Bureau des Finances of Rouen, Renaissance building on Cathedral Square, Rouen, France
The Bureau des Finances of Rouen is a Renaissance building on Cathedral Square that displays two distinct facades with ornamental detail throughout. The structure features Gothic windows and classical elements facing both the square and Petit-Salut Street.
Construction began in 1509 as a Court of Aids before later serving as the main financial office for Normandy. This change in purpose shows how the building adapted to shifting administrative needs across centuries.
The name reflects its original purpose as a financial administration center, and today it functions as a tourist information hub for the city. Visitors can see how the building remains woven into daily life as a gathering point for those exploring Rouen's medieval quarters.
The building houses a tourist information office that provides maps and guidance for exploring Rouen. Visiting in the morning or early afternoon helps you avoid the crowds that gather on Cathedral Square throughout the day.
Painter Claude Monet worked from the upper floors during the 1890s, creating parts of his famous Cathedral series while observing the light changes throughout the day. His choice of vantage point here allowed him to capture the ever-shifting appearance of the facade across different times and seasons.
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