Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Rouen

This Cathedral is an amazing piece of art built and rebuilt over eight centuries from 8th to 16th century, with an earlier one standing there as early as 4c. Therefore, you can spot very different architecture styles best seen in its three towers each in different style - Gothic, Flamboyant and Renaissance. The facade is simply astonishing being the one of the best I've ever seen, and I saw hundreds of them all over the world. It's grandeur is overwhelming compared to Rouen size which is in fact a small city. The interiors are pretty much the same as many others in this part of France with huge tall Gothic arches, fantastic stained glass and rose window. On the square in front of it, by the right tower is a plaque signing the place from where the famous impressionist Monet painted many paintings of the Cathedral in various weather conditions and different times of year. Another spot of his from where he painted, as well a beautiful place to capture the entire Rouen panorama is Cote Saint Catherine (see that review), from where you can clearly see how this Cathedral dominates the city.

In the early evening (in August) the sunlight falls beautifully on the cathedral. Next to the cathedral there is the cathedral’s garden that is worth a look. There is an impressive light show (Google Rouen Cathedral Light Show and check the hours - until September 19, 2021). The light show (with two creations) plays twice in succession. We also stayed for the second showing and the big crowd was gone. It felt more like a unique experience.

Absolutely stunning cathedral amazing stone decorations/carvings on the outside and the inside of the building Got to admire the detail and pure talent of the stone masons The stained glass is stunning I'm not religious but you really don't have to be to admire and be in awe of this truly beautiful cathedral It's open to the public and free of charge to go inside and look around or pray if you want But it does kindly ask for a voluntary donation.. Please do As this helps preserve this truly important Piece of history for the future Inside it has a number of chapels and tributes to various saints My reason for my venture inside was to see Saint Jeanne of arc as Rouen is steeped in her history But many other saints are prominent inside Words truly do not describe this cathedral and I could go on and on about the stained glass windows The high arc ways that go so high inside The highly carved alters etc.. But one thing I must mention is don't miss the 15th century stone staircase.. So if in Rouen this cathedral is a must see

If you go to Rouen, you can not miss visiting this Cathedral, Rouen center is beautiful and lively so with this they have the perfect attraction for an outdoor night show. It is surrounded by nice restaurants and cafés. I attended at least two of them and had a nice view and relaxed dinner while waiting for the show to start. The Cathedral in general is beautifully imposing due to its gothic design ♥️. The light show is a must for everyone that visits Rouen or Normandy!

Pros: beautifull exterior, Cons: nothing special inside to see, I have already seen the much nicer interiors... even there are some reconstruction works done inside so the overall impresions are mixed