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.