Vieux Rouen and Cathedral Notre-Dame - Rouen
One of the greatest French Gothic churches is the Cathedral Notre-Dame in Rouen. Built in the 13th century, it has inspired countless artists - including Claude Monet who did a series of the facade that have become iconic images in French Impressionism. There has been a Christian church on the site since the 4th century with several buildings replacing earlier ones, including the building of an earlier Gothic-style church after Viking raids. The church includes soaring naves and stain glass including the famous cobalt blue (Chartres blue) coloring. 
The Cathedral lies in one of the best preserved medieval town centers in Europe - with over 800 timber-framed houses and buildings lining narrow streets, many of them pedestrian. The Place du Vieux-Marche' is the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake (she was later rehabilitated).
Rouen is a nice day-destination from Paris or a charming town from which to base for visits to other historical and religious sites in Normandy. These include the ruins of the Abbey of Jumieges, the picturesque port of Honfleur, the beaches and memorial of Normandy, and the village of Lisieux - birthplace of St Teresa of Lisieux who wrote the renowned book "History of a Soul."