The Église St-Ouen is a beautiful example of High Gothic architecture located next to the imposing Hôtel de Ville in Rouen, Normandy. Once part of an abbey, the church is so grand that it might easily be mistaken for Rouen Cathedral.

History of St-Ouen

The Benedictine Abbaye St-Ouen was founded in the 7th century, but the present church is mostly late Gothic. The nave of the abbey church dates from the 15th century, its choir from the 14th (with 18th-century railings), and its stained glass from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

It was to St. Ouen's cemetery that Joan of Arc was taken on May 23, 1431, and sentenced to be burned at the stake unless she recanted. She signed an abjuration, condemning herself to life imprisonment, but that sentence was later revoked.

What to See at St-Ouen

The Church of St-Ouen is larger than Rouen Cathedral and has much less exterior decoration, so the vast Gothic proportions and purity of its lines make an immediate impact on the viewer.

Flanked by four turrets, the 115m (375-ft.) octagonal lantern tower of St. Ouen Church has been dubbed "the ducal crown of Normandy."

The stained glass windows, dating from the 14th to 16th centuries, are the most spectacular features of the spare interior. The 19th-century pipe organ is among the finest in France.

Quick Facts on St-Ouen

Site Information
Names:	Church of St. Ouen · St-Ouen
Country:	France
Categories:	churches
Styles:	Gothic
Dedication:	St. Ouen
Dates:	14th-15th C
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	49.442572° N, 1.099660° E
Address:	Place du Général-de-Gaulle Rouen, France
Phone:	02-32-08-31-01
Hours:	Mar-Oct: Sat-Thu 10am-12:30pm and 2-5pm Nov-Feb: Wed and Sat-Sun 10am-12:30pm and 2-4pm Closed Fridays.
Lodging:	View hotels near St-Ouen

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Darwin Porter, Frommer's France 2007 (October 2006).
2. Rough Guide to France 9 (April 2005), 396.

More Information

• Photos of St-Ouen - here on Sacred Destinations