Castles and manor houses
Château-Gaillard in Les Andelys, castles in Caen, Domfront or Falaise: these medieval fortresses are testimony to the region's history. In the 10th century, when the Normans decided to settle in the region, their priority was to build mottes castrales. Ditches and square or rectangular keeps formed the basis of these mainly earthen fortifications. In reality, enclosures play only a minor role here. This is particularly true of Falaise Castle, and the other fortresses that William the Conqueror subsequently built in his kingdom of England. Towards the end of the 12th century, architecture evolved. This marked the birth of the so-called "feudal" castles. Often built on a rocky outcrop and bordered by a river, these fortified structures housed resources and garrisons. Château-Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart at Les Andelys, has stood the test of time. This demonstrates the skill of the architects and workers of the time.
With the passage of time, the defensive aspect was no longer a priority, and architects began to design prestigious buildings to accommodate the French art of living. Châteaux, but above all manor houses, are part of Normandy's rich heritage. Between the 15thand 16thcenturies , the Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet in Calvados was built. It combines two techniques: timber-framed and stone construction. In the heart of the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, the Château de Carrouges is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. What makes it special? This stately home has evolved over the centuries and has always been inhabited by the same family, as can be seen in its original furnishings. Don't miss the Haras du Pin in the Orne region either. Desired by King Louis XIV and built under the reign of Louis XV, the château was erected between 1719 and 1724. Largely inspired by Versailles, the Château de Bizy in Eure was built in 1740, and was owned by Louis XV. Thanks to its proximity to the Ile-de-France region and the diversity of its landscapes, Normandy is a land of manor houses. In Orne, and more specifically in Perche, a themed tour allows you to discover these prestigious residences.
Abbeys, cathedrals and churches
Romanesque and Gothic art form the basis of the Norman architectural style. Romanesque art emerged in the 11th century and continued in the 13th century with Norman Gothic. Religious buildings are perfect examples of these two styles, which have learned to coexist over the centuries. Often initially Romanesque, they were later embellished with Gothic touches. Examples include the church of Saint-Etienne et de la Trinité in Caen, the Romanesque arcades of Bayeux Cathedral and its Gothic choir, and Notre-Dame-sous-Terre on Mont-Saint-Michel. With the exception of Sées Cathedral and the abbey church of Saint-Ouen in Rouen, which were built in the Gothic period. At the end of the Hundred Years' War, the English inspired a new trend: Flamboyant Gothic. To discover this "stone lace", visit Notre-Dame d'Alençon or Notre-Dame de Caudebec-en-Caux. Of course, all this is just a small sample of the architectural gems to be discovered in Normandy. And don't forget to take the time to explore the small villages, because it's said that every village in France has its bell tower, and Normandy is no exception.
From half-timbered houses to modern jewels
What the city of Rouen, the Pays de Caux, the Pays de Bray and the Pays d'Auge all have in common... lovely half-timbered houses! This style, which originated in the Middle Ages, combines wooden framing with a masonry technique known as "bauge". These dwellings bear witness to what life was like for the Normans at the time. In the 19thcentury , the Neo-Norman style took hold along the coast. These large, beautiful villa-style homes, which combine traditional and modern construction, were imagined by Sarthe architect Jacques Baumier. Examples include the Trouville-Deauville railway station, houses in Houlgate and Château Gabriel in Berneville-sur-Mer.
This type of architecture has some similarities with the Belle Epoque style, which emerged around 1880 and lasted until the First World War. Recognizable by their colorful facades and arched windows, Belle Epoque-style multi-storey houses can be found in Granville and Bagnoles-de-l'Orne. The architectural tragedy of the Second World War cannot be ignored. The Battle of Normandy hit the region hard, and saw the built heritage of some towns drastically reduced. This was followed by a period of reconstruction, which gave rise to projects of varying degrees of interest, before a wind of modernity blew through the region: the Pont de Normandie, built between 1988 and 1995, linking Honfleur to Le Havre, is one of the symbols of this. In Caen, the peninsula has undergone quite an architectural revolution, giving a new face to the old port district, notably with the Alexis de Tocqueville library.
