gothic, which looked like stone lace with spiers reaching into the sky, was replaced by flaming Gothic. Numerous park areas have been created for relaxation and walking, among which the Botanical Garden deserves special attention - Rouen has the right to be proud of this masterpiece of landscape art. The museums in Rouen deserve more time.

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Impressionists in Rouen

Many places in the city are associated with the names of impressionist artists. Rouen Cathedral was painted not only by Monet. The first was the English artist William Turner. But it is Monet who owes the world a cycle of 30 paintings depicting the cathedral in different weather and from different angles. Then there was Camille Pissarro, who captured the Rouen of his time as a backdrop to vibrant human life. His paintings “Boildieu Bridge in Rouen on a Rainy Day”, “Old Market in Rouen”, “Roofs of Old Rouen”, “Rue Episérie, Rouen (sunlight effect)” look like frozen moments of a bygone era.

Museums of Rouen

Rouen received many epithets and definitions from enthusiastic guests of the city. One of them is the city of a hundred museums. Of these, the most interesting to visit are:

• The Museum of Fine Arts of Rouen, where paintings by Rubens, Monet, Velazquez and other artists of different eras are collected - from the 15th to the 20th centuries;
• Museum of Ceramics with a collection of faience from the 16th – 19th centuries;
• The Museum of Natural History, it ranks second in importance after the Parisian;
• Le Sec de Tournai is a museum that contains masterpieces of artistic forging and forged products from the 3rd to the 19th centuries;
• The Rouen Maritime Museum presents an exhibition of ships to visitors different models and historical documents;
• The Gustave Flaubert Museum of the History of Medicine, where the exhibition includes not only hospital objects - medical instruments, documents, pharmaceutical utensils and statues of holy healers. There is also the writer’s room with his personal belongings.

Churches and cathedrals

Rouen is the last stop on the Seine Valley Abbey Route. It ends at the Abbey Church of Saint-Ouen. The ancient monastery was once one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries. The wealth and variety of stained glass windows with which it is decorated main temple, has no equal in all of France. The Abbey of Saint-Ouen today is the place where the city hall is located, providing the ancient building with the necessary communications and bringing it into line with modern requirements.

The pride of Rouen is the Rouen Notre Dame Cathedral. The height of its spire is 151 meters. The grace of its stone “lace”, 70 façade sculptures created in the 14th and 15th centuries, towers and stained glass windows are admirable. You can learn about their history inside the church itself. Even in the photo, the cathedral makes an incredible impression - it seems to be all directed upward. Until 1880, Rouen Cathedral was the tallest building in the world.

Normandy is a country of tranquil rural landscapes, green meadows, beautiful Gothic castles and ancient legends. This is the land of the famous William the Conqueror, who practically laid the foundation for the history of neighboring England as a state. In Norman Rouen, the legendary Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc, was convicted and executed. Today, an elegant temple stands near the site of her burning.

The streets of Rouen are a real museum of Gothic architecture. Several hundred houses were built here in the magnificent Flaming Gothic style. The exquisite facades and spiers of the Palace of Justice, decorated with thin stone lace, and the incredible stained glass windows of the Rouen Cathedral delight even people indifferent to architectural beauty.

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What to see and where to go in Rouen?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The legendary Joan of Arc, the heroine of the Hundred Years' War, canonized by the Catholic Church in the 20th century, was burned on Vieux Marché Square. Many buildings surrounding this place are somehow connected with her name. The square contains a museum dedicated to the memory of Joan, as well as a monument surrounded by flower beds marking the place of her execution. Along the perimeter of the square there are elegant half-timbered houses, decorating the city landscape.

The cathedral is one of the most striking monuments of Gothic architecture in France. It was erected in the 13th century on the foundations of a Romanesque church from the 11th century. Adjacent to the temple is the archbishop's palace, which forms one with it. architectural complex. The bell tower of the cathedral reaches a height of 151 meters. The architecture of the temple made a strong impression on the artist K. Monet, who created a series of paintings dedicated to the cathedral.

The abbey was founded in the 6th century, and gradually it became the most influential monastery in Normandy. The monastery existed until the 9th century, until it was destroyed by pagan Normans. Restoration took place in the 11th century under William I the Conqueror. The first church of the monastery was built in the Romanesque style, later in the XIV-XVI centuries. the building was rebuilt in accordance with the canons of the Gothic style.

The temple was built in the picturesque Flaming Gothic style. Its spiers truly resemble tongues of stone flame reaching to the heavens. The church was built in the period 1437-1521. on voluntary donations from patrons. The temple is decorated with bright, skillful stained glass windows of the 15th century and elegant decorative elements. During World War II, the temple was partially destroyed; restoration was completed in 2010.

A Benedictine monastery of the 11th-12th centuries, which was badly damaged during the religious wars between Protestants and Catholics. Some buildings had to be rebuilt, so on the territory of the abbey there are buildings from the 12th century and XVII century, and there is some mixing of architectural styles. Around the monastery there is a picturesque French park with hedges, an orchard and a garden of medicinal plants.

The temple is located on the Vieux Marché square. In the 16th century, in its place stood gothic cathedral, from which only stained glass windows remain. The Church of St. Joan was built in a modern manner using asymmetrical architectural forms and interesting engineering solutions. The roof of the structure symbolizes the flames in which Jeanne died. The complex of church buildings also includes an indoor market.

The tower is the only surviving building of the Rouen Castle, which was built for Philip II Augustus. Local limestone was used to build the fortifications. The building was destroyed during the religious wars. The donjon tower is famous for the fact that the trial of the Maid of Orleans took place here in 1431. However, Jeanne was kept captive in another tower, now destroyed.

The palace is considered one of the most picturesque buildings in Rouen. It was erected in the 16th century according to the design of R. Le Roux and R. Ango and was used for city council meetings. The building is a striking example of secular Gothic. Today, the local court sits in the palace, and there are also two museums and a library. The palace facade resembles a fancy stone lace, its decorative details are so skillfully made.

The gallery is one of the largest in Normandy, its permanent exhibition located in 60 halls. The collections of the 17th and 17th centuries are considered especially significant and complete. XIX centuries. The collection contains works by Modigliani, Renoir, Lancret, Moreau, Monet and other masters. In addition to paintings, the museum collection includes sculptures, graphics, jewelry and furniture. The museum constantly hosts temporary exhibitions of famous and recognized artists.

The museum has existed since the 19th century; it is located in a church from the 16th century. Initially, the exhibition was located in Paris, but later it was transported to Rouen. The museum's collection contains artistic forging products from the Roman period to the 20th century. Many exhibits were brought from Arab and Asian countries, as well as from Russia. In the museum you can examine forged grilles, utensils, decorative railings, signs and much more.

An interactive exhibition that immerses visitors in the atmosphere of different eras. “Panorama” is a huge metal cylinder 34 meters in diameter and 35 meters in height. Inside this cylinder there is a circular volumetric fresco that reproduces the chain of events of a certain historical period. In 2015 it was the year 312 - the time of the adoption of Christianity by Emperor Constantine, in 2016 - a panorama of Rouen from the time of Joan of Arc.

The collection is located in historical mansion XVI century. It contains exhibits dating back to the period of the 16th-19th centuries. For the first time in France, the secret of making faience was revealed by a resident of Rouen. Until this moment, only Italian masters were in possession of the secret. By the 17th century, Rouen became famous throughout the world for its ceramics. During a guided tour, you can learn about ceramic technology.

Pedestrian street located between Market Square and Rouen Cathedral. Along the street there are town houses with half-timbered facades. Its name comes from the old astronomical clock, which is located on a stone arch of the 16th century. Several centuries ago, they even hired a special caretaker who monitored the serviceability of the mechanism and lived not far from the arch.

The garden was founded in the 17th century. At first it was private territory, once even Napoleon Bonaparte owned it. In the 19th century, the garden became city property and became accessible to everyone. Some parts of the park are closed to the public due to research activities taking place within their boundaries. In the city botanical garden there is a large rose garden where varieties grown by Normandy specialists grow.

The bridge was built in 2008, equipped with lifting structures and has a large capacity. The spans are specially placed high above the water so that people can easily pass under them. large ships. The supporting columns of the bridge rise 91 meters above the Seine, the length of the spans is more than 1 km. The structure was designed by engineers E. Zublen and M. Virlojo. Price construction work amounted to 155 million euros.