Ardenne Abbey, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, France

Ardenne is the third largest abbey in Caen region. It was founded in 1121 by a small Christian community. During the 1789 Revolution, the religious community was expelled from Ardenne Abbey, the building's original purpose was modified and it was stripped of the furniture and works of art which had been collected.

On 7 June 1944, the second day of Normandy Invasion, the Germans took Canadian soldiers prisoner and escorted them to the abbey where eighteen of them were executed, in contempt of the Geneva Convention and prisoners’ rights. Other summary executions took place during this month of fighting. The abbey was taken back from the Germans on 8 July 1944. Today, a memorial at the site commemorates this tragic event. In 1994, on the initiative of the Regional Council, a first wave of restoration and development works were launched at the farinier, the stables, Bayeux gate and the main building.

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Caen Tourism

User Reviews

Niko Boubou (3 months ago)
Very beautiful place, to visit without moderation.

Fabienne Leboucher (3 months ago)
Gorgeous ! Beautiful little garden! Large car park! The concert in the Dimes barn was great!

CHRISTINE RUFFAULT (14 months ago)
Thank you to IMEC (Institute Memoirs of Contemporary Publishing), for allowing me to attend a free conference by Christine Angot on June 29, 2022 at 8 p.m., for the presentation of her latest book "Le voyage de l'Est" (Medici Prize 2021). I will return during opening hours to see this huge library which offers us free access to 5000 volumes, 650 collections of journals and INA's radio and television documents. Located on the magnificent site of the Abbaye d'Ardennes in St Germain la Blanche Herbe, a grandiose and relaxing setting. Booking is recommended. Good discovery of this very beautiful place.

Tracey (4 years ago)
What a heart touching place the history here in amazing

C. F. (4 years ago)
A beautiful and ideal place to meet in peace. The library is majestic and superbly restored to highlight both the place and the books. To work or simply to go for a walk... Thank you to the team of the abbey who allowed us to discover this place!

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Ardenne Abbey

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