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Sites & Monuments in Calvados, Normandy

Walk in the Castillon-Plantbessin gardens
Geometric design.

The Jardin de Castillon-Plantbessin consists of a magnificent series of "rooms" filled with charm and serenity: ornamental lakes, Japanese garden, English garden, herb garden, all featuring a great variety of plants.
A second garden consisting of three terraces dotted by topiary yews opens onto a fine border of grasses and ends in a box maze. It is listed as a "Jardin Remarquable" (garden of special interest).

Opening Times & Prices

From Sunday 1 June to Thursday 31 July 2008 :
- Everyday, from 14:30 to 17:30
From Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 30 October 2008 :
- From Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00
- From Monday to Saturday from 14:30 to 17:30

Admission prices :
- Full price : 7 €
- Children : 3 €
- Until 7 years : Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 92 56 03
Fax:
02 31 22 70 09
Email:
contact@jardinscastillon-plantbessin.com
Website:
JARDIN DE CASTILLON PLANTBESSIN
CASTILLON
FRANCE
14490
Visit the Memorial of Général de Gaulle
In honour of a great man.

It is in the splendid Renaissance "Logis du Gouverneur" (late 15th century), just 100 metres from the Sous-Prefecture that became the seat of the first authorities to assume control of a newly-liberated France in 1944, that a record is kept of the five key encounters between General de Gaulle and Bayeux.
Two of these encounters have left their mark on French history: 14 June 1944 and 16 June 1946. The five encounters are recalled in a collection of numerous archive documents, both printed and photographic, in film footage from the period and of objects that once belonged to the General.

Opening Times & Prices

From Sunday 1 June to Sunday 31 August 2008 :
- Everyday, from 09:30 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 14:00 to 18:30
From Monday 1 September to Sunday 30 November 2008 :
- Everyday, from 10:00 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 14:00 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Full price : 3.5 €
- Children : 2 €
- Middle School children : 2 €
- Students : 2 €
- High School Children : 2 €

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 92 45 55
Fax:
02 31 51 46 91
Email:
bataillenormandie@mairie-bayeux.fr
Website:
MUSEE MEMORIAL DE GAULLE
10
rue Bourbesneur
BAYEUX
FRANCE
14400
Visit Baron Gérard Museum
Porcelain and old lace.

The Hôtel du Doyen presents part of the artistic and historical collections of the Musée Baron Gérard (porcelain and Bayeux lace, paintings) in the form of temporary exhibitions.
Admission is free on presentation of the ticket to the Tapestry Museum.

Opening Times & Prices

From Wednesday 2 July to Saturday 30 August 2008 :
- Everyday, from 10:00 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 14:00 to 18:00
On Sunday 31 August 2008 :
- Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30
- Sunday from 14:00 to 19:00
From Monday 1 September to Wednesday 31 December 2008 :
- Everyday, from 10:00 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 14:00 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Full price : 3.5 €
- Students : 2 €

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 92 14 21
Fax:
02 31 21 91 84
Email:
barongerard@mairie-bayeux.fr
Website:
MUSEE DU BARON GERARD
place de la Liberté
Hôtel du Doyen, rue Lambert Leforestier
BAYEUX
FRANCE
14400
Guided tour of the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, Caen
Entrancing in its beauty and serenity.

It is to the Benedictine monks of the Middle Ages and the Classical period that Caen owes the majesty of its Town Hall, which occupies the former abbey of Saint-Etienne, known as the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. And, of course, to William the Conqueror who built the castle and, with his wife Matilda, founded the two abbeys that dominate the landscape.

Opening Times & Prices

All year long :
- From Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 11:00
- From Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 12:30
- From Monday to Saturday from 14:30 to 16:00
- From Monday to Saturday from 16:00 to 18:30
- Sunday from 09:30 to 11:00
- Special Fees :
- - Free
- Sunday from 11:00 to 12:30
- Special Fees :
- - Free
- Sunday from 14:30 to 16:00
- Special Fees :
- - Free
- Sunday from 16:00 to 18:30
- Special Fees :
- - Free

Admission prices :
- Full price : 2.2 €
- Unemployed : Free
- Retired : 1.1 €
- Until 18 years : Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
ABBAYE-AUX-HOMMES
esplanade Jean-Marie-Louvel
CAEN
FRANCE
14000
Visit Balleroy Château
An architectural monument.

Built in 1631 to plans drawn up by architect François Mansart, the Château de Balleroy is part of one of the first town-planning schemes ever executed in France, and that was to inspire Versailles.
In 1975, the first Balloon Museum was founded by Malcolm S. Forbes in one of the former stable buildings.
The 17th century dovecote and the grounds are also not to be missed.

Opening Times & Prices

From Thursday 16 October to Friday 14 March 2008 :
- From Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00
- From Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 17:00
From Saturday 15 March to Wednesday 15 October 2008 :
- Everyday, from 10:00 to 18:00
From Thursday 16 October 2008 to Saturday 14 March 2009 :
- From Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00
- From Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 17:00

Closed on 1 January, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 21 60 61
Fax:
02 31 21 51 77
Email:
reservation@chateau-balleroy.com
Website:
CHATEAU DE BALLEROY
BALLEROY
FRANCE
14490
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and old Bayeux
Mediaeval Bayeux.

The ancient historic centre of Bayeux has remained entirely mediaeval in its structure. Completely spared by the Allied bombardments of 1944, it proudly displays an extraordinary architectural heritage.
Solemnly consecrated on 14 July 1077, in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the cathedral underwent further expansion and embellishment from the 13th to the 15th century.

Opening Times & Prices

From Monday 1 October 2007 to Monday 31 March 2008 :
- Everyday, from 08:30 to 17:00
From Tuesday 1 April to Monday 30 June 2008 :
- Everyday, from 08:30 to 18:00
From Tuesday 1 July to Tuesday 30 September 2008 :
- Everyday, from 08:30 to 19:00
From Wednesday 1 October to Wednesday 31 December 2008 :
- Everyday, from 08:30 to 18:00

Event Contact Information

Tel:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
CATHEDRALE NOTRE-DAME DE BAYEUX
rue du Bienvenu
BAYEUX
FRANCE
14400
V'eol
A bike, my kingdom for a bike!

March 23rd 2008 is the inauguration date for the new self-service bicycle-rental system organised by the Caen town hall: V'eol.
With over 40 parking stations throughout the city, a new transport system is available for locals and tourists alike. The service will be at your disposal 24/7, forever changing the workings of inner-city transportation. Not only will it reduce pollution, but users will be getting fitter at every ride!

V'eol parking stations are positioned throughout the city.

Opening Times & Prices

From Saturday 22 March to Wednesday 31 December 2008 :
- Everyday, from 00:01 to 23:59

Event Contact Information

Tel:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
CENTRE-VILLE DE CAEN
esplanade Jean-Marie-Louvel
CAEN
FRANCE
14000
Visit Saint-Martin de Juaye-Mondaye Abbey
Where silence reigns.

With its church and conventual buildings, the abbey of Saint-Martin forms a fine classical example of the 18th century. Visit the abbey church, the sacristy and the main convent rooms including the extensive library containing 50,000 volumes.

Opening Times & Prices

From Tuesday 1 July to Sunday 31 August 2008 :
- From Monday to Friday from 15:00 to 16:00
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 17:00 to 18:00
- Sunday from 15:00 to 16:00
- Sunday from 16:30 to 17:30
From Monday 1 to Tuesday 30 September 2008 :
- Sunday from 15:00 to 16:00
- Sunday from 16:30 to 17:30

Admission prices :
- Full price : 5 €
- Group rates (adults) : 3 €
- Until 12 years : Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 92 58 11
Fax:
Email:
Website:
ABBAYE DE JUAYE-MONDAYE
JUAYE MONDAYE
FRANCE
14250
Stroll through the park in Bayeux
A green monument.

The public park in Bayeux is a 2.6 hectare landscaped site created in 1859 by Eugène Bülher. Of the 400 trees in the park, the most spectacular is undoubtedly the famous "weeping beech", listed as a natural monument in 1932 and designated an "arbre remarquable de France" (a tree of special interest) in 2001.
The park is an integral part of Bayeux's heritage, with a signposted walk and information points providing the keys to an understanding of the gardens and the main plant species found there.

Opening Times & Prices

From Monday 1 October 2007 to Monday 31 March 2008 :
- Everyday, from 09:00 to 17:00
From Tuesday 1 April to Tuesday 30 September 2008 :
- Everyday, from 09:00 to 20:00
From Wednesday 1 October 2008 to Tuesday 31 March 2009 :
- Everyday, from 09:00 to 17:00

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 10 10 14
Fax:
02 31 92 02 34
Email:
rgallois@mairie-bayeux.fr
Website:
JARDIN PUBLIC
route de Port-en-Bessin
BAYEUX
FRANCE
14400
Visit Fontaine-Henry Château
A giant preserved.

The Château de Fontaine-Henry is perched high over the rich green valley of the Mue.
Its dizzyingly high roofs top a richly sculpted building in the 15th and 16th century styles.
Follow the guide around the interior of the chateau and admire an outstanding collection of furniture and old masters. Children will enjoy the special activities laid on for them in the grounds, and the old-fashioned toys and games.

Opening Times & Prices

From Monday 16 June to Monday 14 July 2008 :
- From Wednesday to Monday from 14:30 to 18:30
From Tuesday 15 July to Sunday 31 August 2008 :
- From Wednesday to Monday from 14:30 to 18:30
- Friday from 22:30 to 00:00
From Monday 1 to Monday 15 September 2008 :
- From Wednesday to Monday from 14:30 to 18:30
From Tuesday 16 September to Wednesday 15 October 2008 :
- Saturday, Sunday from 14:30 to 18:30
From Thursday 16 October to Sunday 2 November 2008 :
- Saturday, Sunday from 14:30 to 17:00

Admission prices :
- Full price : 7 €
- Children from 8 to 16 years : 5 €

Closed on 24 March, 1 May, 1 May, 8 May, 12 May and 1 November

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 80 00 42
Fax:
Email:
contact@chateau-de-fontaine-henry.com
Website:
CHATEAU DE FONTAINE-HENRY
FONTAINE-HENRY
FRANCE
14610
Visit the Normandy Toffee Factory
Sticky but delicious.

Before it gets to that annoying but delicious stage of sticking to our teeth and palates, toffee has to go through a series of transformations, all of which are described in this factory tour which takes visitors through every phase of the manufacturing process.

From bubbling in a copper vat, with the addition of different ingredients that produce various toffees, through to the packaged product, you'll find your mouth watering from start to finish.

Opening Times & Prices

From Tuesday 15 April to Monday 15 September 2008 :
- From Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 10:45

Admission prices :
- Free
- Group rates (adults) : Free
- School Groups : 2.3 €
- Parents or Chaperones : 2.3 €

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 51 66 50
Fax:
02 31 51 66 55
Email:
contact@caramels-isigny.com
Website:
NORMANDIE CARAMELS
Zone Artisanale Isypole - BP 109
ISIGNY SUR MER
FRANCE
14230
Visit Marcel Viard Ciderhouse
From apples to cider.

Since 1932, the Cidrerie Marcel Viard has been producing traditional cider from local Norman cider apples. See how "Bayeux" cider is made: the orchard, the cellars, the packing room. The cider farm was the first to be liberated in France in June 1944.
It was designated a primary military target, to ensure supplies needed for the freshly-landed British troops.

Opening Times & Prices

From Tuesday 1 July to Wednesday 10 September 2008 :
- From Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 12:30
- From Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 92 09 15
Fax:
02 31 92 22 05
Email:
cidrerie.viard@wanadoo.fr
Website:
CIDRERIE MARCEL VIARD
GUERON
FRANCE
14400
Visit the Lace Conservatory of Bayeux
Time-honoured knowhow.

The workshop exists to safeguard the knowhow handed down by the lace-makers of Bayeux from the 17th century.
The Conservatoire, a place to learn and perfect lace-making skills, keeps alive the technique of bobbin lace making.
Year-round exhibition, events and articles for sale.

Opening Times & Prices

All year long :
- From Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 14:30 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 92 73 80
Fax:
Email:
dentelledebayeux@free.fr
Website:
CONSERVATOIRE DE LA DENTELLE DE BAYEUX
6
rue du Bienvenu
Maison d'Adam et Eve
BAYEUX
FRANCE
14400
Discover the Tapestry of Bayeux
Bringing to life the epic history of William the Conqueror.

This mind-blowingly immense tapestry, made entirely from wool, has told the story of the conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy for the past millenium…

This archaic comic strip, truly a graphic history book, will transport you into a medieval epic filled with viking "Drakkars" and Normand knights.

Opening Times & Prices

From Saturday 15 March to Saturday 1 November 2008 :
- Everyday, from 09:00 to 18:30
From Sunday 9 November to Tuesday 23 December 2008 :
- Everyday, from 09:30 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 14:00 to 18:00
On Wednesday 24 December 2008 :
- Wednesday from 09:30 to 12:30
From Friday 26 to Tuesday 30 December 2008 :
- From Friday to Tuesday from 14:00 to 18:00
- From Saturday to Tuesday from 09:30 to 12:30
On Wednesday 31 December 2008 :
- Wednesday from 09:30 to 12:30
On Friday 2 January 2009 :
- Friday from 14:00 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Full price : 7.7 €
- Children : 3.8 €

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 51 25 50
Fax:
02 31 51 25 59
Email:
Website:
MUSEE DE LA TAPISSERIE DE BAYEUX
Rue
de Nesmond
Centre Guillaume le Conquérant
BAYEUX
FRANCE
14400
Walk in the gardens of the Château de Brécy
Nature disciplined by reason.

Magnificent in itself, the Château de Brécy can also boast 17th century Italianate gardens magnificently laid out in terraces, culminating in ornamental wrought-iron gates by Isaac Geslin that seem to open onto empty sky.
Numerous sculptures and flower beds framed in embroidery-patterned box borders in the style of Claude Mollet make this a truly unique sight.

Opening Times & Prices

From Tuesday 1 July to Saturday 1 November 2008 :
- Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 14:30 to 18:30

Admission prices :
- Full price : 6 €
- Until 12 years : Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 80 11 48
Fax:
02 31 80 11 90
Email:
dwirth@wanadoo.fr
Website:
JARDINS DU CHATEAU DE BRECY
SAINT GABRIEL BRECY
FRANCE
14480
Visit the Museum of Underwater Treasures
Treasures of the deep.

In twenty five years of underwater exploration, a quantity of impressive remains and personal effects has been brought to the surface from the wrecks of the great warships that were sunk on and around 6 June 1944.
The North Atlantic was the scene of heavy fighting and has still to reveal all its secrets.

Opening Times & Prices

From Sunday 1 June to Tuesday 30 September 2008 :
- Everyday, from 10:00 to 12:00
- Everyday, from 14:00 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Full price : 6 €
- Children : 3 €
- Middle School children : 3 €
- Students : 3 €
- High School Children : 3 €

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 21 17 06
Fax:
Email:
Website:
MUSEE DES EPAVES SOUS-MARINES
route de bayeux
PORT-EN-BESSIN-HUPPAIN
FRANCE
14520
Visit Omaha Beach Memorial Museum
An historic beach.

On the site of Omaha Beach itself, the 1,200m² museum presents a splendid collection of uniforms, weapons, personal effects and vehicles.
Impressive scenes and superb archive photos, maps, themed panels, a landing-craft, a Belgian barrier, a 155mm Long Tom gun, a Sherman tank and a film accompanied by personal accounts from U.S. veterans provide a clear explanation of the landings on Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc.

Opening Times & Prices

From Monday 1 January 2007 to Wednesday 31 December 2008 :

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 21 97 44
Fax:
02 31 92 72 80
Email:
musee-memorial-omaha@wanadoo.fr
Website:
MUSEE MEMORIAL D OMAHA BEACH
avenue de la Libération
SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-MER
FRANCE
14710
Visit the Museum of the D-Day Landing
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

In the course of your visit, you will learn all about the history of the building of the artificial Mulberry harbour that was the key to the success of the Battle of Normandy.
The museum also presents the various phases of the Allied landings, from the design of the artificial harbour known as Port Winston to the liberation of the coast (mechanical models, diorama, video, etc.), plus screenings of British Admiralty archive film footage of the construction and operation of the Mulberry harbours.

Opening Times & Prices

From Friday 1 to Friday 29 February 2008 :
- Everyday, from 10:00 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 13:30 to 17:00
From Saturday 1 to Monday 31 March 2008 :
- From Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 13:30 to 17:30
- Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30
From Tuesday 1 to Wednesday 30 April 2008 :
- From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 13:30 to 18:00
- Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30
From Thursday 1 to Saturday 31 May 2008 :
- From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00
- Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00
From Sunday 1 June to Saturday 30 August 2008 :
- Everyday, from 09:00 to 19:00
From Monday 1 to Tuesday 30 September 2008 :
- From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00
- Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
From Wednesday 1 to Friday 31 October 2008 :
- From Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 12:30
- Everyday, from 13:30 to 17:30
- Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 22 34 31
Fax:
02 31 92 68 83
Email:
info@musee-arromanches.fr
Website:
MUSEE DU DEBARQUEMENT D ARROMANCHES
place du 6-Juin
ARROMANCHES-LES-BAINS
FRANCE
14117
Visit Asnelles Biscuit Factory
Shortbread treats.

Created in 1904 by Charles Bansard, Asnelles shortbread continues to perfume the air of the town to this day. The factory also produces other shortbread cakes as well as cookies and financiers (almond cakes), still using traditional craftsman's methods. Visits (by appointment) explain the manufacturing process and production line.

Opening Times & Prices

All year long :
- From Monday to Friday from 14:30 to 16:30

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 22 32 09
Fax:
02 31 51 78 18
Email:
Website:
BISCUITERIE D ASNELLES
17
rue Southampton
ASNELLES SUR MER
FRANCE
14960
Visit the Sculpture park
Contemporary art with a modern feel.

Within its outer walls, thanks to the diversity of backdrops available, the chateau offers a splendid setting for this first series of five sculptures, three modern and two contemporary, launching this ambitious project: Rodin's Walking Man on a Column, Bourdelle's Grand Guerrier (the warrior), Giacometto's Grande Femme (tall woman), Sans Titre (untitled) by Damien Cabanes (1999), coloured resin, and One Man, Nine Animals.

The exhibition is an invitation to discovery and surprise, open to all walkers and visitors.

Opening Times & Prices

From Saturday 26 May 2007 to Wednesday 31 December 2008 :
- Everyday, from 10:00 to 17:00

Admission prices :
- Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
COUR DU CHATEAU
porte des Champs
CAEN
FRANCE
14000
Good Times in the Bayeux Labyrinth
Don't lost your compass.

Good times are just growing on trees in Bayeux's Labyrinth. Take a tour of the gardens and enjoy a cultural and educational experience among friends, young and old, or with the whole family. Remember to pack some water and snacks, because this will be a two-hour tour where you might, and probably will, get side-tracked or completely lost.

Do not dispair, visitors are given a map upon entry and can always check the book when they take a wrong turn again, and again…

Opening Times & Prices

From Thursday 10 July to Sunday 31 August 2008 :
- From Friday to Wednesday from 10:30 to 19:00
- Thursday from 10:30 to 23:00
From Monday 1 to Tuesday 30 September 2008 :
- From Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 18:00
- Saturday, Sunday from 13:00 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Full price : 7 €
- Children : 6 €
- Until 4 years : Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 10 06 21
Fax:
02 31 92 82 36
Email:
labyrinthe@lafresnee.com
Website:
LABYRINTHE DE BAYEUX
Ferme de la Fresnée
MOSLES
FRANCE
14400
Heritage Days in Deauville
Journées du patrimoine 2008
Journées du patrimoine 2008
Annual european heritage days

Every year, the general public is invited to visit public buildings, museums, chateaux, and private homes that are usually off limits or charge a hefty entry rate. Heritage Days are special because for the occasion they will all be free!

Two days of open-house rules, the perfect opportunity to discover the riches of French heritage that are normally kept under lock and key from prying eyes!

Opening Times & Prices

From Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 September 2008 :
- Saturday, Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00

Admission prices :
- Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 14 40 00
Fax:
Email:
Website:
OFFICE DE TOURISME DE DEAUVILLE
112
rue Victor-Hugo
DEAUVILLE
FRANCE
14800
Guided Tour of Lisieux


Organised by the Lisieux tourism office and the Pays d'art et d'histoire du Pays d'Auge, these guided tours last approximately 1hr30mins. Guides are licensed by the Ministry of Culture.

Opening Times & Prices

From Saturday 5 to Thursday 10 July 2008 :
- Thursday and Saturday from 15:00 to 17:00
From Thursday 7 to Thursday 21 August 2008 :
- Thursday from 15:00 to 17:00
On Saturday 23 August 2008 :
- Saturday from 15:00 to 17:00
On Saturday 15 November 2008 :
- Saturday from 14:30 to 16:30

Admission prices :
- Full price : 5 €
- From 12 to 18 years : 2.5 €
- Unemployed : 2.5 €
- Students : 2.5 €

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 48 18 10
Fax:
Email:
Website:
OFFICE DE TOURISME
rue d'Alençon
LISIEUX
FRANCE
14100
"Archaeological tour of the Caen Château: 50 years of excavations"
A tour you won't soon forget.

The museum will be organising a special tour for the opening of the Hall of Ramparts. The tour will explore a forge, a 14th-century house, and a mysterious underground network.

Be sure to visit the belvedere, from which there is a unique view of the ducal palace and dungeon… To get there, you have to find the secret lift that runs up the Medieval tower.

Opening Times & Prices

From Monday 19 May to Wednesday 31 December 2008 :
- From Wednesday to Saturday from 16:00 to 17:00
- Sunday from 15:00 to 16:00

Admission prices :
- Free

Event Contact Information

Tel:
02 31 30 47 60
Fax:
02 31 30 47 69
Email:
mdn@ville-caen.fr
Website:
MUSEE DE NORMANDIE
Château de Caen
CAEN
FRANCE
14000