Abbaye aux Hommes

The Abbaye aux Hommes (Saint-Étienne) is a towering masterpiece of Norman Romanesque architecture. Founded in 1063 by William the Conqueror, it stands as one of France's most significant historical sites, serving as the blueprint for Gothic cathedrals across Europe.

The King's Final Rest

The abbey church houses the tomb of William the Conqueror. Despite a tumultuous history involving grave desecrations during the Wars of Religion, a simple marble slab in the choir still marks his presence. The interior is famous for its early rib-vaulting—a revolutionary structural feat for the 11th century.

From Monastery to City Hall

While the church remains dedicated to worship, the 18th-century monastic buildings have been Caen's City Hall since the 1960s. Visitors can explore the magnificent cloister, the chapter house, and the wood-paneled refectory, which exemplify the grandeur of pre-revolutionary monastic life.