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Square · Rouen, Normandia
Place du Vieux-Marché
Square where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431. Today it contains the Igreja de Santa Joana d'Arc, from 1979, with 16th-century stained glass, a covered market and restaurants in half-timbered houses.
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 Place du Vieux-Marché
The Place du Vieux-Marché (Old Market Square) is a historic square on the right bank of the Seine. It was here that Joan of Arc, condemned by the court convened in Rouen, died at the stake on 30 May 1431. A plaque in the ground marks the site of the execution.
In the centre of the square stands the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc, inaugurated in 1979 and designed by architect Louis Arretche, together with the covered market. Its curved slate roof evokes both a Viking ship and a fish. The church has been listed as a historic monument since 2002.
Inside, the highlight is 13 stained-glass windows from the 16th century, made between 1520 and 1530, which came from the old church of Saint-Vincent, destroyed in 1944. The windows had been removed and stored in 1939, before the bombings.
Around the square are half-timbered houses and restaurants with pavement tables. The covered market, next to the church, sells cheeses, fish and regional products.
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
30 to 45 minutes for the square and the church.
Best time
In the morning, when the covered market is open, or in the late afternoon, for a coffee or a meal in the square. The church closes during part of the day; check before you go.
How to get there
It's about a 10-minute walk from the Gare de Rouen-Rive-Droite station, going down the rue Jeanne-d'Arc. From the cathedral, follow the rue du Gros-Horloge.
Tip
Start here and walk along the rue du Gros-Horloge to the cathedral: it's the simplest axis for exploring the centre. Many restaurants in the square close the kitchen between lunch and dinner.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Place du Vieux-Marché
Where was Joan of Arc burned in Rouen?
On the Place du Vieux-Marché, on 30 May 1431. A plaque in the ground, near the church, marks the spot.
Is the Igreja de Santa Joana d'Arc old?
No: it was inaugurated in 1979. The stained-glass windows, however, date from the 16th century and came from a church destroyed in 1944.
Is there a market in the square?
Yes, a covered market next to the church, offering cheeses, fish and products from Normandy. Check the opening days.