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Cathedral · Rouen, Normandia
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
Gothic cathedral with a 151‑metre cast‑iron spire, the tallest in France. The façade was painted more than 30 times by Monet, at different times and in different lights.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
The Catedral de Notre-Dame de Rouen is the seat of the archbishop who holds the title of Primate of Normandy. The present building is Gothic, but the first stones on the site date back to the Early Middle Ages, and the complex preserves the archiepiscopal palace and attached buildings from the same period—something rare in France.
What most strikes visitors is the cast‑iron spire above the lantern tower of the crossing. It replaced the former wooden and lead spire, destroyed by a lightning‑caused fire in 1822, and was raised between 1825 and 1876. At 151 metres it makes this the tallest cathedral in France; when completed it was for a time the tallest building in the world.
The façade, full of sculpture, has two different towers: the Torre Saint-Romain, the older one, and the Tour de Beurre (Butter Tower), in flamboyant Gothic. Between 1892 and 1894 Claude Monet painted that façade more than 30 times, at different hours and in different seasons; one of the canvases is in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a few minutes' walk away.
Inside, look for the tomb that contains the heart of Richard the Lionheart and the medieval stained glass. Next to the cathedral is the former archbishops' palace, where the Historial Jeanne d'Arc is now housed.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the nave, the choir and the façade.
Best time
In the morning, when the church is quieter and the light hits the façade. As an active church, visits are restricted during services. Check before you go if there is a projection show on the façade on summer evenings.
How to get there
It's in the historic centre, about a 15‑minute walk from Gare de Rouen-Rive-Droite. On foot, go down rue Jeanne-d'Arc and follow rue du Gros-Horloge to the cathedral square.
Tip
Spend a few minutes in the square opposite and compare the façade with Monet's paintings you may have seen in museums; then see the Musée des Beaux-Arts version. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
How much does it cost to enter the Cathedral of Rouen?
Entrance to the nave is free. Guided visits to specific areas may have different arrangements; check before you go.
Why is Rouen Cathedral famous in painting?
Claude Monet painted the façade more than 30 times between 1892 and 1894, showing the same stone under different lights. The canvases are in various museums around the world, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen.
How tall is the cathedral's spire?
The cast-iron spire reaches 151 metres, making this the tallest cathedral in France.
Can you visit the cathedral at any time?
It is open every day, but opening hours change with the season and for celebrations. Check before you go.