Discover the best top things to do in Calvados, France including Saint Catherine's Church, Abbaye aux Dames, Cathedrale Notre-Dame, Abbaye aux Hommes, Abbaye de Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, Eglise Abbatiale de Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, Carmel De Lisieux, Eglise Saint Etienne, Abbey d’Ardenne, Abbaye Sainte-Marie.
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4.5 based on 2,954 reviews
This famous 15th-century cathedral is the largest surviving wooden church in France.
Right in the heart of town in a beautiful square. Separate bell tower and amazing structures made from wood by original ship builders. Sitting inside you feel as if you are in an old ship.
4.5 based on 433 reviews
We were enthralled by Abbaye aux Dames which exudes historical importance as the burial place of Mathilda of Flanders, who married William the Conqueror (who is buried at Abbaye aux Hommes). Unlike Abbaye aux Hommes which charges a ripoff 7 Euros for a very bad French-only guided tour, you can do you own self guided tour of Abbaye aux Dames and easily see everything. Furthermore, right outside this abbey is a wonderful large flower garden which is WAY BETTER than the one at Abbaye des Hommes.
4.5 based on 3,843 reviews
The cathedral of Notre-Dame in Bayeux is an impressive building, a mix of Romanesque in the 11th century crypt and glorious Gothic in the 13th-century nave. In the 11th century after the Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066, ties with England were strong. You'll see a reference to the turbulent past above the south transept portal where sculpted scenes show the life of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was assassinated in Canterbury Cathedral on the orders of King Henry II of England. The Bayeux Tapestry was kept here from the 11th to the 18th centuries, probably displayed for the first time on the day the cathedral was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror.
This beautiful Cathedral has a rich history as it is the seat of the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. The combinations of architecture make this Cathedral unique and a must-see sight in Bayeux.
4.5 based on 819 reviews
The Men's Abbey : A masterpiece of medieval art and 18th century. William the Conqueror Born in Falaise in 1027, William was the son of Robert the Magnificent, the future Duke of Normandy, and Herleva, a tanner’s daughter. Upon his father’s death, William became the designated sole heir to the ducal throne. His succession to the throne was challenged by the barons, who considered William to be Robert’s illegitimate son. William quashed the rebels once and for all in 1047 and became the undisputed Duke of Normandy. Towards 1050, William married his distant cousin Matilda of Flanders, despite opposition from Pope Leo IX. The Church forbade their marriage, so Matilda and William sought atonement by founding the Abbayeaux- Dames, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, dedicated to Saint-Étienne. Work began on the Abbaye-aux-Hommes in 1066, the year that marked the Norman conquest of England. Edward, the King of England, had named William, the Duke of Normandy, to be his successor. Upon Edward’s death and betrayed by Harold, Edward’s brother-in-law, William took up arms to assert his claim to the throne. William defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066. William was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on 25th December 1066, whereupon he became William «the Conqueror». On 9th September 1087, he died in Rouen. According to his wishes, he was buried in the Abbey Church of Saint-Étienne in Caen. Abbey Church of Saint-Étienne Consecrated in 1077, the abbey church represents the oldest part of the site, with most of the features dating back to the 11th and 13th Centuries. The choir was redesigned in the 13th Century to reflect the prevailing Gothic style and is home to the tomb of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England. Monastic buildings The monastery was erected in the 11th Century, but destroyed during the First War of Religion (1562-63), before being rebuilt in the 18th Century. The monastic buildings are built around a Tuscan-style cloister epitomising the classical Italian style. The buildings are today headquarters of Caen City Hall. Together with the recently refurbished Place Saint- Sauveur, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes represents a unique heritage site. Medieval buildings and agricultural buildings The abbey also used to be a farm and an inn. It still houses a cider press, a carriage house and a bakery. Two 14th Century buildings bear witness to the abbey’s former role as a place of refuge and a political venue. - Palais Ducal, which was restored between 2012 and 2013, now hosts the city’s art library and its collection of contemporary art. - The Guardroom, where City Council meetings take place
We have been here twice to see two separate exhibitions. One on Vietnam war and this year Caen and life in the town during the war before and after. Excellent on both occasions. Your 4 euro entrance also allows you access inside the Abby forecourt and other rooms to visit and explore. Also a permanent exhibition on the war affecting the citizens of Caen . We spend 2 hours inthere. Toilets too
4.5 based on 147 reviews
We travelled to Lisieux by train from Paris, when we got off the train we headed for the big basilica up on the hill. It is very steep walk up to the Basilica so we took it slowly. When we got there we realised that St Therese is buried down in the Carmelite Church at the Convent in the town. When we got to the Carmelite Church in the town, we went in and on the right hand side of the church there is the tomb of St Therese, it is a simple Church which the Carmelite nuns use, there is also a museum attached, the Convent and also a book/giftshop are all in the surrounding area. It was like visiting a great friend getting to visit the tomb of St Therese. Her remains lie underneath the statue. There are hundreds of roses which have been left in front of the tomb. We travelled independently which I was glad about as we had the Church to ourselves and were able to spend some time praying at the tomb. St Therese parents are buried in the underground church in the main Basilica which is in a different part of the town.
4.5 based on 51 reviews
We also visited this one where William the conqueror was buried. Very interesting to see and a must on your list to see while visiting this historical town of Caen.
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Hearing the story of the 18 Canadians murdered by the Nazis after being taken prisoner was heartbreaking. I can't imagine how frightened they must have been. People can be so cruel. Worth a visit, particularly for Canadians.
4.5 based on 6 reviews
My wife, an avid garden visitor, has longed to view this garden for about twenty years; but it has never been open when we passed. That is until Friday 1st June 2018! The old Benedictine Abbey was looted for its stone to build local dwellings when the religious fell out of favour; but the present owner, Jerome, hopes to re-roof the choir which still has four walls standing. Visit the gardens inspired by his wife and father and contribute to making this one of the remarkable gardens to view in Normandy. Parking is on the same side of the road as the abbey either just before if coming from the village and battery, or just after if approaching from Bayeux.
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