Semaine rouge, World War II commemorative event in Rouen, France
Semaine Rouge refers to intensive aerial bombardments in Rouen between May 30 and June 5, 1944, targeting strategic sites along the Seine. The attacks destroyed large sections of the city center, including significant buildings and infrastructure such as bridges and railway stations.
The bombardments took place as Allies sought to weaken German occupation ahead of the Normandy invasion. The attacks were part of a broader campaign to gain control over the Seine's strategic lines and prepare for France's upcoming liberation.
The name refers to the massive fires that lit up the city in red during the bombardments. These events remain deeply embedded in Rouen's collective memory and are commemorated through memorials and plaques scattered throughout the urban landscape.
Visitors can today explore several memorials and museums throughout the city to learn more about these events. Key sites lie near the city center and are accessible on foot, with informational plaques at various locations documenting the bombing history.
The great bells of the Saint-Romain tower, including the Joan of Arc bell, melted in the intense heat of the fires on June 1, 1944. These melted bells stand as a striking physical testament to the extreme temperatures that raged during this bombardment.
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