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.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1121
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

www.caen-tourisme.fr

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Niko Boubou (9 months ago)
Very beautiful place, to visit without moderation.
Fabienne Leboucher (9 months ago)
Gorgeous ! Beautiful little garden! Large car park! The concert in the Dimes barn was great!
CHRISTINE RUFFAULT (2 years 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 (5 years ago)
What a heart touching place the history here in amazing
C. F. (5 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!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.