At the beginning of each semester, Culture Connection organizes a fun game where exchange students discover Rouen and all it has to offer. If you missed it, or simply wish to know more about the city, then read on!

 

Rouen is the capital city of the Normandy region in France, in the north of France. It houses nearly 500,000 inhabitants (called Rouennais and Rouennaises), making it the largest city near Paris, which is 130km away.

In the Middle-Ages, Rouen was one of France’s largest and most prosperous towns and the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy. It is a city rich with history and culture, which one can discover through its historical monuments and museums.

 

Here are some fun facts about our lovely city:

 

•     If you’ve ever watched the series ‘Vikings’, then you might be surprised to know that the real-life Vikings leader ‘Rollo’ was nominated Count of Rouen by King Charles in 911.

•     It was here that in 1431, that the famous Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake by the Duke of Burgundy. To this day, she is still celebrated by the people of Rouen.

 

Main sights:

 

• Notre Dame cathedral: an immense cathedral, with a gothic façade that inspired Monet, dating from the 16th century.

• Le Gros Horloge: an astronomical clock dating back to the 16th century, located in the street of the same name.

• Rouen castle: with its famous tour Joan of Arc. It was in this castle where she was held and tortured. -Church of Saint-Ouen (12th-15th century)

• Church of Saint Joan of Arc: In the centre of the Place du Vieux Marché (the site of Joan of Arc's pyre) is the modern church of Saint Joan of Arc. This is a large, modern structure which dominates the square. The form of the building represents an upturned viking boat and fish shape. -Palais of Justice: once the seat of parliament of Normandy.

• Musée des Beaux Arts: an art museum with paintings of well known artists like Monet and Guericault.a