Let's Take a Walk Around the Block (Notre-Dame Cathedral, Rouen) ‌‌

Nick
Former Community Manager
Former Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Let's Take a Walk Around the Block (Notre-Dame Cathedral, Rouen) ‌‌

The original topic was created in the French speaking Community Center, by @Elvira117  and translated below.

 

 

Visit the centre of Rouen in 1 hour 🙂

 

The Notre-Dame Cathedral

 

Located in the heart of the city centre, the Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen is a must-see attraction in Rouen. It also happens to be the highest Cathedral in France.

You can take advantage of the square to admire the western facade of the Cathedral before entering, where you can then appreciate the architecture of this building. Leave the Cathedral from where the Booksellers are and continue on Saint-Romain street until the Place Barthélémy and its church Saint-Maclou. 

 

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The Antique Quarter

 

Arriving in front of the Saint-Maclou Church and its stone lacework, walk around the building by the Martainville street and its coloured half-timbered houses.  Continue to the entrance of the Aître Saint-Maclou to discover the particular atmosphere of this unusual place, which was recently renovated.

After going through the "macabre" details of the decorations of the Aître Saint-Maclou, come back on your steps and take the rue Damiette where many antique dealers are located. Continue your wanderings to the gardens of the Hôtel de Ville via rue Eau de Robec and its lively terraces.

 

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The Saint-Ouen Abbey and the gardens of the City Hall

 

Cross the gardens of the City Hall to the Abbey of Saint-Ouen. Access the interior of this abbey through the Marmosets entrance. You will be surprised by the large volumes of the building but also by its sublime organ, still used today for many recordings.

Once you are done exploring the abbey, make your way from the rue de l'Hôpital to the rue des Carmes. Let yourself wander all the way to the rue aux Juifs, towards the current Palais de Justice, former Parliament of Normandy.

 

 

The Parliament of Normandy

 

Located between the Big Clock, the Cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts, the Parliament of Normandy will seduce you with its architecture mixing Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its large courtyard also hides one of the oldest Hebrew monuments in Europe: the Sublime House still called the Jewish Monument.

After this brief stop, you will head towards the Place du Vieux-Marché by extending your stroll along Rue aux Juifs and then along Rue Rollon.

 

 

The Place du Vieux-Marché and the stake of Joan of Arc

 

You are now on the Place du Vieux-Marché of Rouen. The covered market, the numerous restaurants, the half-timbered houses, the remains of Saint-Sauveur church where Pierre Corneille was baptised and the Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc church await you.

The history of this place is marked by the last moments of Joan of Arc's life, symbolised today by a memorial on the Place du Vieux-Marché.

Ideal for immortalising your visit to Rouen, this very photogenic square is the most famous of the capital of Normandy. With all your selfies taken, go to the rue du Gros-Horloge to discover the Monument of the same name. 

 

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The Gros-Horloge and its pedestrian street

 

Go up the first pedestrian street in France!  In 1971, it became pedestrianized and is now known for its numerous shops but especially for its Monument: the Gros Horloge.

A must-see, you will admire its two gilded dials and its stone arch cutting the rue du Gros Horloge in two parts. When visiting Rouen in just an hour, you have to make sure to check out this symbol of the city.

At the end your tour, you will reach the quays of the Seine by going down the rue de la Champmeslé then rue Grand Pont.

 

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The Seine and its quays

 

Last step of your visit: the quays of the Seine. A stone's throw from the medieval city centre, discover the green spaces and the contemporary architecture of the left bank or the Panorama XXL and the industrial architecture of the hangars of the right bank.

To walk along the whole quays, you will need a little more time, but this last stop will make you want to come back to Rouen to stroll along the Seine.

2 Replies 2
Ann72
Level 10
New York, NY

Thank you for the trip to Rouen, @Nick @Elvira117!  Can’t wait to use this guide some day in the not-too-distant future.

Nick
Former Community Manager
Former Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Thanks @Ann72 - hoping to do the tour myself soon 🙂