The main rival of Rouen Cathedral, Saint-Ouen Abbey, is just a ten-minute walk away. These buildings can compete in size, age, and history. The abbey boasts two sharp Gothic towers soaring upward, an unusual rosette with a five-pointed star on the gable, a central tower in Flamboyant style, 241 colored stained glass windows of the 14th-15th centuries, a light ogive that seems to go not into the ceiling but the sky. This building shows the skill of medieval builders, making modern tourists freeze with delight.

Created in the 6th century, the initial Catholic abbey was named after Saint Peter. At the same time, the first church appeared. It repeatedly experienced fires and wars, was demolished and rebuilt. The last restoration took place in the middle of the 19th century (based on the plan of the 14th century). Fortunately, some of the interiors, like 241 colored stained glass windows, have been preserved since the 15th century. The name of Peter's Abbey and Church was changed in the seventh century. The new name was given in honor of the abbot, Saint Ouen (Owen). The abbey was under the patronage of successive rulers, who donated huge sums that went to the exterior and interior decoration of the church. Thus, its length is 134 meters, and the height of its vaults is 33 meters. The pride of Saint-Ouen is a magnificent large organ, recognized as one of the most valuable in France. Everyone can listen to its polyphony soaring to the vaults during organ concerts.

Today, the church belongs to the municipality and positions itself more as a tourist attraction than a temple. It is better to find out the opening hours on the site before visiting: on certain days, there is no access at all, and on other days, the church is open only for several hours in the morning and the evening. Please note that you can enter the church not through the front door but a modest entrance at the end of the building. Next to the church, there is a former cell building, which clearly shows the size and power of the abbey. Today, the building houses the City Hall of Rouen.