Architecture

Halle aux Toiles

Rouen

Halle aux Toiles is the south building of the former halls of Rouen and the only surviving building from the complex. Known as Historique, it was classified as a historic monument in 1941. After the war, it was reconstructed identically, with the work entrusted to architects Raymond Barbé in Rouen and Henri Jullien in Paris. Reconstruction was completed in 1961.

The building preserves several notable architectural and artistic features. Raymond Barbé created the concrete vaults visible in the upper-floor room, which is reached by a ceremonial staircase with a railing made by Raymond Subes. Its interior design brought together a number of artists, including Maxime Old, Jean-Pierre Demarchi, Robert Couturier, René Collamarini, Reynold Arnould, Robert Savary, Léon Toublanc, Georges Mirianon, and Roger Tolmer. A monument to the victims of the 1940–1944 bombings stands against the west facade. In 1961, the building also hosted the start of the Tour de France.

Map showing the location of Halle aux Toiles in Rouen
Location of Halle aux Toiles in Rouen

Nearby Objects

The Surviving South Building of the Halle aux Toiles

Historique is the south building of the former halls of Rouen known as the Halle aux Toiles, and it is the only surviving building from that complex. During the war, its north wall, la Fierte Saint-Romain, and the labor exchange were the only constructions still standing between the cathedral and the Seine. The building was classified as a historic monument in 1941, and after the war it was reconstructed identically. Its reconstruction was entrusted to architects Raymond Barbe in Rouen and Henri Jullien in Paris, and the work was completed in 1961.

The reconstructed building includes architectural and decorative features associated with several artists. Raymond Barbe created the concrete vaults visible in the upper floor room, which is reached by a ceremonial staircase with a railing made by Raymond Subes. Many artists took part in the interior design, including Maxime Old, Jean-Pierre Demarchi, Robert Couturier, Rene Collamarini, Reynold Arnould, Robert Savary, Leon Toublanc, Georges Mirianon, and Roger Tolmer.

Historique also has commemorative and public roles. A monument to the victims of the 1940-1944 bombings is placed against its west facade. In 1961, the building hosted the start of the Tour de France. In 2022, it was announced that the Rochesson choir organ from Saint-Nicaise church would be transferred to Historique. Excluding parts already classified in 1941, the building was later inscribed as a historic monument by official decree.