Rouen is the capital of Normandy. So many famous people had also been to Rouen, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, Pierre Corneille, William the Conqueror, Claude Monet…of course those most famous – Muriel and Bree from 3 sistersabroad. (tongue in cheek)
We had the whole afternoon and evening to explore Rouen after our trip to Honfleur. Our ship was docked in the city centre, just 2-3 blocks away from the Cathedral and the main pedestrian street, Rue de Gros Horloge.
The Rouen Cathedral…isnt it stunning!
Our first stop was the Cathedral, however we spied – The Little White Train , so we decided to jump on board and see Rouen the easy way first. We had enjoyed the train tours in other French towns, so why not here in Rouen. Another reason is you can see all the sights, then it gives you a better sense of direction.
The Little White Train…commences out the front of the Cathedral in Rouen
The gorgeous puppy enjoying the Little White Train In Rouen
These little white trains that are in most cities in France are the cheapest and easiest way to see the sights. They can get down those tiny cobblestone streets that are usually only for pedestrians.
All aboard! We sat next to a lovely couple, the family dog and their son. They were taking some time off with their son before he started University.
As it wound its way around the tiny paved streets of the old town you could get a sense of what it was like to live there all those years ago.
Cobblestone streets with houses that lean over.
Beautiful cobblestone streets with houses that have a “slight lean”
Beautiful half timber buildings, cobblestone streets
The tour takes roughly 20-30 mins. Now was our time to walk and see everything we did on the tour. Of course the train takes you under one of the most photographed clocks in Europe, apart from the one in Prague. That would be our first stop. I noticed as we went under that their was intricate carvings underneath.
The astronomical clock of Rouen
The clock is in a Renaissance arch crossing the Rue du Gros-Horloge. The mechanism was made in 1389 making it one of the oldest working clocks in Europe. You can do a tour that takes you to the top of the clock, this tour takes about 40 mins.
Intricque carving on the arch underneath the clock
We walked a little bit further and the tight tiny streets opened up to a huge square with an odd-shaped building in the middle. Its actually the Catholic Church of Rouen and is called The Church of Saint Joan of Arc.
The Church of Saint Joan of Arc
This sign below marks the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431. The sign is in the garden next to the Church of Saint Joan of Arc.
The location where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431
La Couronne founded in 1345, is the oldest Inn in France
Directly opposite the church is this amazing place. La Couronne was founded in 1345 and is the oldest Inn in France. On the first floor of the restaurant contains photos of personalities. Julia Child is said to have had her first French meal at this restaurant, which then inspired her to devote the rest of her life to French cooking.
Bree out the front of La Couronne in Rouen
We decided to have a coffee but chose a tiny little cafe next door.
Le Café Scazz
Our coffee…just what we needed
We sat and watched everyone walking on by or visiting the church to pay their respects to Saint Joan of Arc. It’s weird how all those years ago she was burnt on the stake for heresy and today she is a patron Saint of France. There is a museum dedicated to Joan of Arc in the Archbishops Palace in Rouen where you can learn more about her life and her death. Learning about Saint Joan of Arc in school, I admired her strength and her will.
Ah Rouen so much to see and do. A couple of hours really does not do this wonderful city justice. I plan on going back one day and staying a few days. Yes I say this every post and I do hope to do it. One must have goals.
We made our way back to the ship passing a market where locals were selling their wares. I saw this and fell in love. Would it fit in my luggage?
Antique Iron Cot….
More on Rouen and the Cathedral in my next post. Thank you for stopping by.
Travel and Lifestyle with Bree 
Lovely post on Rouen 😊🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you x
LikeLike
Wonderful, thank you. I Like & I Share. Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a gorgeous place to visit. The cathedral is stunning! Sounds like a nice way to see the sights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh yes it is…A must go back place for sure. xx Hope your well also. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet dog 🐕 and love your photos 📷
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just put Rouen on my bucket list – lovely – thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome
LikeLike
Such a gorgeous looking place! So interesting to read all about Rouen. Visiting from #SeniorSalon
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for visiting x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, the buildings are beautiful! Every time I see photos like this, it blows my mind that humans built these gorgeous structures hundreds of years ago! We’re capable of such beauty. But then…we burned Joan of Arc at the stake too. The duality of human nature is a curious thing. Thanks for sharing your always amazing photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I get that also. The buildings are amazing, yet their beliefs are not.
LikeLike
I love Rouen. Great article!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you . Yes its a beautiful place
LikeLike
That astronomical clock is just gorgeous. a real centrepiece of Rouen. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would have never thought to travel by train. Great tips. The photos are beautiful and gave me a sense of place. Also the Cobblestone streets with houses that lean over is absolutely breathtaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh the little white or blue trains are the best. They can go down the tiny cobblestone streets. Yes the houses that lean over. amazing you think they are ready to fall
LikeLiked by 1 person
That Cathedral is stunning! The little white train looks like a fun way to take it all in! The clock is magnificent. Those carvings underneath are so intricate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a fun way to start a tour of the city…and yes then go back at leisure…The Cathedral is stunning..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the idea of taking the train tour. It’s like a little taster, later spending more time at the places you want to see. The clock is magnificent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another beautiful town
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes…it is
LikeLike
Love the idea of the little white train! When we travel we tend to walk so much and it does sound like a great idea to get a sense of direction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh it is. It gives you a running commentary in your language…You can then later wander around at your hearts desire…
LikeLike