After the recently cleaned Notre Dame de Paris, the facade of the cathedral at Rouen is almost black with centuries of dirt and smoke. It was much damaged in the Second World War, and although repaired it has an air of sombre history about it that NDdP does not with its herds of tourists. The atmosphere here is helped by low rumbling notes from the organ that seep and pool around the gothic pillars. The stained glass is a history in itself, with work from Clement, glazier of Chatres (1220) through to the life of Joan of Arc by Max Ingrand in 1956. The beautiful panes depicting the legend of St Julian the Hospitalier were paid for by “the fishmongers of Rouen”.
Monet was inspired by the cathedral to undertake a series of paintings capturing the changing colours and light. Richard the Lionheart and the Dukes of Normandy are also buried here.
Nearby in the Place du Vieux Marché is the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. We stopped underneath the 65ft cross that marks the spot to eat our baguettes for lunch.
- Brian
Crumbs!
Blimey!!