27/07/2025
The city of Rouen certainly has its fair share of absolutely incredible gothic-style churches, however stylistically I can’t help but love this mid-century modern architectural masterpiece, l’église Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc, in the center of ancient Rouen. Designed by architect Louis Arretche in 1969, its sweeping concrete curves are designed to evoke both the flames of Joan of Arc’s ex*****on, and an overturned longship. Many early Christian churches were designed in the shape of an overturned boat. Strong motifs in the windows designs further evoke this concept.
Ironically (at least to me) the church stands on the exact spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy in 1431.