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.
Juno Beach & Pegasus Memorial Museum
Discover the roles that Britain and Canada played in contributing to the success of the D-Day invasion.
