CAEN AND FALAISE
The cities of Caen and Falaise share a historical connection through William the Conqueror. Here's a brief overview...
It was in Falaise that Robert the Magnificent, who later became William’s father, met Arlette, a young woman from the city, and took her as his concubine.
William, their son, was born in Falaise Castle in 1027.
The same year, Robert became Duke of Normandy after his brother’s death (Richard III).
However, Robert died unexpectedly during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1035, leaving William, his only heir, to inherit the title at the age of 8.
Despite his young age, William faced numerous challenges, including plots and rebellions from duchy lords who opposed his rule.
His authority as Duke of Normandy was solidified at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes near Caen when he was 20, marking a significant victory against rebellious lords.
In 1050, William married Matilda of Flanders without papal consent due to their familial relation. To seek forgiveness and consolidate their authority, they built two abbeys.
The Abbaye aux Hommes (Men’s Abbey) and the Abbaye aux Dames (Women’s Abbey), alongside a formidable castle in Caen, strategically positioning it as the capital of the western part of the duchy. These Benedictine monasteries were founded around 1060.
Click on each photo to get the details.
Caen, a port city and university hub with over 30,000 students, is home to approximately 107,000 residents. The city endured significant damage during the bombings of 1944, as it was liberated on July 20 of that year by English and Canadian troops. Consequently, Caen is often referred to as a « reconstructed city » due to the extensive rebuilding efforts that followed.
From its past, Caen still retains several traces : the ducal castle and the two abbeys constructed by William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda, the « Rue Froide » (the « cold street »), the Leroy tower, and the Vaugueux district. Additionally, you’ll discover a few half-timbered houses in the city center and numerous churches. Caen is also affectionately known (like many other cities worldwide) as the « city with 100 steeples » (although this is inaccurate!), a colloquial way of expressing its abundance of churches.
And of course, there’s a museum that shouldn’t be overlooked (though it’s not in the city center) : the Memorial Peace Museum. It’s dedicated to the history of the 20th century and peace, with a significant focus on the Second World War and the Battle of Normandy. In my opinion, it’s a must-visit.
Caen is a delightful city to reside in and definitely worth exploring to appreciate its treasures. So, lace up your comfortable shoes and discover it on foot !
The city of Falaise is often overlooked by tourists, perhaps because it’s situated at the southern end of Calvados, below Caen. However, it’s worth a little detour !
You’ll explore the remnants of its illustrious history : Falaise was a significant fortified medieval city constructed in the Middle Ages on a rocky outcrop, naturally defended by two rivers. The castle served as the primary ducal residence for the Dukes of Normandy, marking the beginning of Falaise’s ascendancy from the 10th century onward. For centuries, it stood as a crucial stronghold in Normandy, protected by over 50 towers.
The castle of Falaise holds another compelling reason for a visit—it was the birthplace of William the Conqueror in 1027.
A 3.5 km circuit will lead you through the heritage of this medieval town.
Falaise is also renowned for the Falaise-Chambois pocket, a highly lethal battle from August 18 to 21, 1944, which marked the conclusion of the Battle of Normandy. Liberated on August 17, 1944, Falaise suffered extensive destruction, with 80% of the town destroyed.
Explore this significant chapter in history through two museums :
– The Falaise Memorial (in the city center), dedicated to civilians at war.
– The Montormel Memorial, a 30-minute drive away, which commemorates the final intense battle of the Falaise-Chambois pocket.
