French Courses in Rouen

Cathédrale Notre-Dame
In the heart of the old town, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, built between the 13th and 16th Centuries, is one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France. The dazzling façade inspired Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s famous series of paintings.

Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts ranks among the most important art museums in France. The collection includes a wide range of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and objets d’art from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The most notable works include the 17th-century masterpieces by Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Poussin as well as the 19th-century masterpieces of Delacroix, Corot, Gustave Moreau, Degas, Modigliani, Sisley, and Monet.

Abbatiale Saint-Ouen
This majestic 14th-century building was created as a church for the powerful Benedictine monastery of Saint-Ouen and is considered a masterpiece of Late Gothic architecture. The building’s tower is topped with a pinnacled section known as the “Crown of Normandy.” With its immense proportions, the abbey’s harmonious vaulted interior offers a peaceful space for spiritual worship.

Aître Saint-Maclou
The Aître Saint-Maclou is a medieval building that currently houses the Ecole Supérieure d’Art et Design (Regional School of Fine Arts). The site was of historical significance to “Black Death” plague of 1348, which killed one third of the town’s inhabitants. The space that is now a pleasant courtyard was once used for burials, and the buildings surrounding the cemetery served as the ossuary.

Palais de Justice and Monument Juif
A splendid example of medieval civilian architecture, the Palais de Justice houses the Rouen Law Courts and was the meeting place of the Parliament of Normandy. This Gothic masterpiece was built by Roulland Le Roux in 1508-1509, damaged during World War II, and subsequently restored. The building is not open for tours, but visitors will be awed by the ornate detailing of the facade and gargoyles. In 1976, the remains of the beautiful lower room of an old Yeshiva (rabbinical school) dating from 1100 were discovered. It is known as the Monument Juif and is the oldest Jewish monument in France.

Tour du Gros-Horloge (Big Clock Tower)
One of the most emblematic sites in the historical center of Rouen, the Gros-Horloge lies just south of the Palais de Justice. The Gothic belfry tower, on which the Big Clock sits, was built in 1389 and the decorative clock dates from 1889. The incredible detailed clock still serves as a timekeeper.

Eglise Saint-Maclou
Just east of the cathedral stands the Eglise Saint-Maclou, a jewel of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. The church was built in 1437 and dedicated to Saint Malo. The twin-towered building has a decorative porch that features Renaissance-era wooden doors embellished with intricately carved Biblical scenes.

Eglise Jeanne d’Arc
This church was built at the Place du Vieux Marché, the very site where Joan of Arc was martyred. In commemoration of the famous saint, the Eglise Jeanne d’Arc was given a radical design—the shape of the church’s roof represent the flames of the stake at which she was burned. Inside the church, there are spectacular Renaissance stained-glass windows taken from the former Church of Saint-Vincent.

Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
Housed in the former Gothic church of Saint Laurent, this unique museum contains 8,000 items of antique ironware, from the Gallo-Roman era to the 19th century, including railings, door knockers, locks, scientific instruments, and jewelry.

Musée de la Ceramique
In the elegant Hôtel d’Hocqueville, the Museum of Ceramics displays a wonderful collection that includes Sèvres porcelain from the 19th and 20th centuries, chinoiserie, ceremonial dinnerware, and lovely faience sculptures.

Tour Jeanne d’Arc
The Joan of Arc Tower is the only remaining part of a château built in 1207, where Joan of Arc was brought to trial in 1431.

Rouen Shopping
Boutiques line the many of the pedestrian streets in Rouen. The territory’s products are of unparalleled quality and mastered by the unique knowledge of the local craftsman, who work with ceramic, iron and textiles. Christofle is famous for its silver. Local shopping centers include Docks76 and Saint-Sever.

Rouen Cuisine
Rouen is famous for its prestigious gastronomy—the combination of flavors of the sea and land are found in the best establishments of the city, who offer traditional food with original and creative menus.

Outside Rouen
The area between the Seine and the forests offers many outdoor activities, leisure centers, and hiking trails, which will inspire visitors to explore the Seine Valley.