On Sunday morning we said Au Revoir to Le Mont Saint Michel and started our drive back to Belgium.
The half-timbered buildings in the Place du Vieux Marché
On the way back, we stopped to visit the town of Rouen, the capital of the Upper Normandy region. This is where Joan of Arc was tried and burnt in 1431
This signifies the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake
Here we visited the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Gros Horlage (astronomical clock dating back to the 16th century).
After lunch in front of the the Palais de Justice, we walked over to the modern church of Saint Joan of Arc. The shape of this building was very unique. I read that its shape represents the pyre on which Joan of Arc was burnt, a maiden's hat, and/or an overturned viking ship. Ray thought it looked like Joan of Arc's helmet -- I actually think Ray is right! The cross in front marks the location where her execution took place.
Although the style of the church seems a little out of place amongst the half-timbered buildings at Place du Vieux Marché, once we stepped inside, it was quite beautiful. The massive stained glass windows inside this church date back from the Renaissance (1520-1530) and were saved in 1944 from the bombing of the nearby ancient Saint Vincent's church.
Lucky for us, there just so happened to be a gastronomical festival going on that day where several blocks of stalls were selling delectable Normandy delicacies and treats.
I stopped to buy some Le Roi Du Caramels, which were made with the creme from the region. They turned out to be the best caramels I've ever tasted.
Our Normandy Adventure was now at an end as we headed back for home. It turned out to be a splendid 4 days!
PS & DS in front of Saint Joan of Arc Church
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