A big surprise!

This morning we set off to explore Rouen,

where Joan of Arc spent the last days of her life.

Joan of Arc, (1412 - 1431) is a national heroine of France,

at age 18 she led the French army

to victory over the English at Orléans.

Captured a year later on charges of heresy
Joan, was subsequently burned at the stake in Rouen.

We visited Eglise Jeanne d'Arc,

completed in 1979 at the Place du Vieux Marché,

the very site where Joan of Arc was martyred.

She was burned at the stake in the centre of the square.

This simple cross marks the spot where she died.

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Next stop, just around the corner was a lovely flower and food market!

This last photo features a shop that only sold butter.

We bought some yummy things for our dinner tonight as well as

a baguette, ham, avocado, lettuce, cheese and tomato

to put together for our lunch.

We took it all back to the apartment,

and were surprised to find that a parcel had been delivered!

Daniel and Sonia, our wonderful airbnb hosts in San Sebastian,

had apparently contacted Airbnb.

When we're on long trips like this we like to base ourselves

in one place for four or five days and we've had lots of

great experiences with airbnb...this was the icing on the cake!

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We wandered down the Rue de Gros-Horloge

that leads to Rouen cathedral.

Halfway along this charming route of cobblestone streets

and half-timbered houses,

the Tour du Gros-Horloge adjoins a Renaissance pavilion.

The Gothic belfry tower was built in 1389

for defensive purposes and the decorative clock dates from 1889.

The belfry clock still serves its timekeeping functions for the city.

The clock has incredible details.

The deity symbolizing the day of the week appears

on a triumphal chariot at noon.

A globe above the dial shows the phases of the moon,

and sheep represent the wool industry.

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In the heart of the old town, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame

is one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France.

The cathedral's main structure was built in the 13th century

but the building was not completed until the 16th century.

The elaborate facade, inspired Impressionist painter Claude Monet.

He painted the scene at different times of day to capture

the effects of various lighting.

The cathedral also boasts France's highest spire at 151 meters.

Tomb of Richard I of England (d1199). 

This is one of three tombs to 

Richard the Lionheart (Duke of Normandy),

this one is said to contain his heart.…............................................................................................

The Palais de Justice houses the Rouen Law Courts

and was the meeting place of the Parliament of Normandy.

This Gothic masterpiece was built by Roulland Le Roux in 1508-1509, damaged during World War II, and subsequently restored.

The central wing features a resplendent balustrade,

soaring pinnacles, and perforated buttresses.

The Palais de Justice was damaged

during an Allied bombing in 1944 and the shell holes

are still visible in the building's walls...

you'll see them in the bottom right hand corner of the photo above.

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To finish today a few of the

details that Andrew observed today...

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We walked 11.7 k's today.