General view of Rouen from the cathedral

From the heights of a bell tower, undoubtedly that of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the view takes in the city of Rouen as a whole. Steep roofs, half-timbered facades, cobbled streets wind through the heart of this Norman city marked by history. The city stretches out to the hilly confines, bathed in soft light, while in the foreground the buildings line up like mute witnesses of bygone centuries. On the right, the bell tower of the Saint-Maclou church emerges proudly, punctuating this panorama with a Gothic accent.

• Place : Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France

• Date : Late 19th or early 20th century

• Subject : General view of the city from the heights (probably Notre-Dame Cathedral)

• Support : Magic lantern plaque (monochrome photography)

• Detail : Paved street in the foreground, tangled roofs, Saint-Maclou church visible on the right

The city sleeps under the white sky, but its stones still whisper the secrets of Jeanne, Corneille and the builders.