Armada 2008

(I will revert to my visit to Switzerland, but I wished to give some “fresh” news.)

Every four or five years, since 1989, there is an event taking place in Rouen where some of the world’s largest sailing ships meet. It goes under the name of the “Armada Rouen”.

This year it takes place July 5-14. Some 10 million visitors are expected. A small team of French bloggers (Cergie, HPY, L6 and Alain) decided to go there last Saturday, including for a nice lunch and dinner together. The quays and the town were crowded this opening day.

Some 40 ships are there this year representing some 20 nations. Some of the more prestigious or well known ones are the Italian “Amerigo Vespucci”, the Mexican “Cuatehmoc”, the Norwegian “Christian Radich” and “Stadsraad Lemkuhl” and several Dutch ones. There is also a replica of an 18th century ship, “Grand Turk”, often seen in films and TV series. Most of these ships will then take the direction of Liverpool from where they will leave for the 2008 version of the “Tall Ships’ Race”. The Russian, British and French Navy are also present.

We had of course also a walk through the city of Rouen, the historical capital of Normandy and visited among other things the central place of “Vieux Marché” (the Old Market), where Joan of the Arc was burnt in1431. One of the best restaurants there, “La Couronne” was then already a 90 years old inn. In the “Gros Horloge” (Big Clock) street you can find a beautiful 16th century astronomical clock with parts from the 14th century. ... and there is of course the “Notre Dame” cathedral, also known for a series of paintings by Claude Monet, made from the same point but in different daylights. (My photo is from late evening).