With the fall of Paris in June 1940, Rouen and all of France came under the control of the German Wehrmacht. Rouen’s railway center made it vital to the Nazi war effort in Western Europe and an enticing target for Allied bombers. Even before German occupation, the city had already suffered damage from retreating French forces detonating bridges to slow the Nazi Blitzkrieg, as well as bombing raids by the British RAF. Further destruction came on June 11, when a large fire that broke out in the Old Town was left to burn for 48 hours, destroying 900 medieval buildings.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Rouen Walking Tour
Explore the medieval quarter of the cultural capital of Normandy.
Merville Battery, Sword & Juno Beaches
Journey through eastern Normandy, tracing the heroic British and Canadian landings of June 6th, 1944.
Videos
D-Day at Normandy
Meet Robert Allen, a World War II veteran who bravely came ashore at Normandy . . . then returned with Viking, sharing some of his memories with us.
Explore Europe with Viking
Sail Europe’s picturesque waterways in elegant comfort with Viking. Ranging from 8 to 23 days, our itineraries offer a wealth of unforgettable journeys across the continent.
