Login
Login

Falaise, Calvados

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}

{{Infobox French commune

|name = Falaise

|commune status = Commune

|image = Chateau de falaise et centre.JPG

|caption = The chateau and town centre of Falaise

|image coat of arms = Blason Falaise 14.svg

|arrondissement = Caen

|canton = Falaise

|INSEE = 14258

|postal code = 14700

|mayor = Hervé Maunoury{{cite web|title=Répertoire national des élus: les maires |url=https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/2876a346-d50c-4911-934e-19ee07b0e503|publisher=data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises|date=13 September 2022|language=fr}}

|term = 2020–2026

|intercommunality = Pays de Falaise

|coordinates = {{coord|48|53|50|N|00|11|51|W|display=inline,title}}

|elevation m = 132

|elevation min m = 89

|elevation max m = 188

|area km2 = 11.84

|population = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_total}}

|population date = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_as_of}}

|population footnotes = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_footnotes}}

}}

Falaise ({{IPA|fr|falɛz|-|Fr-Paris--Falaise.ogg}}) is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region in northwestern France. The town is famous for being the birthplace of William the Conqueror.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-bayeux-tapestry/discover-the-bayeux-tapestry/who-was-william-the-conqueror/|title=Who was William the Conqueror - Main characters in the Bayeux Tapestry|website=Bayeux Museum}} It was also the centre of the area known as the Falaise pocket, the decisive engagement of the Battle of Normandy in the Second World War.{{Cite web|url=https://valourcanada.ca/military-history-library/the-falaise-pocket/|title=The Falaise Pocket | VALOUR CANADA|date=26 July 2019}}

Geography

Falaise lies at the eastern edge of the Armorican Massif, and the town has rocky outcrops on its edges such as the 173 metre high Mount Myrrha.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/falaise-14700/falaise-pourquoi-le-mont-myrrha-s-appelle-t-il-ainsi-6922410|title=Falaise. Pourquoi le Mont Myrrha s'appelle-t-il ainsi ?|date=29 July 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/falaise-14700/falaise-trois-chateaux-pour-une-randonnee-5929682|title=Falaise. Ces trois châteaux à redécouvrir lors d'une randonnée en pleine nature|date=20 August 2018}}

The commune is spread over an area of {{convert|11.84|km2|acre}} with a maximum altitude of {{convert|188|m|ftin}} and minimum of {{convert|89|m|ftin}}{{Cite web|url=https://plu-cadastre.fr/falaise-14700/|title=Falaise (14) : Cadastre, PLU, zonage et risques majeurs|website=PLU & Cadastre}}

Flowing through Falaise are the river Ante and the river Trainefeuille, both tributaries of the river Dives.{{sandre|id=I1--0200|nom=La Dives}}{{sandre|id=I1210600|nom=L'Ante}}{{sandre|id=I1180600|nom=Le Trainefeuille}}

Falaise borders the area known as Suisse Normande, on its eastern side.{{Cite web|url=https://www.office-tourisme-putanges.com/decouvrir/images/carte-suisse-normande/carte-sn.pdf|title=Map of Suisse Normande}}

{{Geographic location

| title = Neighbouring communes {{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/14700+Falaise,+France/@48.898576,-0.2132143,14z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x480a1015358f5a1b:0x40c14484fbcef20!8m2!3d48.893548!4d-0.201956!16zL20vMG55Y3A?entry=ttu|title=Falaise · 14700, France|website=Falaise · 14700, France}}

|state=expanded

|width=auto

|Centre = Falaise

|North = Aubigny

|Northeast = Versainville

|East = Eraines

|Southeast =

|South = La Hoguette & Saint-Pierre-du-Bû

|Southwest = Saint-Martin-de-Mieux

|West = Noron-l'Abbaye

|Northwest =

}}

=Land distribution=

According to the 2018 CORINE Land Cover assessment, it shows that just over a third,35% ({{convert|416|ha|acre}}) is Meadows, closely followed at 29% by Urbanised. The rest of the land is Arable land at 24%, Industrial and commercial spaces at 9% and the remaining 2% ({{convert|24|ha|acre}}) is Forest.

=Climate=

{{Weather box|width=auto

|metric first=y

|single line=y

|collapsed = Y

|location = Falaise (Damblainville) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1974–present)

|Jan record high C = 16.3

|Feb record high C = 20.6

|Mar record high C = 24.6

|Apr record high C = 27.1

|May record high C = 29.9

|Jun record high C = 37.1

|Jul record high C = 40.5

|Aug record high C = 38.6

|Sep record high C = 33.7

|Oct record high C = 29.3

|Nov record high C = 21.9

|Dec record high C = 16.3

|Jan record low C = -12.5

|Feb record low C = -9.9

|Mar record low C = -6.5

|Apr record low C = -2.5

|May record low C = 0.6

|Jun record low C = 4.7

|Jul record low C = 7.4

|Aug record low C = 7.5

|Sep record low C = 3.2

|Oct record low C = -2.4

|Nov record low C = -5.5

|Dec record low C = -8.0

|Jan high C = 7.5

|Feb high C = 8.7

|Mar high C = 11.6

|Apr high C = 15.0

|May high C = 18.1

|Jun high C = 21.4

|Jul high C = 23.6

|Aug high C = 23.6

|Sep high C = 20.9

|Oct high C = 16.1

|Nov high C = 11.3

|Dec high C = 8.3

| year high C = 15.5

|Jan mean C = 5.0

|Feb mean C = 5.7

|Mar mean C = 7.9

|Apr mean C = 10.4

|May mean C = 13.4

|Jun mean C = 16.5

|Jul mean C = 18.5

|Aug mean C = 18.6

|Sep mean C = 16.2

|Oct mean C = 12.6

|Nov mean C = 8.5

|Dec mean C = 5.8

| year mean C = 11.6

|Jan low C = 2.5

|Feb low C = 2.7

|Mar low C = 4.2

|Apr low C = 5.9

|May low C = 8.8

|Jun low C = 11.6

|Jul low C = 13.3

|Aug low C = 13.6

|Sep low C = 11.5

|Oct low C = 9.1

|Nov low C = 5.7

|Dec low C = 3.2

| year low C = 7.7

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 63.0

|Feb precipitation mm = 53.2

|Mar precipitation mm = 53.5

|Apr precipitation mm = 52.7

|May precipitation mm = 61.9

|Jun precipitation mm = 52.9

|Jul precipitation mm = 48.3

|Aug precipitation mm = 57.0

|Sep precipitation mm = 49.8

|Oct precipitation mm = 72.8

|Nov precipitation mm = 70.7

|Dec precipitation mm = 81.0

|year precipitation mm = 716.8

|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

| Jan precipitation days = 12.3

| Feb precipitation days = 11.4

| Mar precipitation days = 10.4

| Apr precipitation days = 9.9

| May precipitation days = 9.7

| Jun precipitation days = 8.5

| Jul precipitation days = 8.2

| Aug precipitation days = 9.0

| Sep precipitation days = 8.2

| Oct precipitation days = 11.9

| Nov precipitation days = 13.3

| Dec precipitation days = 14.0

| year precipitation days =126.7

|source 1 = Meteociel{{cite web

|url=https://www.meteociel.fr/obs/clim/normales_records.php?code=14216001

|title=Normales et records pour Damblainville (14)

|publisher=Meteociel

|access-date=20 November 2024}}}}

History

The area around Falaise has been inhabited from Mesolithic times (approximately 7000BC) , but it was only at the end of the prehistoric period and the beginning of the Gallo-Roman era that the area, Falaise in particular, was regularly inhabited.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr/decouvrir-le-chateau/son-histoire-1-3.html|title=Son Histoire | Château Guillaume le Conquérant - Falaise|website=www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.paysdefalaise.fr/tourisme/le-patrimoine/une-richesse-historique/|title=Une richesse historique}} Evidence of settlement from the time has been found at Vaston, an agricultural area just north-east of the modern town.{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise.fr/decouvrir/histoire/|title=Histoire|website=Mairie de Falaise}}

=Middle Ages=

In 911 AD the town became part of the Duchy of Normandy when King Rollo was granted lands, including Falaise, by Charles the Simple in exchange for Rollo agreeing to end his brigandage, swear allegiance to Charles, convert to Christianity, and pledge to defend the Seine estuary from other Viking raiders.{{Cite book |author=Flodoard of Reims |author-link=Flodoard of Reims |title=The Annals of Flodoard of Reims: 919–966 |date=2011 |publisher=University of Toronto Press |isbn=978-1-44260-001-0 |editor-last=Fanning |editor-first=Steven |editor-last2=Bachrach |editor-first2=Bernard S. |pages=xx-xxi, 14, 16–17}}

File:Chateau-falaise-calvados.jpg on its rocky crag]]

Falaise, as it is sited today, probably came into being around the castle.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

The town was the birthplace of William the Conqueror, first of the Norman kings of England. He was frequently referred to as William the Bastard, on account of his being born out of wedlock to Herleva from Falaise, reputedly a tanner's daughter.{{Cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/william-the-conqueror|title=William I 'The Conqueror' (r. 1066–1087) | The Royal Family|website=The Royal Family }}

The Château de Falaise (12th–13th century), which overlooks the town from a high crag ({{langx|fr|falaise}}), was formerly the seat of the Dukes of Normandy. Also, the Treaty of Falaise was signed at the castle in December 1174 between the captive William I, King of Scots, and the Plantagenet king of England, Henry II.{{Cite web|url=http://www.normanconnections.com/en/norman-sites/falaise-castle/|title=Falaise Castle | Norman Connections | Discover Norman History|website=www.normanconnections.com}}

At the end of the 12th centaury Philip II of France took control of Normandy and Falaise from the Normans, and building a new Tower for the towns castle, as well as restoring the Holy Trinity Church in the town.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/calvados/le-chateau-de-la-cite-de-falaise-est-millenaire-4372758|title=Le château de la cité de Falaise est millénaire|date=14 July 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise-suissenormande.com/en/sites-et-musees/eglise-sainte-trinite/|title=Holy Trinity Church in FALAISE|date=1 January 2025|website=Falaise - Suisse Normande}}

The town was also the place that Rabbi Yom Tov of Falaise, grandchild of Rashi, held his rabbinical court, during the 13th centaury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tje/f/falaise.html|title=Falaise - The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia -|website=StudyLight.org}}

During the Hundred Years' War the town remained under control of the English until 1450 when the French won the Siege of Falaise.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishbattles.com/one-hundred-years-war/battle-of-formigny/|title=Battle of Formigny|website=www.britishbattles.com}}

=Modern era=

In January 1590 the castle was besieged by the troops of Henry IV of France as part of the French Wars of Religion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.historyhit.com/locations/falaise-castle/|title=Falaise Castle|website=History Hit}} The damaged caused to the castle from the cannons during this last siege marked the end of Falaise being a significant military strategic point.{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise.fr/decouvrir/histoire/renaissance/|title=Renaissance|website=Mairie de Falaise}}

On 26 October 1851, a statue of William the Conqueror was inaugurated here (at his place of birth).{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wOMYAAAAYAAJ&q=Washington+Farewell+1850+2300+OR+2%2C300&pg=RA1-PA37 |title=The World's Progress: A Dictionary of Dates, with Tabular Views of General History and a Historical Chart |first=George Palmer |last=Putnam |date=3 April 2018 |publisher=G. P. Putnam and Company |access-date=3 April 2018 |via=Google Books |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506170147/https://books.google.com/books?id=wOMYAAAAYAAJ&q=Washington+Farewell+1850+2300+OR+2%2C300&pg=RA1-PA37 |url-status=live }}

= World War II =

{{see also|Falaise Pocket}}

File:Falaisegap.jpg

In modern times, it is known for the battle of the Falaise Pocket during the Allied reconquest of France (called Operation Overlord) in August 1944 in which two German armies were encircled and destroyed by the allied armies. Some 10,000 German troops were killed and 50,000 taken prisoner.{{Cite web|url=https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/263/the-falaise-pocket-the-memorial-of-montormel|title=The Falaise pocket – The Memorial of Montormel|website=www.liberationroute.com}}

Two-thirds of Falaise was destroyed by allied bombing before the town was taken by a combined force of Canadian and Polish troops. Falaise was largely restored after the war.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/en/normandy-falaise-pocket|title=Normandy – Falaise Pocket | Chemins de mémoire|website=www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr}}

=Post War to today=

File:Jeanne 15 - FALAISE - Le Chateau et le Brèche Henri IV.JPG

In 1953 Falaise station stopped its public rail services, having served the town for 94 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/falaise-14700/a-falaise-avant-le-carrefour-market-il-y-avait-une-gare-fb66ff9a-1950-11ed-a231-3b46c7cb5879|title=À Falaise, avant le Carrefour Market il y avait une gare|website=Ouest-France|date=11 August 2022 }} The station continued serving freight only before finally closing in 1990, whereit was demolished and replaceed with a supermarket.{{Cite web|url=https://caen.maville.com/actu/actudet_-a-falaise-avant-le-carrefour-market-il-y-avait-une-gare-_4-5366156_actu.Htm|title=À Falaise, avant le Carrefour Market il y avait une gare|website=caen.maville.com}}

Population

{{Historical populations

|source = INSEE[https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/4515315?geo=COM-14258#ancre-POP_T1 Population en historique depuis 1968], INSEE

|percentages = pagr

|align = none

|1968 |7180

|1975 |8368

|1982 |8597

|1990 |8119

|1999 |8434

|2007 |8456

|2012 |8413

|2017 |8186

|2021 |7782

}}

Points of Interest

=Château de Falaise=

The main attraction for the town is the Château de Falaise, which was used by Norman royalty as the seat of the Dukes of Normandy, until the 13th century, when it was captured by King Philip II of France. It is commonly known as Château Guillaume le Conquérant or William the Conqueror's Castle as he was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise-suissenormande.com/en/explorer/falaise-cite-medievale-de-normandie/chateau-medieval-guillaume-le-conquerant/|title=Go back in time at the Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant in Falaise|website=Falaise – Suisse Normande}} In 1840 it was declared a monument historique in 1840, and today is open to the public.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111309/falaise-chateau-fort-actuellement-college|title=Château fort, actuellement collège à Falaise – PA00111309 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}

=National heritage sites=

In addition to the castle Falaise has another 23 buildings and areas listed as a monument historique.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/departement/14/calvados|title=Les Monuments Historiques en Calvados – 14 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}} Three of these listed buildings, the old courthouse and two houses, are no longer remaining as were destroyed during World War II.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111327/falaise-ancien-palais-de-justice|title=Ancien Palais de Justice à Falaise – PA00111327 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111323/falaise-maison-chapot|title=Maison Chapot à Falaise – PA00111323 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111324/falaise-maison-a-pans-de-bois|title=Maison à pans de bois à Falaise – PA00111324 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}} Another three listed buildings are town houses from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111320/falaise-immeuble|title=Immeuble à Falaise – PA00111320 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111321/falaise-immeuble|title=Immeuble à Falaise – PA00111321 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111325/falaise-maison-du-16e-siecle|title=Maison du 16e siècle à Falaise – PA00111325 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}

The remaining 17 listed sites are below:

  • Château de la Fresnaye – a seventeenth-century chateau, home of Nicolas Vauquelin, that was listed as a monument in 1945.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111310/falaise-chateau-de-la-fresnaye|title=Château de la Fresnaye à Falaise – PA00111310 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}} Since 1986 it has been owned by the city and is now used for hosting exhibitions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.petitfute.co.uk/v4734-falaise-14700/c1173-visites-points-d-interet/c937-monuments/c949-chateau/169595-chateau-de-la-fresnaye.html|title=Castle – Château – FRESNAYE CASTLE – Falaise|website=www.petitfute.co.uk}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/falaise-14700/falaise-les-tresors-du-chateau-de-la-fresnaye-5926109|title=Falaise. Les trésors du château de la Fresnaye|first=Mariam|last=FOURNIER|date=17 August 2018|website=Ouest-France.fr}}
  • Statue of William the Conqueror – a nineteenth-century statue, showing William the Conqueror, mounted on a horse, and carrying the Gonfalon which had been handed over to him by Pope Alexander II.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa14000067/falaise-statue-de-guillaume-le-conquerant|title=Statue de Guillaume le Conquérant à Falaise – PA14000067 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}} The statue was created by Louis Rochet, and was listed as a monument in 2024.
  • Place Guillaume-le-Conquérant – The cobblestone floor surrounding the statue and leading to the castle was listed as a monument in 1935.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111328/falaise-place-guillaume-le-conquerant|title=Place Guillaume-le-Conquérant à Falaise – PA00111328 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Old City walls – Remains of the 13th century and 17th century city walls, which were first listed as a monument in 1927.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111315/falaise-vestiges-de-lenceinte-fortifiee|title=Vestiges de l'enceinte fortifiée à Falaise – PA00111315 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Covered market – Built in 1953 to replace the old grain hall which was destroyed during the war, the building was listed as a monument in 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa14000092/falaise-marche-couvert|title=Marché couvert à Falaise – PA14000092 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Mesnil-Besnard Manor – a 16th-century manor house listed as a monument in 1987.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111326/falaise-manoir-du-mesnil-besnard|title=Manoir du Mesnil-Besnard à Falaise – PA00111326 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Hôtel-Dieu – a thirteenth century place for the sick and elderly to receive care.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mediatheque-cdcfalaise.fr/node/content/nid/188767|title=Un peu d'histoire|website=www.mediatheque-cdcfalaise.fr}} In 1764 it was converted to a chapel, which it remained as such until World War 2, when it was almost completely destroyed. During the 1960s and 1970s it was completely restored and is now the Cities Library. It was registered as a monument in 1927.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111317/falaise-ancien-hotel-dieu|title=Ancien Hôtel-Dieu à Falaise – PA00111317 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • La Romaine Inn – Former seventeenth century hostel, that was listed as a monument in 1946.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111308/falaise-ancienne-auberge-de-la-romaine|title=Ancienne auberge de La Romaine à Falaise – PA00111308 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Inn sign – a 17th-century carved stone sign for an Inn, listed as a monument in 1946.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111316/falaise-enseigne-dauberge|title=Enseigne d'auberge à Falaise – PA00111316 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Guibray fair lodges – Former 18th century lodge house, registered as a monument in 1975.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111322/falaise-anciennes-loges-de-la-foire-de-guibray|title=Anciennes loges de la foire de Guibray à Falaise – PA00111322 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Hotel Saint-Léonard – an 18th-century hotel that was listed as a monument in 1968.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111319/falaise-hotel-saint-leonard|title=Hôtel Saint-Léonard à Falaise – PA00111319 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Les Rives Hotel – a former hotel built in the 18th century, that was recently discovered to be on top of medieval remains.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/falaise-14700/a-falaise-un-projet-dhabitat-participatif-interrompu-par-des-fouilles-archeologiques-696dad66-7eec-11ee-b253-15639905f92e|title=À Falaise, un projet d'habitat participatif interrompu par des fouilles archéologiques|first=Adrien|last=MASSON|date=29 November 2023|website=Ouest-France.fr}} The building was listed as a monument in 1967.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111318/falaise-hotel-dit-les-rives|title=Hôtel dit Les Rives à Falaise – PA00111318 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Louis Liard Lycée – This secondary school for boys was built in the third quarter of the 20th century after the original school was destroyed in World War 2.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa14000091/falaise-lycee-louis-liard|title=Lycée Louis Liard à Falaise – PA14000091 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}} The building was listed in 2010.
  • Church of Our Lady of Guibray – a 12th-century Romanesque church listed as a monument in 1961.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111311/falaise-eglise-notre-dame-de-guibray|title=Eglise Notre-Dame de Guibray à Falaise – PA00111311 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise-suissenormande.com/en/sites-et-musees/eglise-notre-dame-de-guibray/|title=Notre-Dame-de-Guibray church in FALAISE|date=1 January 2024|website=Falaise – Suisse Normande}}
  • Church of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais – a twelfth-century church that's construction probably began shortly after the conquest of England in 1066, at the instigation of William the Conqueror.{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise-suissenormande.com/en/sites-et-musees/eglise-st-gervais-st-protais/|title=St Gervais St Protais church in FALAISE|date=1 January 2024|website=Falaise – Suisse Normande}} It was listed as a monument in 1862.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111312/falaise-eglise-saint-gervais-saint-protais|title=Eglise Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais à Falaise – PA00111312 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Church of St. Lawrence – a 12th-century church, built with donations from Matilda of Flanders.{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise-suissenormande.com/en/sites-et-musees/eglise-saint-laurent-de-falaise/|title=Church of Saint-Laurent de Falaise in FALAISE|date=1 January 2024|website=Falaise – Suisse Normande}} It was listed as a monument in 1927.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111313/falaise-eglise-saint-laurent|title=Eglise Saint-Laurent à Falaise – PA00111313 – Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}
  • Holy Trinity Church – First built in 840 but it was destroyed during the siege of Philippe Auguste then rebuilt in 1204.{{Cite web|url=https://www.falaise-suissenormande.com/en/sites-et-musees/eglise-de-la-trinite/|title=Holy Trinity Church in FALAISE|date=1 January 2024|website=Falaise – Suisse Normande}} It was listed in 1889.{{Cite web|url=https://monumentum.fr/monument-historique/pa00111314/falaise-eglise-de-la-trinite|title=Eglise de la Trinité à Falaise - PA00111314 - Monumentum|website=monumentum.fr}}

=Museums=

  • Musée des Automates – Established in 1994, the museum is dedicated to Automatons, mainly ones between 1920 and 1960, with over 300 on display.{{Cite web|url=https://actu.fr/normandie/falaise_14258/musee-des-automates-plongez-dans-le-paris-du-xx-siecle_924761.html|title=Musée des automates : plongez dans le Paris du XX siècle|date=10 August 2015|website=actu.fr}}
  • André Lemaître Museum – established in 2000 is dedicated to the work of artist André Lemaître.{{Cite web|url=https://www.musee-andre-lemaitre.fr/web/andre-lemaitre.php|title=André Lemaitre – Biographie|website=www.musee-andre-lemaitre.fr}} in December 2022 the museum added Micro-Folie de Falaise – Espace André Lemaitre, which allows visitors to access digitally on giant screens 2,500 art works from 12 major French museums.{{Cite web|url=https://actu.fr/normandie/falaise_14258/falaise-la-micro-folie-un-espace-numerique-rendant-la-culture-accessible-au-plus-grand-nombre_55989956.html|title=Falaise. La micro-folie, un espace numérique rendant la culture accessible au plus grand nombre|date=16 December 2022|website=actu.fr}}
  • Memorial des Civils dans La Guerre histoire – inaugurated in 2016, the museum is dedicated to the daily life of the people at the heart of the Second World War and pays tribute to the 20,000 civilians killed at the Battle of Normandy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/culture/musees/memorial-des-civils/a-falaise-le-memorial-des-civils-dans-la-guerre-change-de-mains-et-maintenant-e19da4c4-90fa-11ee-b098-8644c47fd929|title=À Falaise, le Mémorial des civils dans la guerre change de mains : et maintenant ?|first=Adrien|last=MASSON|date=3 December 2023|website=Ouest-France.fr}}{{Cite web|url=https://actu.fr/normandie/falaise_14258/le-memorial-de-falaise-une-plongee-dans-le-quotidien-des-civils-de-la-seconde-guerre-mondiale_59924857.html|title=Le Mémorial de Falaise, une plongée dans le quotidien des civils de la Seconde Guerre mondiale|date=2 August 2023|website=actu.fr}}

File:Church of Our Lady of Guibray.jpg|Church of Our Lady of Guibray

File:Old City walls of Falaise.jpg|Old City walls of Falaise

File:Place Guillaume-le-Conquérant.jpg|Place Guillaume-le-Conquérant

File:Statue of William the Conquerer.jpg|Statue of William the Conqueror

File:The old hotel dieu in Falaise.jpg|The old hotel dieu in Falaise - now the city library

File:Falaise - 68.jpg|Memorial des Civils dans La Guerre histoire

File:Musée des Automates, pic-039.JPG|Musée des Automates

Notable people and animals

  • Herleva – (died {{circa|1050|lk=yes}}) a Norman woman known for having been the mother of William the Conqueror, and also of William's prominent half-brothers Odo of Bayeux and Robert, Count of Mortain was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://spartacus-educational.com/NORherleva.htm|title=Herleva of Falaise|website=Spartacus Educational}}
  • William the Conqueror (c. 1028 – 1087), future king of England, was born in Falaise.{{Cite web|url=https://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/learn/history/normans/william-the-conqueror|title=William the Conqueror Durham World Heritage Site|website=www.durhamworldheritagesite.com}}
  • Yom Tov of Falaise, an 11th-century French rabbi, grandson of Rashi was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tje/f/falaise.html|title=Falaise – The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia -|website=StudyLight.org}}
  • Samuel ben Solomon of Falaise, 12th- and 13th-century French rabbi also known by his name, Sir Morel was born here.
  • Nicolas Vauquelin des Yveteaux – (1567–1649) a French libertine poet, the son of Jean Vauquelin de la Fresnaye was born here at the château de La Fresnaye.{{cite web | url=https://www.pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/palissy/PM77003985| title=plaque funéraire de Nicolas de Vauquelin | publisher=Ministere De La Culture}}
  • Antoine de Montchrestien – (c. 1575{{snd}} 1621) a French soldier, dramatist, adventurer and economist was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.alternatives-economiques.fr/antoine-de-montchrestien-inventeur-de-leconomie-politique/00038620|title=Antoine de Montchrestien, inventeur de l'économie politique|date=1 April 2009|website=Alternatives Economiques}}
  • François Bonnemer (1638–1689) – a French painter and engraver, was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.getty.edu/vow/ULANFullDisplay?find=&role=&nation=&subjectid=500096667|title=ULAN Full Record Display (Getty Research)|website=www.getty.edu}}
  • Jacques de Falaise (1754–1825) – a quarryman who became famous for his ingestion skills was born here.{{Cite book |last=Beaudé |first=Jean-Pierre |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XmpEAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA321 |title=Nouvelle Bibliothèque médicale |year=1826 |editor-last=Gabon |language=fr |chapter=Mémoire sur un cas de polyphagie, suivi de considérations médicolégales sur la mort par suspension, lu à l'Athénée de médecine de Paris, dans sa séance générale du 15 avril 1826 |page=322}}
  • Pierre Henry-Larivière (1761–1838) a French politician and député for Calvados to the Convention was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www2.assemblee-nationale.fr/sycomore/fiche/(num_dept)/12839|title=Pierre, François, Joachim Henry-Larivière – Base de données des députés français depuis 1789 – Assemblée nationale|website=www2.assemblee-nationale.fr}}
  • Frédéric de Lafresnaye (1783–1861), ornithologist, was born and died here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.conchology.be/?t=9001&id=22893|title=Nöel Frédérick Armand André de La Fresnaye [Lafresnaye] | Shellers From the Past and Present|website=www.conchology.be}}
  • Louis Félix Étienne, marquis de Turgot – (1796–1866) a French diplomat and politician was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://dodis.ch/P32795|title=Information about Person dodis.ch/P32795|website=www.dodis.ch|date=1796 }}
  • Louis Alphonse de Brébisson – (1798–1888) a French botanist and photographer was born and died here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/ressources/artists-personalities-catalog/louis-alphonse-de-brebisson-5524|title=Louis Alphonse de Brébisson (5524) | Musée d'Orsay|website=www.musee-orsay.fr}}
  • Moustache – (1799–1812) a barbet who is reputed to have played a part in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://actu.fr/normandie/_14/decouvrez-histoires-hors-commun-quatre-animaux-normandie_13048619.html|title=Découvrez les histoires hors du commun de quatre animaux en Normandie|date=22 October 2017|website=actu.fr}}
  • Pauline Roland – (1805–1852) a French feminist and socialist was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.womeninpeace.org/r-names/2019/5/29/pauline-roland|title=Pauline Roland|first=J. S.|last=Williams|date=30 January 2023|website=Women in Peace}}
  • Charles-Philippe de Chennevières-Pointel – (1820–1899) a French writer and art historian was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://mk-tales.com/francais-2/histoires-francais/charles-philippe-pointel-fr/mktales-admin/charles-philippe-pointel-biographie/|title=Charles-Philippe Pointel – Biographie – MK Tales}}
  • Louis Alphonse Gassion – (1881–1944) was the father of Édith Piaf also an entertainer, circus performer and theatre actor, who was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/falaise-14700/edith-piaf-decedee-il-y-a-60-ans-avait-de-nombreux-liens-avec-falaise-40246cc6-65ea-11ee-a884-b3b8776af523|title=Édith Piaf, décédée il y a 60 ans, avait de nombreux liens avec Falaise|first=Adrien|last=MASSON|date=10 October 2023|website=Ouest-France.fr}}
  • Lucien Plantefol – (1891–1983) a botanist and member of the French Academy of Sciences who developed a theory of leaf helices to explain phyllotaxis was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://data.bnf.fr/12325094/lucien_plantefol/|title=Lucien Plantefol (1891–1983)|website=data.bnf.fr}}
  • Jacques Hébert – (1920–2018) a French politician was born and later died here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ordredelaliberation.fr/fr/compagnons/jacques-hebert|title=Jacques HÉBERT|website=Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération}}
  • Alain Ferté (b.1955) is a French professional racing driver, who was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autohebdo.fr/actualites/classic/lancien-pilote-michel-ferte-est-decede.html|title=L'ancien pilote Michel Ferté est décédé|first=Medhi|last=Casaurang|date=4 January 2023|website=AutoHebdo}}
  • Michel Ferté (1958–2023) was a French professional racing driver who was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://actu.fr/normandie/falaise_14258/falaise-lancien-pilote-automobile-michel-ferte-est-decede-a-lage-de-64-ans_56382514.html|title=Falaise. L'ancien pilote automobile Michel Ferté est décédé à l'âge de 64 ans|date=5 January 2023|website=actu.fr}}
  • Rodolphe Thomas (b. 1962) is a French politician and member of the MoDem who was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/latypique-rodolphe-thomas-maire-star-2047684|title=L'atypique Rodolphe Thomas, maire star|first=Fanette|last=BON|date=24 March 2014|website=Ouest-France.fr}}
  • Stéphane Le Bouyonnec (b. 1962) is a Canadian politician who was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/deputes/le-bouyonnec-stephane-12269/biographie.html|title=Stéphane Le Bouyonnec – National Assembly of Québec|website=www.assnat.qc.ca}}
  • Cédric Hengbart (b.1980) is a French professional football manager and former player who was born here.{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/cedric-hengbart/|title=Cédric Hengbart|website=worldfootball.net}}

Twin towns – sister cities

File:Émile Appay - Falaise.JPG (1876–1935)}}]]

{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in France}}

Falaise is twinned with:

  • {{flagicon|UK}} Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom since 1974{{Cite web|url=https://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/henley-on-thames/149499/brexit-wont-damage-our-friendship-with-twin-towns.html|title=Brexit won't damage our friendship with twin towns|website=www.henleystandard.co.uk|date=17 February 2020 }}
  • {{flagicon|GER}} Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Germany since 1969{{Cite web|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/falaise-14700/falaise-les-anecdotes-etonnantes-des-villes-jumelles-europeennes-6505807|title=Falaise. Les anecdotes étonnantes des villes jumelles européennes|first=Jérôme|last=FLURY|date=5 September 2019|website=Ouest-France.fr}}
  • {{flagicon|ITA}} Cassino, Italy since 1975
  • {{flagicon|CAN}} Alma, Quebec, Canada since 1969

See also

References

{{reflist|50}}

External links

{{commons category|Falaise}}

{{NIE Poster|year=1905|Falaise}}

  • [http://www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr/index_uk.php Castle William the Conqueror in Falaise, France.] (Official website in English)
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20020214002546/http://www.normandieweb.org/14/falaise/falaise Normandieweb on Falaise] (in French)
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20121031012504/http://honfleurthenandnow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/a-conquerors-change-of-heart.html A Conqueror's change of heart] Personal blog with good images of the William the Conqueror statue in Falaise

{{Calvados communes}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Calvados communes articles needing translation from French Wikipedia

Category:Communes of Calvados (department)

Category:Monuments historiques of Calvados (department)

Category:Operation Overlord museums in France

Category:Museums in Calvados (department)