Old Market Square

You’re definitely in the thick of it here! This is the historic center, so expect a crowd. The Place du Vieux-Marché, aka the Old Market Square, has seen its share of changes since its medieval beginnings. It used to be significantly smaller, yet still big enough for two churches: Saint-Michel and Saint-Sauveur. They recently found the ruins of the latter during some archaeological digs. It is said that the famous local playwright Pierre Corneille was baptized there. But besides its churches, the square was also home to the city’s big covered market. People came here to buy their meat, fish and fruit, and then enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area. It sounds like a great place to live, right? Well, truth is, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. This square was also the site of a few public executions. But there was one in specific which left an indelible mark on both the city and the nation – that of Joan of Arc, the world-famous French heroine. After being captured, locked up, threatened, and sentenced to death, she was burned at the stake here on May 30, 1431. Today, there’s a church dedicated to her, a statue, as well as a big stone cross marking the spot where it all happened. But the Old Market Square is more than just a massive memorial. With its restaurants, small covered market and half-timbered houses, it’s a perfect spot to soak up the very spirit of the city. Don’t forget to take a picture of La Couronne, the oldest inn in France. You can’t miss it – it’s the one with all the flags on its façade!