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Abbey · Caen, Normandy
Abbaye aux Hommes (Abbey of Saint-Étienne of Caen)
Benedictine abbey founded by William the Conqueror in 1063, with the Church of Saint Stephen where the duke’s tomb is located. The monastery buildings, from the 18th century, now house Caen city hall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Abbaye aux Hommes (Abbey of Saint-Étienne of Caen)
The Abbey of Men was founded by William the Conqueror in 1063, together with the Abbey of Ladies, founded by his wife, Matilda of Flanders. Tradition links the two foundations to the couple’s marriage, which the Church initially refused because of their kinship. The abbey church, dedicated to Saint Stephen, was consecrated in 1077.
The Church of Saint Stephen is a key example of Norman Romanesque architecture. The very plain west façade is flanked by two towers that later received Gothic spires. The choir was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 13th century. The choir contains William’s tomb; he died in 1087. The tomb was looted during the Wars of Religion, and little remains of the duke’s remains today.
The monastic buildings were reconstructed in the 18th century. Since 1965 they have housed Caen city hall. The cloister, chapter house and rooms with carved woodwork are only visited with a guide.
In front of the abbey, the Jean-Marie Louvel esplanade opens onto a wide view of the church and monastery façades.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour for the church; about one hour for the guided visit of the monastery buildings.
Best time
During the day. The church may close for services, and guided visits run at fixed times that change during the year; check before you go.
How to get there
It is west of the center, about a 15-minute walk from the castle via rue Saint-Pierre and rue Écuyère.
Tip
Take the guided visit to see the cloister and the 18th-century rooms, which are not open to independent visitors. View the church’s east end from the garden on the east side.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Abbaye aux Hommes (Abbey of Saint-Étienne of Caen)
Is William the Conqueror buried in Caen?
Yes, in the Church of Saint Stephen of the Abbey of the Men. The tomb was plundered during the 16th‑century Wars of Religion, and few remains of the duke survive.
Can you visit Caen’s town hall in the Abbey of the Men?
The monastery buildings, occupied by the town hall since 1965, can only be visited with a guide. The abbey church can be visited independently.
What is the difference between the Abbey of the Men and the Abbey of the Ladies?
The Abbey of the Men was founded by William for Benedictine monks and has the Church of Saint Stephen; the Abbey of the Ladies was founded by Matilda for nuns and has the Church of the Holy Trinity.