Next came Rouen situated on the banks of the Seine and described by Victor Hugo as the city of a hundred spires. It is the capital of Normandy and has inspired artists and writer in the past. The cathedral - with its Gothic façade has been immortalised by Monet.
Scattered around the streets are 2' high concrete pillars which become invisible should you stop to look in a shop window or chat with a friend resulting in shins becoming an interesting navy blue colour. All fading now.
Rouen is the capital of Normandy and has distinctive architecture.
The cathedral is very impressive outside but I was disappointed with the interior. It suffered from bombing in WW2 and seems to have been neglected. We were on a tour and the guide didn't wait for everyone to gather so must of us missed the commentary and as she had no microphone and didn't project her voice we missed most of the commentary and I missed seeing the tomb where the heart of Richard the Lionheart is buried.
Above is the famous astronomical clock - the oldest in France1389 It just has the one hour hand and is a thing of beauty.
In the Place du Vieux Marche we entered the Chapel commemorating Joan of Arc
and I was startled to realise that although she led the French army to victory she was only 19 when she was burnt alive.
Here is a structure on the site of her pyre.
"Saint Joan of Arc was burnt alive in the Old Market Square in Rouen, France on the morning of May 30, 1431, pronounced a heretic, relapse and idolater. Her ashes were gathered and thrown into the Seine River. According to witnesses present at her execution, during the final moments of her life she saw several priests with tears in their eyes. Turning to them she said, "All you priests who are here, I beg you to say a Mass for me, every one of you."
I met two nice women - Anne and Sue and also Eve from Cornwall who is doing the same Amalfi coast cruise next year.
10 comments:
Oh My Goodness this looks so lovely.
I would love to take a river cruise.
cheers, parsnip
Tell me did you cry at the site of Saint Joan of Arc pyre? I would have done.
Parsnip: there are some really lovely ones with a special river boats but unfortunately you have to fly to the country and I don't think I could pack for flying.
Helen: as we were being told about her last words etc I managed to control a bit of teariness.
I'd love to see all that; even the bruise-making pillars. What were they for!?
I don't feel too well on cruises, so I envy those who enjoy a cruise. You've mentioned some big names in your post:Victor Hugo, Richard the Lion Heart, and of course Jeanne d'Arc. Each of them brings some thought to my mind.
I had no idea that Joan of Arc was so young when she was killed. Wow. That clock looks beautiful.
So if Anne and Sue were nice, what was Eve? :D Sorry I couldn't resist.
Judy: I can't think of any good reason for those pillars . They are a Pat Trap!
Duta: that's a shame -mal de mer is awful - I only had it once when I was pregnant. Yes they ae quite famous names aren't they? It hadn't struck me :-)
Joey: Nowadays - what with the voices and all they would have said she was mentally ill. Her age was incredible. I wish I had had a close up of the clock.
You are naughty Joey! Eve was lovely and quite a lot of fun.
I love the fact that I can enlarge the pictures and see the details of your trip.
Mage: I get a kick out of that too.
19. That's my first nephew's age. So young, so very young.
I'm following your delightful tour :-)
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