Falaise Castle
History of William the Conqueror’s castle
Known as the castle of William the Conqueror, Falaise Castle is a fortified castle located on a rocky spur at Falaise, south of Caen. Its history begins in the 10th century, probably built under Richard II of Normandy. It was here in 1027 that William the Bastard, future King of England and Duke of Normandy known as William the Conqueror, was born. Château de Falaise has been extended over the centuries.
The great keep was first built in the 12th century on the remains of William the Conqueror’s former keep. His son Henry 1st drew inspiration from English fortifications. A little later, a second dungeon was added. At the time, Falaise was part of the Plantagenet States, an Anglo-Norman empire stretching from northern England to south-western France. In the 13th century, French king Philippe Auguste reclaimed the region. A third keep was built, the Talbot Tower.
In the 15th century, Falaise castle underwent major renovations during the English occupation. During the Wars of Religion in the following century, the château was severely damaged during a siege by Henri IV’s armies, and was unfortunately abandoned in the 17th century, before being classified as a historic monument in 1840. At the end of the 20th century, Falaise castle was completely restored.
Visit Falaise Castle
Today, the Château de Falaise is an important testimony to the history of Normandy, and a must-see during your Normandy vacation. It is entered through the Porte Saint-Nicolas, which opens onto the lower courtyard. The ruins of the Saint-Nicolas chapel, destroyed during the Second World War, remain. Along the ramparts, the regent dominates. This advanced bastion, which played an important role in the defense of Falaise castle, dates back to the early 13th century.
Closer to the large keep, you enter the high courtyard, separated from the low courtyard by a moat, and then the castle. The large dungeon houses the exhibition spaces. You can see films, stage productions and furniture replicas. Everything is well explained. A tablet allows each visitor to see the different rooms of William the Conqueror’s castle as they were in the Middle Ages.
Various events are also organized every year. Guided tours are also available. And from the top of the keep, you can admire Falaise and the surrounding area.
Information, rates and schedules
Falaise Castle is open daily from 10am to 6pm. It closes at 7pm in July and August. Outdoor areas are free of charge. Please note that due to its age and hilltop location, the château is not accessible to people with reduced mobility, nor to strollers. The ticket gives access to the dungeons and the tablet, in exchange for ID.
The adult price is €8.50, with a reduced price of €6 (jobseekers and students). The rate for young people aged 6 to 16 is €4, with a reduced rate of €3. Children under 6 enter free of charge. A family pass is available for €21.
A must-see on any stay in Calvados, the Château de Falaise is located around 68km south-east of the 4-star L’Escapade campsite in Cahagnolles. The easiest way to get to Falaise from the campsite is to drive to Caen, then take the N158 south to Falaise. The journey takes about 50 minutes.
