Top Things to do in Calvados
Things to do in Calvados, Normandy: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Calvados, France including Des Vagues Et des Mots Librairie, Place Arthur Boudin, Mairie de Deauville, Saint Catherine's Church, Abbaye aux Hommes, Sanctuaire Sainte Therese, Reporters Memorial, Le Vieux Bassin, Mairie de Trouville, Eglise Saint-Pierre.
Restaurants in Calvados
1. Des Vagues Et des Mots Librairie
2. Place Arthur Boudin
3. Mairie de Deauville
4. Saint Catherine's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,954 reviews
This famous 15th-century cathedral is the largest surviving wooden church in France.
Reviewed By LondonMatt75
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.
5. Abbaye aux Hommes
Overall Ratings
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
Reviewed By Sue77777
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
6. Sanctuaire Sainte Therese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
Reviewed By MsIreland2 - Dublin, Ireland
The Basilica is set upon a hill, it is a very steep walk from the main train station in Lisieux. A very beautiful setting. Please note St Therese is NOT buried here, she is buried in the town at the Carmelite Convent, so please bear this in mind when planning your trip. Taxis are available to travel around the town. The parents of St Therese are buried in the Church underneath the main Basilica. The Upstairs Church is very beautiful and there is a relic of St Therese on display in the upper Church. The art work on the roof is also quite spectacular. There is no restaurant onsite there is a nice book / giftshop on the grounds. The staff are extremely kind and helpful. They made our visit very welcoming.
7. Reporters Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By DianaShelly
This is an absolute must-do when visiting Bayeux. It is right on the way to/from the war cemetery. I spent a good 30 minutes trudging through the muddy walkway on a soaking wet winter afternoon, reflecting. "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter". God speed to the souls of all these heroic women and men who died to bring us the truth. "Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freedom of speech". Lest we forget.
8. Le Vieux Bassin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,661 reviews
Reviewed By 2013Dvl - Dorval, Canada
this is an absolutely magnificent place to visit. Amazing view and such a charming little village. Lots of shops and restaurants to visit and some amazing photo opportunities! You'll love it in Honfleur!
9. Mairie de Trouville
10. Eglise Saint-Pierre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By CCR_GR - London, United Kingdom
Yes its a church not a cathedral according to the web but you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise as its an absolute beauty. The fascinating thing when we were there, was to stand on the east side and see it looking unrenovated and in desperate need of some urgent attention, and then going round to the west and seeing it undergoing the renovation it deserves - must be costing a 'Kings ransom' but unarguably worth every centime. Not sure how long their going to be there but when we went inside they had three of the Bells, (originals now replaced?) on show.
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