Men's Abbey

The Abbaye aux Hommes, in Caen

The Abbaye aux Hommes is a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque art, founded by William the Conqueror, who rests there. The Caen audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this major sanctuary and its Saint-Étienne abbey church.

The sanctuary of William the Conqueror

Founded in the eleventh century by William the Conqueror, the Abbaye aux Hommes is one of the finest ensembles of Norman Romanesque art. Its Saint-Étienne abbey church, with a majestic façade framed by two high towers and elegant vaults, houses the tomb of the Conqueror. The conventual buildings, rebuilt in the eighteenth century in a classical style, today host the city hall of Caen. An exceptional witness of the influence of medieval Normandy, it is a major monument of the city.

What to see

You admire the majestic Saint-Étienne abbey church with two high towers, the tomb of William the Conqueror and the classical conventual buildings, in an atmosphere of contemplation. The Abbaye aux Hommes is a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque art. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Abbaye aux Hommes lies in the heart of Caen, reachable on foot. The abbey church, a place of worship, can be visited with respect for services; the visit of the conventual buildings, which house the city hall, follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Who rests at the Abbaye aux Hommes of Caen?

William the Conqueror, who founded the abbey in the eleventh century; his tomb is in the Saint-Étienne abbey church, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque art.

Where is the Abbaye aux Hommes?

In the heart of Caen, in Normandy.