Joan of Arc Tower
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Joan of Arc Tower

4.3
·924 reviews·Rouen, France

The last remnant of a 13th-century castle, this tower is where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, offering a poignant historical connection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends (March-November)

Interior exhibits and escape room

CrowdMedium
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Joan of Arc Tower

Joan of Arc Tower

Best Time

Weekends (March-November)

Interior exhibits and escape room

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The last remnant of a 13th-century castle, this tower is where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, offering a poignant historical connection.

4.3
(924 reviews)

"An amazing piece of history, this is the last vestige of the battlements where Joan of Arc was held."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Hours First! :clock1:

Interior access is often limited to weekends or specific months. Confirm before your visit!

Quick Photo Stop :camera:

If closed, it's still a significant historical landmark for a brief photo opportunity.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Joan of Arc Tower Exterior

Joan of Arc Tower Exterior

Rouen City Center

The last vestige of a 13th-century castle, this imposing tower is where Joan of Arc was imprisoned. A must-see for history buffs.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Inside the Tower (when open)

Discover exhibits that change every few years, sometimes reflecting historical periods like WWII resistance.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Joan of Arc Tower's interior hours can be tricky, often limited to weekends or specific seasons. Check ahead, especially if you're visiting on a weekday or off-season, as it might only be an exterior view. Reddit

Beyond the Tower

While the tower itself is a quick stop, Rouen offers much more. Consider it part of a larger exploration of the city's rich history, including its famous cathedral. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends (March-November)
Why
Interior exhibits and escape room
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (Off-season)
Why
Exterior view only
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⛪️ Quand tu vas à ROUEN🥃 C’est quoi ton endroit préféré de Rouen? Rdv au spectacle le 24 mai au zénith 🫶🏼 #rouen #rouen76 #rouenfrance #normandie #seinemaritime #rouenmaville #pourtoi #normandie🇨🇵 #humour #drole #france
@thomasmartyhumour
15.1K likes • 179.7K views

Check Opening Hours First! :clock1:

Interior access is often limited to weekends or specific months. Confirm before your visit! Reddit+1

Quick Photo Stop :camera:

If closed, it's still a significant historical landmark for a brief photo opportunity. Reddit

🇫🇷 5 Interesting facts about Rouen! #france #france🇫🇷 #francetiktok #rouen #rouenfrance #normandy #joanofarc #medievalarchitecture #rouencathedral #interestingfacts
@aprilchutravels
4.2K likes • 61.5K views
The girl was captured at Compiègne. Burgundian soldiers took her, not the English -- They held her in a tower for months. She was a prisoner for sale -- a price was named. The English paid the ten thousand livres, they took her to their city of Rouen--The king she had crowned, Charles VII, was in his castle. He had the crown she won for him at Reims, his treasury was low, and his war was not o...
miyozakhi
3 likes • 920 views

Escape Room Fun? :video_game:

From March to November, the tower transforms into an escape room – a unique way to experience it! Reddit

Walkable from Center :walking:

It's about a 15-minute walk north from Rouen's city center. Reddit

Unlocking the secrets of Joan of Arc, the teenage girl who saved France! 🇫🇷✨ Shot in the neck while scaling an English tower, she led the charge again and captured the garrison. At just 16, Joan heard divine voices urging her to lead France's armies to victory. #JoanOfArc #FrenchHistory #TeenHero #HistoricalFacts #IncredibleStories #HistoryUnveiled #HeroicWomen #reels #reelsinstagram #facts #vira...
thelearnbyte_
31 likes • 967 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Hours First! :clock1:

Interior access is often limited to weekends or specific months. Confirm before your visit! Reddit+1

Quick Photo Stop :camera:

If closed, it's still a significant historical landmark for a brief photo opportunity. Reddit

Escape Room Fun? :video_game:

From March to November, the tower transforms into an escape room – a unique way to experience it! Reddit

Walkable from Center :walking:

It's about a 15-minute walk north from Rouen's city center. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(924 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Joan of Arc Tower historically significant as the site of Joan of Arc's imprisonment, appreciating its exterior and the changing exhibits. However, many note that interior access is often limited, making it a brief photo stop for some, while others highlight its unique use as an escape room during certain months.

"An amazing piece of history. This is the last vestige of the battlements and is where Joan of Arc was held. It was not open on the Monday we visited but seems to house an escape room adventure."

G Mac

"Visited the Donjon tower on the 31st of December. Even though the tower looks amazing in the exterior, visiting the inside isn't really worth it. It is only open on weekends and there's nothing to see, really... we were informed that from March till November, it is used as an escape room, which sounds quite interesting so it would worth a visit then.
The guy at the entrance was very kind, smiley, and polite."

Athina Antonopoulou

"Very interesting story and exhibition - when I went it was set up like the Nazis would have kept it after their invasion in 1944. The exhibitions change every two years."

Bruno Dantas

What People Like

Historical significance
Exterior architecture
Changing exhibits

What People Dislike

Limited opening hours
Brief visit if closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Joan of Arc Tower is located about a 15-minute walk north from Rouen's city center. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the historic areas of Rouen. Reddit

While there might be street parking in the vicinity, it's often easier to park in one of Rouen's central parking garages and walk to the tower. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can be inconsistent and are often limited to weekends, especially outside of peak tourist season. It's best to check the official schedule or local tourist information before your visit. Reddit+1

Tickets are generally required for interior access, especially when exhibits or the escape room are available. Check for specific ticketing information for the period you plan to visit. Reddit

Interior visits on weekdays are often not possible, as the tower may be closed or used for other purposes. You might only be able to see it from the outside. Reddit

Yes, there is typically an entrance fee for the interior exhibits or the escape room experience. Pricing can vary depending on the exhibition. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can find exhibitions that change periodically, sometimes focusing on historical events like the WWII resistance. When it's open, it offers a glimpse into its past. Reddit

The historical exhibits might be more engaging for older children. However, the escape room option, when available, is generally a fun activity for families. Reddit

If you're just viewing the exterior, it's a quick 5-minute photo stop. An interior visit with exhibits could take 30-60 minutes, and the escape room experience is typically longer. Reddit

Information on accessibility can be limited. Given its historical nature, it's advisable to inquire directly about accessibility for those with mobility concerns. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the tower itself is the primary subject. You can capture it from various angles as you approach it from the city center. TikTok

Photography rules inside historical sites can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff upon entry regarding interior photography. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by medieval history and pivotal figures like Joan of Arc, the tower is a must-visit. It's the actual site of her imprisonment, offering a tangible connection to the past. Reddit Consider visiting when interior exhibits are available to gain deeper insights into her story and the tower's subsequent uses. Reddit

Day-Trippers from Paris

If you're planning a day trip to Rouen from Paris, the Joan of Arc Tower is a key historical landmark to include. It's a relatively quick stop, allowing you to explore other Rouen attractions like the cathedral. Reddit Just be mindful of its opening hours to ensure you can see the interior. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Imprisonment of Joan of Arc

The Joan of Arc Tower stands as a stark reminder of a pivotal moment in history. This is the sole surviving remnant of the 13th-century castle where the Maid of Orléans, Joan of Arc, was held captive. Her imprisonment here preceded her trial and eventual execution in Rouen, making the tower a site of immense historical and emotional significance. TikTok

Visitors can reflect on this dark chapter while observing the tower's robust architecture. While the interior exhibits offer context, the very stones of the tower whisper tales of her confinement and the trials she faced. Reddit

Beyond the Medieval Past: WWII and Modern Use

The historical narrative of the Joan of Arc Tower extends beyond the medieval era. During World War II, the tower played a role in the French Resistance movement, adding another layer to its storied past. Reddit

In more recent times, the tower has been repurposed, notably as an escape room from March to November. This modern use offers a unique and interactive way for visitors to engage with the historic structure, blending historical intrigue with contemporary entertainment. Reddit

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