Rouen’s spectacular medieval architecture has survived centuries of storms, cold winters, and even a tornado in 1999. These days, an influx of crass modernization encroaches on the city’s historical wonders—try to overlook the excessive numbers of sunglasses boutiques, McDonald’s, and Foot Locker outlets—but the town’s beauty still persists. There are a few must-sees, including the absolute steal that is the Musée des Beaux Arts, the Abbatiale St.-Ouen, the Cathedral, and the Gros Horloge.