This short film traces the evolution of the square in front of Rouen Cathedral since the early 20th century.
There, visitors can see the former Hôtel des Finances, which later became the Tourist Office, as well as the Hôtel de Normandie, which subsequently served as the headquarters of Mutuelles Unies before its demolition.
You can watch our short retro film about the history of Cathedral Square here.
Old photographs also show the south side of the square, where shops and buildings once stood before the current Brasserie Paul and the Hôtel Cardinal were built.
Much of this area was destroyed in 1944, before the postwar reconstruction. The film ends with a contemporary view of the square, gradually transitioning from black-and-white to color.
