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Church of St. Joan of Arc: A Modern Memorial

A modern church in Rouen's historic square, commemorating Joan of Arc's martyrdom with stunning stained glass and symbolic architecture.

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The Church of St. Joan of Arc, located in Rouen's Place du Vieux Marché, commemorates the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Completed in 1979, its unique design evokes both the flames of her execution and an overturned longship. The church incorporates stunning 16th-century stained glass windows salvaged from a nearby church destroyed during World War II.

A brief summary to Church of St Joan of Arc

  • Monday 10 am-12 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-12 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-12 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors of the 16th-century stained-glass windows.
  • Take a moment to reflect in Le Bouchet, the small garden marking the exact spot where Joan of Arc was executed.
  • Explore the Place du Vieux Marché, the historic square surrounding the church, with its half-timbered houses and lively atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rouen Cathedral, walk west along Rue du Gros Horloge, the old city's main thoroughfare. Continue onto Place du Vieux Marché, where the Church of St. Joan of Arc is located. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus and TEOR (Transport Est Ouest Rouennais) lines stop near the Church of St. Joan of Arc. Take the T4 to the Vieux-Marché stop, which is directly in front of the church. Alternatively, take the T1, T2, or T3 to the Théâtre des Arts stop, a short walk from the square. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.70.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rouen. A short taxi ride from the Rouen-Rive-Droite train station to the Church of St. Joan of Arc takes approximately 5-10 minutes and costs around €10-€15, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Rouen include a pick-up price of €2.00, a price per kilometer, and an hourly rate.

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Discover more about Church of St Joan of Arc

The Church of St. Joan of Arc stands as a striking example of modern ecclesiastical architecture in Rouen's historic Place du Vieux Marché. This is the very square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Completed in 1979, the church serves as both a Catholic place of worship and a civil memorial to the French heroine. The church's design, by architect Louis Arretche, is intentionally evocative. Its sweeping curves and soaring forms are meant to represent the flames that consumed Joan of Arc, while also suggesting an overturned Viking longship, a nod to Normandy's heritage. This bold design has been a subject of debate, contrasting sharply with the traditional half-timbered houses and Gothic churches of Rouen. Inside, the church is bathed in colorful light filtering through thirteen remarkable stained-glass windows dating from the early 16th century. These windows, originally from the Saint-Vincent Church, which was destroyed during World War II, were carefully preserved and integrated into the new structure. They depict scenes from the life of Christ, as well as the lives of Saint Peter, Saint Anne, and Saint Anthony of Padua. A small garden, Le Bouchet, marks the exact spot of Joan of Arc's execution. The foundations of the former Saint-Sauveur Church, which was dismantled during the French Revolution, are also visible beneath the church.

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