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Origin and history

The Jeanne-d'Arc tower, also known as "donjon" or formerly "Big Tour", was the main tower of the Rouen castle built by Philippe Auguste from 1204 onwards. This circular limestone dungeon, 30 meters high and 14 meters wide, is the only remaining standing vestige of the medieval castle. Its 4 metres thick walls, pierced by murderers, housed four floors with distinct functions, two of which were vaulted on dogive crosses. Ranked a historic monument in 1840, it illustrates the Philippian architecture and the strategic importance of Rouen in the Middle Ages.

The dungeon was inextricably linked to the trial of Jeanne d'Arc: in 1431 she was threatened with torture and faced with her judges, although she was never imprisoned there (her cell was in the Tower of La Pucelle, now destroyed). His words, engraved in history, were spoken there: "If you would tear me member to member, I would say nothing else." The tower was restored in the 19th century by Eugène Dutuit and Louis Desmarest, under the influence of Viollet-le-Duc, who added a pepper roof to it and rebuilt the wooden sturds.

During World War II, the Germans transformed it into a bunker, cementing its upper part into a camouflaged command post. Since 2017, the tower has been home to a museum and historical escape games, including a scenario re-establishing its role during the occupation. Its archaeological remains, such as the substructures of the Pucelle Tower or a medieval well, are visible in the courtyard of a nearby building, rue Jeanne-d'Arc.

The tower stands on the hill of Bouvreuil, 700 meters north of Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral, in the Seine-Maritime department. Its original access was by flying bridges connecting the courtine, highlighting its defensive character. Today owned by the department, it combines architectural heritage and historical memory, attracting visitors for its connection with Jeanne d'Arc and its role in modern conflicts.

Historical sources, such as the minutes of Jeanne d'Arc's proceedings (published by Quicherat in 1841-1849) or the works of Ernest O The tower is also cited in local works, such as Rouen: a past still present by Yvon Pailhès, which highlights its anchoring in Norman identity.

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