Falaise, a medieval norman city

 

Located 30 km south of Caen, Falaise is the Capital city of the Pays de Falaise. The town is dominated by William the Conqueror’s Castle, the oldest stone fortress in Normandy. There are many vestiges of its glorious history, though the town suffered cruelly during the second world war, with the fighting in the Falaise Pocket in August 1944.

 

The city was born in the middle ages, and with the apogee of the Norman dukes, grew in the shade of its fortress. Falaise took advantage of its great reputation and ideal geographical position especially with its famous fair in the district of Guibray.

From these prosperous times, Falaise's exceptional heritage remains with its ramparts flanked by towers encircling the city center, the churches of Saint Laurent, Saint Gervais, Sainte Trinité. Don’t miss the magnificent bronze statue of William the Conqueror facing the Town Hall.

Falaise is famous for its medieval fortress, where William, called "the Bastard", was born (1027).Later he became Duke of Normandy and King of England. Since June 2001, the recently-restored castle has been open to visitors. You can walk round the ramparts, and see the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

 

Today Falaise is an ideal place for a stay or a day trip. In addition to its cultural heritage the city has a lot to offer with facilities and leisure, especially for families. A large and modern aquatic center, a nice lake at the foot of the Castle and a park for promenades, some nice shopping and good restaurants, cinema, a museum Automates Avenue set in recreated Parisian streets, and a lot of entertainment all year long : music and dance festivals, concerts, theatrical promenades, The Game’s Festival in August and Les Hivernales (>The winter festival) with plenty of animations and a big Christmas market in December.