A well educated French person told me, "Most French people don't believe in Jeanne d'Duc; if she did exist, 'she' must have been a man." This really got me reading!Joan was born 3 years before the victorious war of Henry the 5th Battle of Agincourt. France was in a mess, French nobles were killing each other and England combined with the French Duke of Burgundy owned more French land than the French. We all know about the terrific story of Joan - but do we all believe George Bush's story about his victories? Propaganda. Joan and her voices? Most people in Psyche Hospital today hear lots of voices, and usually the ones they want to hear.The previous 16th century Church for Joan of Arc was completely destroyed in WW 2 in 1944. However, all the stain glass from this church had been removed and carefully cared for.This present church was completed in 1979 and includes the 'old' stain glass. People all over the world come to Rouen to visit this square. Including me. Personally I think that the 1975 Rouen Tourist Group could have come up with some better attractions than :- many restaurants, a few old stones half buried, a food market, a ferris wheel and a "Modern" Church. If you go to the Dijon Cathedral that is more like it - including a very, very old statue of 'The Maid.' However, as we Tourists say, "Been there, Done that. - Next."Brian, from Perth . Western Australia.
At first the church looked out of place and then fitted so well. As we entered we admired the Renaissance era stained glass window that was rescued from the ruins the Church dedicated to Saint Vincent , which was destroyed during World War II. It was in the ancient town square where Joan of Arc was burnt to death and so it seemed fitting that a church dedicated to her be on this spot. The exterior of the church represents both the flames that burnt Joan and an upturned Viking ship, two things which have great significance in the history of Rouen.
When I walked through the market I missed this church the first time - it looks as if it was part of the market that was closed. The second day I visited the market I found the door.What a lovely new church inside. Very modern - wonderful architecture. Bright. What a contrast to the outside.Well worth a visit.
The architecture of this church does not fit with the style of the city. From the inside, the church was okay, but, when the life of Joan of Arc is known, it is expected to have something more that is not too modern that turns it almost unnatural to the area. Its surrounding had a ferris wheel and some other games that made me feel like it lost its significance.
Not what you would expect. but worth walking in and looking around. Very modern and "upbeat" for a church.
Interesting church in the area where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Couldn't see much of the church since there was a funeral at the time we visited.
A friendly and welcoming church in the heart of the old market. Beautiful stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere.
It is a relatively new building, bowl shaped, with lots of wood. It appeared warm and friendly and had fine liturgical space. I was a bit put off by a cordoned off area for something I did not understand. Some of the stained glass windows have been repurposed from a destroyed church, but some are new and fairly banal. The merely colored glass windows seemed more in keeping with the architecture to me.
When visiting Rouen this is an interesting diversion. Beautiful, modern church in the shape of an upturned boat; magnificent stained glass windows and situated close to the site of St Joan's execution.
Lovely building right in the centre of the square, beautiful stained glass windows and very modern architecture. Such a fitting tribute to Joan of arc.