Notre-Dame-de-Rouen Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen is a masterpiece of Gothic art, immortalised by the famous paintings of Claude Monet. The Rouen audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this emblematic sanctuary, whose spire is the highest of France.

The Gothic masterpiece painted by Monet

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen is one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic art in France and the emblematic monument of the town. Built and enlarged from the twelfth to the sixteenth century, it impresses by its façade of extraordinary richness, a true lace of stone, framed by two asymmetrical towers, including the famous Butter Tower. This façade was immortalised by Claude Monet, who painted it in a series of famous paintings, capturing its variations of light over the hours and the seasons. The cathedral is crowned by an immense cast-iron spire, the highest of France, which culminates at more than one hundred and fifty metres. Inside, the vast nave, the stained-glass windows and the chapels shelter treasures, including the tomb containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart. A major sanctuary and a jewel of the heritage, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the Gothic masterpiece immortalised by Monet, its lace-of-stone façade framed by two towers including the Butter Tower, its cast-iron spire, the highest of France, and its interior with stained-glass windows and chapels sheltering the tomb of the heart of Richard the Lionheart. Notre-Dame Cathedral is the symbol of Rouen. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

Notre-Dame Cathedral lies in the heart of the historic centre of Rouen, on the Place de la Cathédrale, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary with celebrations. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the cathedral of Rouen famous?

For its Gothic lace-of-stone façade, immortalised by the series of paintings of Claude Monet, and for its cast-iron spire, the highest of France; it also shelters the tomb containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

Where is Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen?

In the heart of the historic centre of Rouen, in France.