FRANCE - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 204

Day Excursion to
Rouen
Joan of Arc Memorial
Depart Paris St. Lazare Station
Distance by Train: 87 miles (140 km)
Average Train Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Tourist Information Office: Office de Tourisme et des Congres, 25 place de la
Cathédrale, 76000 Rouen
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.rouentourisme.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
Hours: May-September: 0900-1900 Monday-Saturday, 0930-1230 and
1400-1800 Sunday; rest of the year: 0930-1230 and 1330-1800
Monday-Saturday
Notes: The office is 5 minutes away from the station by taxi; 10 minutes on the un-
derground, which stops at the Théâtre des Arts, just 2 blocks away from the office.
Walking—and it's downhill all the way—takes about 20 minutes. Follow rue Jeanne
d'Arc from in front of the station, turning left at rue du Gros Horloge (Big Clock).
After walking under the clock, bear right at the cathedral plaza for a few yards to
the tourist office.
Rouen was established by the Romans, who selected the site as the first point from
the sea where a bridge could be built across the Seine. Rouen became the capital
of Normandy at the beginning of the Christian era, and, despite many thrashings in
many wars, it still contains a number of lovely churches, towers, and other remind-
ers of its colorful past, such as half-timbered houses and town clocks.
Rouen is steeped in history and is considered one of the capitals of stained
glass. We told you Rouen was colorful! During the Hundred Years' War, the city
was held by the English from 1419 to 1449. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake
in Rouen by the English in 1431. Her memory is commemorated during the last
week of May every year during the Joan of Arc Festival. Highlights include music
and street entertainment, a medieval market, parade, and fireworks.
Your train from Paris will arrive in Gare Rive-Droite, the rail station in Rouen on
the right bank of the Seine. Several hotels, restaurants, and bars are clustered
about the station's plaza. The city abounds with eating and drinking establish-