FRANCE - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 205

ments—even McDonald's—so finding refreshments in Rouen during your visit will
be no problem.
The tourist office has prepared an English-language pamphlet describing a tour
itinerary that takes about two hours. It starts at the tourist office and takes the vis-
itor to the principal points of interest within the boundaries of the historical town
center. The railway station appears on the map, so you need not worry about find-
ing your way back to the station.
First stop on the tour is the city's cathedral, which stands as one of the most
beautiful examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction began in the 12th
century. It was leveled by a devastating fire in 1200, and it was not until the 15th
century that it began to take on its current appearance. The cast-iron spire atop the
cathedral's central tower is a 19th-century addition. Heavily damaged during World
War II, the cathedral's restoration work still continues.
In order to rebuild the cathedral, Rouen had to revive the medieval skills of its
original creators. The cathedral's structure was said to have gained its name from
the fact that it was built with money paid by the faithful members of the parish for
the privilege of consuming butter during Lent.