Background

Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc: A Modern Memorial

A modern church in Rouen honoring Joan of Arc, built on the site of her martyrdom, featuring stunning stained glass and symbolic architecture.

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The Church of St. Joan of Arc, completed in 1979, stands in Rouen's Place du Vieux Marché, the very spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. This modern church honors the French heroine with a unique design that evokes both flames and a Viking longship.

A brief summary to St Joan of Arc's Church

  • 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 the day 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 burned.
  • Explore the Place du Vieux Marché, the historic square surrounding the church, with its half-timbered houses and restaurants.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Church of St. Joan of Arc is located in the Place du Vieux Marché in the heart of Rouen, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Rouen Cathedral, walk southwest along Rue du Gros Horloge, a pedestrian street, then turn left onto Place de la Pucelle and continue to the Place du Vieux Marché. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Church of St. Joan of Arc can be reached by bus. Several bus lines stop near the Place du Vieux Marché, including lines T4, 27, F4, F5, F7, and F9. A single ticket costs around €2. Check the local Astuce network for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Rouen. A short taxi ride from the Rouen-Rive-Droite train station to the Place du Vieux Marché will cost approximately €15-€20, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi fares in Rouen include a pick-up price of €2.00, a price per kilometer, and an hourly rate. Be aware that prices may be higher during peak hours.

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Discover more about St Joan of Arc's Church

The Church of St. Joan of Arc (Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc) is a striking landmark in Rouen, France, not only as a Catholic church but also as a memorial to Joan of Arc. Completed in 1979, it is located in the Place du Vieux Marché, the historic market square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. A small garden, Le Bouchet, marks the exact spot of her execution. The church's design, by architect Louis Arretche, is intentionally evocative. Its sweeping curves are meant to resemble both the flames that consumed Joan of Arc and an overturned Viking longship, reflecting the region's Norman heritage. The exterior is clad in slate and copper scales, adding to its unique appearance. The adjacent market halls also echo this theme, resembling smaller overturned boats or fish. Inside, the church is illuminated by stunning 16th-century stained-glass windows, salvaged from the Church of Saint Vincent, which was destroyed during World War II. These windows, carefully preserved and integrated into the new structure, depict scenes from Christ's life, as well as the lives of Saint Peter, Saint Anne, and Saint Anthony of Padua. The 13 panels form a continuous 500-square-meter glass wall, bathing the interior in colored light. The church's construction was not without controversy, as its modern design contrasts sharply with Rouen's many medieval Gothic churches. Nevertheless, it has become an important symbol of the city, blending history, memory, and modern architecture. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the church was designated as a historic monument in 2002.

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