Rouen is world famous for its religious heritage which gives it the impressive nickname of “City of a hundred steeples. »

In Victor Hugo’s poems

In 1831, Victor Hugo, in his collection of poems The Autumn Leaves spoke for the first time of the hundred steeples concerning the city of Rouen. It reads: “Friends! it is therefore Rouen, the city of old streets, of old towers, remnants of extinct races, the city of a hundred steeples chiming in the air. » Rouen is therefore nicknamed the “City of a hundred steeples” because of the large number of churches present on the spot (more than 40 churches). But the city of Rouen conceals many other treasures : With its cobbled streets, its half-timbered houses, its beautiful architecture, Rouen is one of the most visited French cities.

The scene of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc

Rouen has a large number of attractions. There are many places to visit and there is definitely no lack of activities. Rouen is a French commune located in the Normandy region. It is perceived as the second most populated city in Normandy (after Le Havre) and the 35th most populated in France. It is characterized by a rich and fascinating history, as well as by heritage. Rouen is a real city-museum. It was also the scene of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc who had been condemned and burned in 1431, in the place of the old market. The architecture of Rouen gives it a real charm and all the people who have had to visit the city one day can testify to it. However, the cobbled streets and the Cathedral are the main attractions of the city.

Rouen is a splendid city, both in terms of its beauty and its many attractions :

– Notre-Dame Cathedral :

The cathdral is located in the heart of the city. It has impressive dimensions and is enough to illuminate the city at night. Characterized by Gothic arrows and a high bell tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral has the enormous particularity of having preserved its archbishop’s palace, as well as the surrounding ancillary buildings which also date from the same period. The cathedral is beautiful and is really enhanced with the lights and music. Visitors have a great time here.

-Le Gros Horloge :

– the Gros-Horloge offers the opportunity to live a great experience. However, the ideal remains to be accompanied by a guide for more satisfaction. Once at the top of the Gros-Horloge tower, you can have a magnificent view of the whole city. Rue du Gros-Horloge is a very picturesque street which also offers the possibility of taking beautiful walks and discovering many things. –

– The Pont Flaubert:

– The Flaubert Bridge is one of the most important lift bridges in Europe. The Pont-Flaubert also has the enormous advantage of being able to bypass part of the city centre. An advantage that is far from trivial for motorists. It represents a considerable saving of time for them.

– Beaux-arts museum

– Opened in 1809, it is one of the first museums in France by the richness of its collections, covering all periods (from the 16th to the 20th century) in paintings, drawings, sculptures and decorative objects: Caravaggio, Vélasquez, Poussin, Rubens , Puget, Delacroix, Géricault, Modigliani, Duchamp… are exhibited there. You can also admire the most important impressionist collection outside Paris: Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley. It was renovated in 1994 by interior designer Andrée Putman who created vast bright spaces, including the sculpture garden, dedicated to contemplation and relaxation.

– The panorama of the Sainte-Catherine de Bonsecours hill :

When the weather is clear, Sainte-Catherine hill offers one of the most beautiful views on both sides of Rouen. The place attracted Claude Monet and, after him, so many other artists who came to set up their easels there. It is from here that the leader of the Impressionists painted, among other things, his “general view of Rouen”, which can be seen at the city’s Museum of Fine Arts. From rue Henri-Rivière to the Mont-Gargan cemetery, this return to the mountainous sources of Rouen artistic inspiration will take you up some 525 steps