HONFLEUR, FRANCE

Rouen is a city which has stirred the souls of many great writers and inspired numerous painters in the past. Situated on the north bank of the River Seine, it is considered to be the historical capital of Normandy.

Upon arrival into Rouen, we begin our guided walking tour of the old part of the city, along the narrow streets lined with more than 700 timber-framed houses, all characteristic examples of medieval building techniques. Our walk will take us along Rue Saint-Romain, one of the town’s most fascinating streets, with the beautiful Church of St-Maclou, built between 1437 and 1517 and decorated in gothic-flamboyant style. As we continue along the bustling Rue du Gros-Horloge, we will see the unique medieval defensive clock tower. The clock was formerly located in the belfry and moved to its present location in 1527, when the arch was specifically built to receive it. We will also see the nearby law court, situated in an outstanding renaissance building.

Next we shall visit the inside of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen, considered to be one of the finest achievements of French gothic art. The attraction of Rouen Cathedral lies in its infinite variety, including an immense façade bristling with openwork pinnacles and framed by two totally different towers – Tour Saint Romain and Tour de Beurre. The Cathedral contains the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, who loved the city and ordered that his heart be buried here.

Our guide will then lead us to Place du Vieux Marche, the old market square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake following her trial in 1431. We can have some free time here to explore independently, prior to our return to Honfleur via the motorway.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately one and a half hours of compulsory walking, some of which will be over cobbled terrain. There are two steps to negotiate at the Cathedral. Passengers will have around one hour of free time at Place du Vieux Marche, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. For reference, the drive from Honfleur to Rouen takes approximately one and a half hours. This tour may operate in a different order to that described. Public toilet facilities are available in Rouen.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES