Known as the town where the English burned Jeanne d'Arc, Rouen has kept a medieval feel to this day. On my stop over when travelling from Le Havre to Paris, I saw plenty of timber framed houses lining the city center. Interestingly, the historic center reminded me more of medieval cities in the UK than in France. 

The highlight of the visit is the Cathedral. It's just a stunning structure, even taking into account the inflationary amount of great medieval cathedrals in Northern France. St Maclou is a bit smaller, but also a very nice church. Taking together, I spend a nice, but rushed afternoon in Rouen.

OUV

Initially, I was rather reluctant. The cathedrals of Northern France are already well represented on the list. But the medieval charm of the city together with the two stellar churches (A & B) won me over. And even if it's never inscribed, you should consider a short stop when travelling between Le Havre and Paris.

Getting There

Rouen is on the train line between Paris and Le Havre. From the train station it's a 15min walk to the city center. Train schedules are infrequent and not really helpful. You will arrive at Gare St Lazarein Paris.

When heading back to Paris by train, you pass within a few hundred meters max of Le Corbusier Villa Savoye. However, the train from Rouen has no stop in Poissy, so a visit is more complicated than it could be.