Car Hire Rouen - Mini guide to Rouen

The capital of upper Normandy, Rouen, is one of France's great treasures. Steeped in history and plagued by misfortune, it was the stage in 1431 for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. Taken by the English and then returned to French control in 1449, it certainly has plenty of history attached to it.

The city remains partly medieval, with many churches and old houses that still display signs of historic depth. Rouen's striking Musée des Beaux-Arts is situated in the square Verdrel just east of the central rue Jeanne d'Arc. This grand museum boasts works by some of France’s greatest impressionists.

On St-Laurent on rue Jacques-Villon, behind the Beaux-Arts, is the Musée le Secq des Tournelles, where wrought-iron implements of torture can be seen on display. Alternatively, visit the place du Vieux-Marché, where a 20 metre high cross marks the spot on which Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

Many of the restaurants are in place du Vieux-Marché, where there's an excellent food market, while north of the food market there are some Tunisian takeaways and creperies. A few good bars are found on the streets between rue Thiers and place du Vieux-Marché. Rouen has a selection of theatres, which mainly work to winter seasons.

Not far southeast of the Gare SNCF at the junction of rue du Donjon and rue du Cordier, is all that remains of the castle of Philippe-Auguste, built in 1205 and scene of the imprisonment and trial of Joan of Arc.

Rouen is easily accessed by rail and car. The main rail station, Gare Rive Droite, is on rue Jeanne-d'Arc; it is connected to the centre by the métro system. All buses except #2A from the Gare SNCF run down rue Jeanne-d'Arc to the centre. Rouen is within easy driving distance of Paris Orly Airport and serviced by regular trains from the capital.