Place Du 19 Avril 1944

Place du 19-Avril-1944, Rouen, France: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Rouen, Place du 19-Avril-1944 is a powerful memorial and public square that commemorates one of the city’s most devastating World War II tragedies. On the night of April 19, 1944, an Allied air raid intended to strike German military targets resulted in catastrophic civilian losses—claiming over 883 lives in Rouen and hundreds more in neighboring Sotteville-lès-Rouen (Wikipedia – Bombardement de Rouen). Today, this square stands as a testament to Rouen’s resilience and its commitment to remembrance, blending reflection with daily urban life. This guide offers an in-depth look at the square’s history, memorial features, visiting logistics, commemorative practices, and nearby attractions to help you plan a meaningful visit (Wikipedia – Place du 19-Avril-1944; Visiter Rouen; Cruise Rouen).

Historical Context and Significance

The April 19, 1944 Bombardment

By 1944, Rouen was a strategic hub under German occupation, making it a target for Allied forces as they prepared for the Normandy landings. The air raid on April 19 dropped nearly 600 tons of explosives, with the intention of crippling German infrastructure. However, the raid caused immense destruction and civilian casualties—over 900 lives lost and thousands left homeless (Cruise Rouen; rouen-bouge.fr). The square’s name serves as a permanent reminder of this tragedy, and annual ceremonies continue to honor the victims and preserve the memory for future generations.

Memorial Features

At the heart of the square is a modern fountain and sculpture by Dominique Denry, installed in 1995 (Wikipedia – Place du 19-Avril-1944). This abstract artwork, along with commemorative plaques, anchors the space as a site of reflection. The design integrates remembrance into the rhythm of daily life, inviting both solemn contemplation and community interaction. The presence of cafés and terraces surrounding the square further illustrates how Rouen has woven its history into the fabric of everyday living (Visiter Rouen; rouen-bouge.fr).

Visiting Place du 19-Avril-1944: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: The square is open to the public 24 hours a day, year-round. There are no restricted hours, and visitors are welcome at any time.
Tickets: There is no entry fee. Access to Place du 19-Avril-1944 is completely free.
Accessibility: The square is flat, pedestrianized, and wheelchair accessible. Benches and shaded areas provide comfort for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.
Address: Place du 19-Avril-1944, 76000 Rouen, France
Nearby Transport: Easily reached by foot from Rouen’s historic center, with nearby bus and tram stops (mapcarta.com).

Visitor Experience: What to Expect

Atmosphere and Layout

Nestled between the Palais de Justice and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the square features a spacious and open layout. Its centerpiece fountain is surrounded by restaurant terraces and green landscaping, creating a unique blend of reflection and sociability (visiterouen.com). The area is lively yet contemplative—ideal for both quiet remembrance and enjoying Rouen’s vibrant street life.

Amenities

Cafés and Restaurants: Numerous options for dining and refreshments border the square, serving both local Norman specialties and international cuisine.
Restrooms: Facilities are available in nearby cafés and public buildings (note that a purchase may be required to use restaurant restrooms).
Wi-Fi: Many cafés provide free Wi-Fi for guests.

Safety

The square is well-lit and safe at all hours, but standard urban travel precautions are recommended.

Commemorative Events and Community Practices

Annual Ceremonies

Each April 19, official ceremonies, moments of silence, and wreath-laying events take place at Place du 19-Avril-1944 and other memorial sites throughout Rouen and Sotteville-lès-Rouen (Actu.fr). Local associations curate exhibitions featuring photos, testimonies, and artifacts, fostering a living memory of the city’s wartime experience.

Educational Activities

Guided tours that include the square are available through Rouen’s tourism office, particularly during commemorative periods. School groups and public lectures are frequently organized to educate both locals and visitors about the square’s significance (Visiter Rouen).

Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your visit by exploring these additional Rouen landmarks:

Musée des Beaux-Arts: Renowned for its European art collections and temporary exhibitions (normandielovers.fr).
Palais de Justice: A striking example of Gothic architecture, still bearing marks of wartime damage.
Place du Vieux-Marché: Site of Joan of Arc’s execution and a lively hub lined with historic buildings (normandielovers.fr).
Square Verdrel: A nearby park perfect for relaxation (findloveandtravel.com).
Musée de la Céramique: Showcasing Rouen’s artistic heritage (findloveandtravel.com).

Recommendations for Meaningful Engagement

Pause at the Memorial: Take time at the central sculpture to reflect on the events of 1944.
Attend Commemorative Events: If visiting in April, participate in public ceremonies for a deeper understanding of local memory culture.
Combine with Museums: Follow your visit with a tour of nearby museums for broader context.
Enjoy the Terraces: Sample Norman cuisine at the surrounding cafés and observe daily city life.

Responsible Tourism and Local Etiquette

Respect the Memorial: Maintain a respectful demeanor, particularly during commemorative events.
Support Local Businesses: Patronize cafés and shops to contribute to the local economy.
Photography: Photography is welcome, but be considerate during ceremonies or when others are in private reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of Place du 19-Avril-1944?
A: The square is open 24/7 and can be visited at any time.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No, the square is free and open to all.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours covering the square and surrounding historical sites are offered by the local tourism office, especially during commemorative periods.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the area is flat, pedestrian-friendly, and wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are there commemorative events at the square?
A: Annual ceremonies are held in April, along with educational and community activities.

Interactive Map

Explore the square and its surroundings: Interactive Map.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to Place du 19-Avril-1944 and experience Rouen’s layered history firsthand. For more information, download the Audiala app for guided tours and up-to-date event notifications. Don’t forget to explore our related articles on Rouen’s historical sites and follow us on social media for the latest travel inspiration!

Summary

Place du 19-Avril-1944 is both a site of remembrance and a vibrant part of Rouen’s urban life. The memorial, commemorative events, and proximity to key attractions make it an essential stop for anyone interested in history, culture, or the enduring spirit of the city. Whether you visit during the solemn anniversary or at a quieter time, the square offers a poignant and enriching experience (Visiter Rouen; Actu.fr).