Rouen Cathedral

Once we re-grouped from the hotel and car experience, the vacation was officially up and running. While technically not Normandy, Rouen is the perfect starting point for a tour of the region. Trivia question: name two things associated with this famous French town?

Answer: (1) The Rouen Cathedral, subject of Monet’s famous impressionistic paintings (you know the ones…same subject …but paintings in different lights, and (2) city where Jean d’Arc (okay, let’s go with the French spelling) was imprisoned and later burned at the stake.

Our first stop was supposed to be a quick tour of the cathedral by night…you all know by now, the obligatory night shot. To our surprise and excitement, the west side of the church (the side which Monet pictured in all his paintings) was the sight of an outdoor light show. Literally 50 or so different lighting techniques were splashed one after another on the side of the church, giving it a rather impressionistic look itself. We spent well over an hour watching it…fascinating.

So, for your enjoyment, some traditional and not so traditional night shots.

Monet's church...by night.





Rouen cathedral as it is normally lit.



Another view of the Rouen cathedral.



Light show reflected onto the west side of the Rouen Cathedral.