William the Conqueror

Birthplace of William the Conqueror in 1027.  William is known as Willam the Bastard. The fortress is a wonderfull exemple of Norman architecture of medieval time to discover.

After the battle of Val ès Dunes in 1047, Caen was chosen by William of Normandy to be  a strategic site and main place of residence.. The preparation of the Conquest of England was done in Caen castle of Caen, one of the largest one in Europe, the Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames, masterpiece of Norman architecture.

1066, William Duke of Normandy became King of England. The event is depicted in the famous Bayeux Tapestry. The cathedral built by Odo of Conteville, William's half brother is a wonderfull monument to visit.