The Abbaye aux Hommes (Men’s Abbey)

Abbey in Caen

The Abbaye aux Hommes, or Men’s Abbey, is one of Caen’s most remarkable historic landmarks, closely tied to the legacy of William the Conqueror. Founded by William in 1063, the abbey was built as part of his reconciliation with the Pope after marrying his cousin, Matilda of Flanders, without papal consent. Intended both as a religious gesture and a demonstration of ducal authority, the abbey became a centerpiece of Norman Romanesque architecture. Its grand church, dedicated to Saint Stephen (Saint-Étienne), and the adjoining monastic buildings formed a major spiritual and cultural center in medieval Normandy.

The church of the Men’s Abbey is a masterpiece of early Norman design, marked by its soaring nave, symmetrical towers, and later-added Gothic choir. The original Romanesque elements are especially notable for their clarity and grandeur, with massive pillars and clean, rhythmic arches. William the Conqueror himself was buried here in 1087, though his tomb has been disturbed multiple times over the centuries due to wars and revolutions. Today, a simple marble slab marks his final resting place in the choir of the abbey church, serving as a lasting symbol of his profound impact on both French and English history.

Throughout its existence, the Abbaye aux Hommes has adapted to the times. Following the French Revolution, the abbey was secularized and transformed into a public building, later serving various functions including a school and municipal offices. During World War II, it became a place of refuge, sheltering civilians during the heavy bombings that devastated much of Caen. Remarkably, the abbey itself survived the war with relatively minor damage, allowing its historic fabric to remain largely intact.

Today, the complex houses Caen’s city hall (Hôtel de Ville), blending its religious and civic heritage. Visitors can tour the abbey church, the elegant cloisters, and several 17th-century additions that reflect its later history. The Men’s Abbey stands as a monument not just to medieval religious life, but also to Caen’s resilience and continuity across centuries of upheaval. Its blend of solemn grandeur and active civic use makes it one of the most compelling sites in Normandy.

The The Abbaye aux Hommes (Men’s Abbey) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Caen!

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Visiting The Abbaye aux Hommes (Men’s Abbey)

Hours:

October 1 – March 31

Mon–Thu: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sat–Sun (school holidays and public holidays): 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. / 2 p.m.–6 p.m.

Closed: January 1 and weekends in January (except school holidays).

April 1 – June 25

Mon–Thu: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Weekends and public holidays: 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. / 2 p.m.–6 p.m.

Closed: May 1.

June 26 – September 28

Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

Weekends and public holidays: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.

September 29 – March 31

Mon–Thu: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sat–Sun (school holidays and public holidays): 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. / 2 p.m.–6 p.m.

Closed: December 25, January 1, and weekends in January (except school holidays).

Price:

Adults: €6

Address: Abbaye-aux-Hommes, Esplanade Jean-Marie Louvel, Caen, France

Official Website