Eglise Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc

Eglise Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc is a vast monument that has risen since 1979 on the Old Market Square of Rouen. It has gained double recognition: it is both a church to honor Saint Joan of Arc and a civil memorial to commemorate the heroine celebrated by France.

His architect, Louis Arretche, wanted to reconnect with the tradition of many old Norman churches by giving the building the shape of an inverted boat. For this unique architecture, he regained the principles of traditional shipbuilding, where the wooden structure remains apparent above the nave.

How to explore Eglise Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc?

- The exterior, resolutely modern, evokes the sea with a slate or copper scale cover.

- Inside, you can admire the remarkable stained glass windows of the ancient Renaissance church of Saint Vincent. Made by the greatest glass masters of the time, these are illustrations of the faith of 16th-century Christians.

- In addition to scenes from the Bible, you can see legends related to Saint Peter and Saint Anthony of Padua.

- As you enter the church, a feeling of fullness invades you. Check out the thirteen glass roofs created between 1520 and 1530. They are embedded on the north wall of the church. Three of them come from the Leprince de Beauvais workshops. The others are crafted by various glass painters and works from the Rouen workshop marked by the influence of the Flemish Arnoult of Nijmegen. The glass roof of the Tanks is certainly the most beautiful.

- In Rouen, the Jeanne d'Arc festivals take place in this church on the Sunday closest to May 30. Be a part of these festivals to experience the culture of France.

- The church has a fish fin that looks like a Viking helmet or an inverted ship hull towards the sky!

- The church choir, made of fir strips, is impressive with an original metal frame. The interior space is particularly large. The only inner column of the church is near the altar. - Outside, the church leaves a partially covered market space and leans against a large cross, a national monument of tribute to Joan of Arc, which marks the location of the pyre.