Description

Built on a hill to the north-east of the city by
Queen Matilda of Flanders, wife of William
the Conqueror, the Abbaye aux Dames has a
marvellous view of Caen harbour and the surrounding
plain. The convent, set within 10 hectares of
grounds, was completely rebuilt in the 18^th century and
is now a listed building, recognised as one of Normandy's
finest examples of classical architecture. Its Romanesque
church, near the entrance, remains intact, and
was a focal point for 19^th century architects and historians,
who were fascinated by their country's heritage.

The upheaval of the French Revolution saw the convent
handed over to the army. However, under the Napoleonic
Empire, its buildings and gardens, with their majestic
lime walks, were converted for hospital use - first
sheltering Caen's main hospital, or Hôtel-Dieu, and
subsequently the Hospice Saint-Louis care-home for
orphans and the elderly - until 1983, when the buildings
became the headquarters of the Basse-Normandie
Regional Council and its various departments.

The work recounts the 900 year history of this collection
of monastic buildings, whose impressive restoration
and rehabilitation have made it a true jewel in the
city's crown today.

The Inventory records, studies and promotes the historical
and artistic heritage of France. The Parcours du patrimoine,
developed as an aid to cultural tourism, is a guide to help
you on the way to discovering.