The Old Market Square in the historic center of Rouen is surrounded by restaurants and bars, making this an ideal place to take a break from visiting all the wonderful museums in the city. Today the square is full of atmosphere, surrounded by some beautiful examples of 15th to 18th-century half-timbered buildings, and is a great place to sit and watch the passing parade. However, the Old Market Square was once a sinister place which was used for public executions in the Middle Ages. This is also the place where Joan of Arc was burned alive at the stake on the 30th May 1431 – the spot is still marked by a large wooden cross.

Old Market Square