Chateau de Rouen (Rouen Castle), Rouen
Rouen Castle holds a prominent place in the history of Rouen. Constructed under the direction of Philip II of France from 1204 to 1210, this fortified ducal and royal residence played a pivotal role in the region's political and military affairs.
Situated just north of the medieval town, Rouen Castle held a commanding position, making it a strategic military stronghold during various conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. For nearly four centuries, it served as the primary center of power, administration, and politics in the duchy of Normandy. It symbolically replaced the ducal palace of Rouen in these roles and acted as the seat of authority for the king of France's bailliage and vicomté, as well as the English government during their rule of the area from 1418 to 1449. Additionally, it housed the échiquier de Normandie, which later became the Parlement of Rouen.
One of the most notable events associated with Rouen Castle is the imprisonment and trial of Joan of Arc in 1430-1431. Although Joan was not held in the castle's keep, the Tour Jeanne d'Arc, the castle played a significant role in her trial, with one session held there on May 9, 1431. The keep, initially known as the castle's donjon or "Big Tower," remains a lasting testament to this history. It was during this session that Joan was shown instruments of torture but remained steadfast in her resolve.
Most of Rouen Castle was dismantled in 1591, leaving behind the iconic keep. This tower, now known as the Tour Jeanne d'Arc, is part of Philip's original 1204 construction. Over the years, it underwent restoration work, including the addition of its pointed roof in the 1870s.
During World War II, the tower took on a new role as it was camouflaged and converted into a bunker by the occupying German forces. Today, the Tour Jeanne d'Arc is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance and the rich history of Rouen Castle.
Situated just north of the medieval town, Rouen Castle held a commanding position, making it a strategic military stronghold during various conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. For nearly four centuries, it served as the primary center of power, administration, and politics in the duchy of Normandy. It symbolically replaced the ducal palace of Rouen in these roles and acted as the seat of authority for the king of France's bailliage and vicomté, as well as the English government during their rule of the area from 1418 to 1449. Additionally, it housed the échiquier de Normandie, which later became the Parlement of Rouen.
One of the most notable events associated with Rouen Castle is the imprisonment and trial of Joan of Arc in 1430-1431. Although Joan was not held in the castle's keep, the Tour Jeanne d'Arc, the castle played a significant role in her trial, with one session held there on May 9, 1431. The keep, initially known as the castle's donjon or "Big Tower," remains a lasting testament to this history. It was during this session that Joan was shown instruments of torture but remained steadfast in her resolve.
Most of Rouen Castle was dismantled in 1591, leaving behind the iconic keep. This tower, now known as the Tour Jeanne d'Arc, is part of Philip's original 1204 construction. Over the years, it underwent restoration work, including the addition of its pointed roof in the 1870s.
During World War II, the tower took on a new role as it was camouflaged and converted into a bunker by the occupying German forces. Today, the Tour Jeanne d'Arc is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance and the rich history of Rouen Castle.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rouen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chateau de Rouen (Rouen Castle) on Map
Sight Name: Chateau de Rouen (Rouen Castle)
Sight Location: Rouen, France (See walking tours in Rouen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rouen, France (See walking tours in Rouen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rouen, France
Create Your Own Walk in Rouen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rouen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rouen Introduction Walking Tour
A proud jewel of the Seine Valley in the picturesque Upper Normandy, France, the city of Rouen has a story dating back centuries. The name "Rouen" stems from the Gaulish-Roman era when the city was known as "Rotomagus." Over time, it has evolved into "Rouen".
During the Middle Ages, Rouen was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy. It was also one of the capitals of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
During the Middle Ages, Rouen was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy. It was also one of the capitals of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Joan of Arc Historical Sites
Joan of Arc, a patron saint of France, is honored as a defender of the French nation for her role in the 15th-century siege of Orléans that marked a turning point of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. The memory of Joan is engraved in various heritage sites and urban spaces throughout Rouen, the town in which she met her death.
The historic Old Market Square (Place du... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The historic Old Market Square (Place du... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles