クロンセスのおすすめライド

Listed as a Historic Monument, the Saint-Martin-Saint-Hilaire church is one of the most beautiful Romanesque buildings in the Pays de Falaise region. Its Romanesque nave, flanked by two side aisles and topped by a magnificent wooden frame, contrasts with its choir, extended by a flamboyant Gothic chevet. Its keystones adorned with coats of arms, its sumptuous, perfectly preserved Roman portal, and its archivolt with zigzags characteristic of Norman Romanesque style make it a work of art in its own right. The capitals, like the entire portal, date from the second half of the 12th century.

The church, built on the foundations of a small Gallo-Roman temple, is one of the principal Romanesque buildings in Normandy. It houses the organ by Parizot (1745-1746). On the outskirts of the church, the Guibray Fair was established by William the Conqueror. Starting on the Wednesday before the Assumption, it hosted merchants selling cloth, hides, fabrics, and silks. This important fair also allowed the Falaise region to sell its agricultural products. The largest fair in the west, second in France after Beaucaire, it was as renowned as those in Troyes or Provins. Its famous horse fair lasted until the early 20th century.

A must-see between Argentan and the Haras du Pin.

Castle at Falaise, which is best known for being the birthplace of William the Conqueror

For a unique and historic destination, you can stop at this M16 Half-Track in Tournai-Sur-Dive. This is a rare example of an American WWII anti-aircraft vehicle that was abandoned by Allied forces after the liberation of France. It was to be equipped with four 0.5-inch machine guns mounted on a quadruple mount at the rear. You can imagine the noise he made shooting at enemy planes.

The Château des Ducs is a 14th century castle that was once the residence of Pierre II de Valois, a descendant of Saint Louis. The castle is today the seat of the court of justice, but you can still admire its architecture and its chapel, which houses a magnificent altarpiece from the 18th century.

The Château de Cuy in Occagnes is a 17th century castle with classic architecture. Its elegant facades, roofs and entrance doors are classified as historic monuments. You can admire the castle from the outside, but the interior is not open to the public as it is private property.

Centrally located, right next to the Office de Tourisme.