I was concerned about the visit to Rouen. How would Joan feel or react to this town where she had suffered and died so horribly?
I took the train from Paris to Rouen. Apart from its infamous place in the story of Joan of Arc, Rouen has a great deal of its medieval buildings still intact but badly scarred. Many are chipped and damaged by the impact of bullets during the battles of World War II—an amazing contrast of architectural beauty and ugly destruction.
The streets, the houses, the churches and the old town clock are delightful remnants of the past. I almost expected a Pied Piper to come dancing along with laughing children following him through the streets. Only the modern clothing of the many tourists kept me anchored in the present.
The beautiful cathedral was worth the visit. On
