Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc

Church in Rouen

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Herbert Frank

The Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc in Rouen stands out for its strikingly modern appearance, a bold contrast to the medieval surroundings of the Place du Vieux-Marché. Designed by architect Louis Arretche and consecrated in 1979, the church features sweeping, curved lines that evoke both a Viking longboat and the flames that consumed Joan of Arc at the stake nearby. The structure’s unconventional silhouette, clad in slate and glass, is both provocative and symbolic, intended to reflect Rouen’s dramatic past while embracing modern architectural language.

Though modern in style, the church houses remarkable relics of the past. Its most notable interior feature is a set of 13 stained-glass windows dating from the early 16th century, originally part of the now-demolished Saint-Vincent Church. These luminous panels, depicting scenes from the lives of saints and Christ, were rescued and preserved during World War II. Today, they bathe the interior in colored light, creating a striking juxtaposition between old and new—centuries-old craftsmanship within a daring modern frame.

While not a must-see for every visitor to Rouen, the Church of Saint Joan of Arc offers an insightful experience for those drawn to contemporary architecture or Joan of Arc’s enduring legacy. Its location on the site of her execution lends it emotional and historical resonance, and its design challenges traditional expectations of religious architecture. For travelers with a taste for the unconventional, it presents an evocative and contemplative stop.

The Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rouen!

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