The church incorporates Renaissance stained glass salvaged from the bombed church of Saint-Vincent, which was destroyed during World War II.
The structure's curved, slate-covered roof is designed to represent the hull of a ship.
The floor plan and interior layout were designed to accommodate the specific dimensions of the salvaged 16th-century stained glass panels.
The altar is placed exactly at the spot where the stake used to execute Joan of Arc stood in 1431.
It is one of the few examples of modern religious architecture that integrates salvaged historical artifacts directly into its core structural design.
Église Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc is a modern church located on the site where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. The building's roof design resembles an upturned Viking ship, symbolizing the seafaring history of the Normandy region. Completed in 1979 by architect Louis Arretche, it serves as both a memorial and a functioning place of worship. The interior is defined by 13 preserved 16th-century stained glass windows salvaged from the destroyed Saint-Vincent church. These Renaissance-era windows contrast sharply with the contemporary concrete and slate architecture. The altar stands on the precise location of the stake where the martyr was burned. It is situated directly on the Place du Vieux-Marché, a historic square in Rouen's city center.
From the center of the Place du Vieux-Marché looking toward the main entrance to capture the curve of the roof.
View the exterior roof architecture from the far end of the square to fully appreciate the boat silhouette.
Take time to examine the individual glass panels, which depict distinct religious and historical scenes from the Renaissance.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic half-timbered streets of the Old Market area.
Do not mistake the modern church for the nearby older Gothic cathedrals; it is a distinct post-war structure.
Maintain silence, as it is an active place of worship; remove hats and dress modestly.
