Short Break Destinations in Normandy
- Rouen

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The capital of Upper Normandy, Rouen is one of France's most ancient and historic cities.

William the Conquerer died here in 1087, and it was also the setting for the 1431 trial and ultimate execution of Joan of Arc, who in the early 1920's was officially declared France's patron saint. The public square in which she was burned to death, Place du Vieux-Marché, is marked with a small plaque and a 20 foot high cross. In 1979 a modern church to commemorate her was added, its unusual shape thought by many to represent the flames that ended her life.

Cathedrale de Notre Dame

The city's 12th century Cathedrale de Notre Dame is a Gothic masterpiece. The intricately sculpted west façade was the subject of over thirty works by the renowned impressionist, Claude Monet, and you can view one of these priceless canvasses at the nearby Musée des Beaux Arts.

As an interesting side note, a chapel within the cathedral contains the heart of Richard the Lionheart, entombed here as a mark of his affection for the people of the city.

Things to do

As you would expect, there is no shortage of quality restaurants in Rouen, the greatest concentration of which are around Place du Vieux-Marché. The most famous dish to originate from here is probably caneton, which is basically duckling in a cognac and port sauce.

There is no lack of entertainment either - bars and music venues cater for a wide variety of tastes, while five theatre companies produce anything from opera and ballet, to Shakespeare and contemporary works.