This city 75 mi/125 km northwest of Paris is most often seen as a day trip from the capital, but if time permits, we recommend spending two nights. Rouen is where Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle, was born (he explored the frontier along the Mississippi River in what is now the U.S.), where Richard the Lionheart lived and where Joan of Arc burned at the stake on the Place du Vieux-Marche. Sights include a statue of Joan of Arc by Maxime Real del Sarte, a beautiful Renaissance "great clock" and a fine-arts museum (art and Rouen pottery). About 30 mi/50 km toward Paris from Rouen is Chateau Gaillard, a fortress once occupied by Richard the Lionheart.
