France 2.0: Saturday, April 16

We are walking about the old city of Rouen this morning. Established during Roman times nearly 2,000 years ago, Rouen has had a chaotic history. Because it is located on the Seine River, it was a desirable location. The people of Rouen have at times been independent, controlled by England and controlled by the French. During Medieval Europe, Rouen was one of the largest and most prosperous cities. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here in 1431. She was later sainted and there is a large cross erected at the spot where she died.




Claude Manet used the great Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen for a series of paintings the now hang in the Orsay Museum in Paris. The cathedral has the highest spire, about 450 feet tall, of any cathedral in France.




The Gros-Horloge clock is an astronomical clock dating back to the 1500's, although the movement dates to 1389. Interestingly, the clock has only one hand, the hour hand. Apparently minutes were not a big deal 500 years ago.




Rouen is also famous for its well preserved half timbered buildings, most of which a still in use today. Of course, we managed to find a McDonalds housed in one of these 500 year old half timbered buildings.








During World War II, about 45% of the city was destroyed, including portions of the great cathedral. Today Rouen is a bustling city with a metropolitan population of about a half million people. On Saturdays the open air markets are full of produce, fish, cheese, and even antiques and old books. The markets were just starting to fill up with people as we walked through at 9:00 AM. In fact, one student even bought fresh flowers in an attempt to butter up my fellow chaperone.








This afternoon we are back in Paris to wrap up our trip.

Paris is mobbed with people. It's a weekend. The weather is sunny and warm. Ant to top it off, Spring Break is starting for the students. We go first to the Latin Quarter. There are many shops and sidewalk bistros here. The Sorbonnne is there as well. We had lunch in the Luxembourg Gardens. The gardens were started in 1612, and have changed some in style and size over the years. The gardens are laid out in a very formal French style, but they are also a free public parks. There were thousands of people basking in the sun and eating their lunches. There is a huge circular pond will little kids and play with sail boats.


Later we went to the Basilica Sacré-Cœur. Started in 1875 and completed in 1914, it lies on the highest point in Paris, Montmartre. It is made of travertine, a white stone. It is a beautiful building that commands a stunning view overlooking Paris. Thousands of people were milling about on the plaza at the top as well as the slopes leading to it. There were hawkers everywhere peddling wares, along with singers, jugglers, musicians, dancers, and pick pockets. Too bad, in my opinion, that the those diversions distracted from the beauty and religious intent of the basilica.





For dinner we took the metro to the financial district in Paris. There are hundreds of places to eat here. You had your choice of McDonalds, Hard Rock Cafe, or one of many small cafes. I admit, I walked into McDonalds. But it was to use their free WiFi, not their food. I choose a very small typically French cafe and had an excellent meal.


Tomorrow is our last full day in France.

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