La Verdoyante : de Falaise à Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives

A historical experience not to be missed in Falaise. Falaise Castle is a medieval treasure not to be missed. Built for the Dukes of Normandy, the Kings of England and the Kings of France, it boasts unique architecture characterised by keep towers that dominate the fortified town. From palace-like keep inspired by Anglo-Norman architecture to massive defence towers, centuries of history unfold before you, recounting the epic tale of William the Conqueror and his descendants. An immersive exhibition, combining computer-generated imagery and films, plunges you into the daily lives of the dukes and kings of the Middle Ages by recreating the richly decorated settings of princely splendour or the austere military atmosphere of the garrison. And to make the most of your visit: The touchscreen tablets provided at the start of the tour offer a fun and striking glimpse into the interiors of the keep through virtual reconstructions. These are enhanced by projected images, narration and ambient soundscapes. Also, as soon as you enter the outer bailey, a film traces the evolution of the castle’s fortifications and buildings over nearly 1,000 years of history. In 2027, to mark the millennium of William the Conqueror’s birth in Falaise, embark on an exceptional journey through 1,000 years of history: - Thursday, I say history! Historical lectures on the first Thursday of every month from March to October - Journey, journey: Medieval walk at the castle from 3 April to 3 May - Grand Millennium Weekend in Falaise on 28, 29 and 30 May - Arts and Crafts Fair at the castle on 25, 26 and 27 June - Falaise Medieval Festival on 14 and 15 August - Weaving History, European Heritage Days on 18 and 19 September - Courseval concert on 22 October - ‘Love, Glory and Conquest’ exhibition from 13 November 2027 to 3 January 2028

The Battle of Normandy started on D Day - 6 June 1944 - lasted 3 months and put 2 million soldiers in a corner of France that had about a million inhabitants. 150,000 Normans had to evacuate their homes, with an estimated 20,000 killed, mainly as a result of the bombardments. The Falaise area paid its price. The dreadful fighting in the Falaise-Chamois Pocket which marked the end of the Battle of Normandy and the beginning to the rout of the German army, is remembered as among of the most bloody of the war. The Second World war marked a turning point with 30million combatants and 35 million civilians killed: for the first time in the history of modern warfare the civilian dead were more than those of the military. The acknowledgement of the military sacrifice and the need for rapid post war reconstruction, meant the fate of the civilian population was largely forgotten. But now, to remember and pay homage to these millions of civilians, the local government organisations of Falaise and its surrounding countryside, have joined forces to create a memorial to civilian life in the war. Set in the heart of Falaise, next to William the Conqueror’s castle, in one of the major buildings of the first stage of Falaise’s postwar reconstruction, this new museum tells the story of civilian life in the Second World War. The painstaking reconstructions, put together by the Caen Memorial, are put into context by the memories of those who lived through it all.

Andre Lemaitre (1909-1995) was born in Falaise. Inspired by nature, this painter in the great French tradition, produced some 4,000 paintings mostly of the Normandy countryside between Falaise and Honfleur. Andre Lemaitre: a traditional painter This museum, dedicated to him in his native town, contains around 90 of his works and reflects his life and art in all its diversity. All four major periods of his work are represented in the museum.

The self-guided tour takes you down a reconstructed Parisian street to discover a collection of over 300 animated automatons that were displayed for Christmas between 1920 and 1960 in the windows of Parisian department stores such as Galeries Lafayette, La Samaritaine, Le Bon Marché and Le Magasins du Louvre. The visit plunges you into the heart of the golden age of automata in an immersive museum. More than 10 different scenes are on offer, each created in the Roullet-Decamps workshops (in Paris) and previously imagined by the famous illustrators Peynet, Dubout and Effel. They drew their inspiration from current events of the day, adding a poetic, fairytale or burlesque touch. The Musée des Automates takes visitors on a journey through time and space, where they can dream with these fabulous window-dressers and relive the enchantment of another era. The Roullet-Decamps Collection is the property of the Département du Calvados. The Musée des Automates also has a shop, a Micro-Folie, a Fablab and temporary exhibitions open to the public. Length of visit: 1 hour.

The Mesnil-Soleil hillside is located in the commune of Damblainville. It is part of the Monts d'Eraines and forms their southern boundary. Its highest point is 156 m, with a vertical drop of 50 m. A subsoil composed of calcareous sedimentary rock, a southerly exposure responsible for a pronounced thermal amplitude and a steep topography explain the presence on the slopes of vegetation that is unique in Basse-Normandie. This flora is responsible for the development of a whole range of flora and fauna characteristic of hot, dry grasslands. Very rare plants can be found, some of which only exist in Basse-Normandie (Coronille minime) or even in the whole of north-western France (Brunelle à grandes fleurs). Orchids abound, as do many other plants characteristic of these environments. Many insects depend on a particular plant species to feed or reproduce. This explains the presence of over 200 species of butterfly. Access is from the Falaise airfield parking lot in Damblainville. Walkers are asked to stay on the signposted path, which crosses the reserve for 800 metres.

This 18th Century listed Historic Monument is still home to the Vendeuvre family. Inside the castle, discover life in the 18th Century thanks to a series of moving subjects. In the basement, the kitchens bear witness to day-to-day life in this fine residence. The Orangery houses a Miniature Furniture museum - the world's very first collection. Exhibition of 17th to 19th Century dog kennels. In the gardens, "surprising" fountains punctuate the visitor's stroll. In April, the Tulip Festival. Unaccompanied visit lasts 1h30/2h.

The Orangery is home to the first collection of miniature house furnishings in the world: models, maquettes, mini-masterpieces, ivories, silverware all minuscule. This collection of small scale objects includes over 800 pieces of furniture, and thousands of other objects. The Chateau retains its original furnishings and decor. Visit an interior where family paintings, games tables, dog beds and automata follow cheek by jowl. The family atmosphere, the furnishings and the curios, take you back to a bygone age. The Chateau kitchens boast over 500 copper pots as well as revealing a number of Chef Maurice’s best kept secrets. In the gardens, a pyramid icehouse, and an amazing water garden full of surprises, where water is everywhere: Chinese bridge, Muses’ grove, crystal tree, turtle waterfall and the grotto of 200,000 shells.

Grisy Castle, situated on the banks of the River Dives, comprises the main house, farm outbuildings, a pond and the adjoining orchard. Together, they form a harmonious whole in a peaceful and charming setting. Built in the 16th century and subsequently extended in the 17th and 18th centuries, its long façades are elegant, and one of the outbuildings houses an imposing and complete cider press. Self-guided or guided tours with the owners are available on opening days.

Normandy’s first vineyard: an incredible adventure where nothing was left to chance. The land remains the common denominator throughout the visit. The example of a former quarry offers an introduction to the site’s geology. Then, from the vineyard heights, an appreciation of the surrounding landscape. And of course, some information on wine growing. Finally, a taste of our Normandy wine in the cellar reception area, offering panoramic views across the vineyard. At Les Arpents du Soleil you are sure to appreciate the beauty and the harmony of the site, as you relish in a taste of our wines, grown in total respect for nature and the land. Certified High Environmental Value. Open from Monday to Saturday from 2 to 6pm. Visits every Thursday at 2.30pm from April to mid-November. Visit lasts: 2 hours. Booking required. For visits on Saturdays and public holidays, refer to the ‘Actualités’ (News) pages of the website or give us a call.

Self-guided tour of the grounds, the park and the dovecote. Situated on the banks of the River Dives and surrounded by a moat, Carel Castle dates from the late 17th to early 18th century. It was built on the site of a former feudal residence, and the surrounding buildings form an elegant, classical ensemble, enhanced by the clean lines of its dovecote, which dates from the late 16th century. The complex is listed as a Historic Monument.

The Abbey of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives is a Benedectine abbey founded in the 11th century. It offers one of the most comprehensive illustrations of monastic architecture in Normandy. Rare medieval paving.

The site presents the vegetables, 'medicinal' plants and flowers that are traditionally grown in the Pays d'Auge since the 1960's. Discover their different uses and associated techniques and beliefs, via a new visit entitled "Jardin de femmes en Pays d'Auge" (Women's garden in the Pays d'Auge).

The "Halles" or indoor market comprise three naves with 13th century framework supported by stoneworked gables. A vast and picturesque market is held every Monday, along with an antique fair on the first Sunday of every month. The market is closed the week prior to Easter.