In the 1890s, Claude Monet was so inspired by Rouen Cathedral’s architecture that he created more than 30 paintings of its facade, all from the same point but in different light. He rented space facing the cathedral so he could be sure of getting exactly the same view every time he painted.
On our way through Normandy we had to stop off at Rouen to see it for ourselves. If the fire of 11 July had not been brought under control we might have been visiting a very different scene. Fortunately, we were able to share Monet’s view and fully appreciate his obsession.
