In the heart of Normandy lies the charming historic town of Falaise, with its majestic château and medieval atmosphere. Here, you can discover various aspects of history (from medieval times to the Second World War) and marvel like a child at the automatons and augmented reality at the château.
Here’s our guide to the must-see sights in the Normandy town of Falaire, with practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Best thing to do in Falaise: Panoramic view of the castle
Our favorite place in Falaise is definitely the Voie Panoramique street, which offers magnificent views of the castle. The fortress features a square structure, circular tower and ramparts.
From here you can also see its position on the rocky outcrop overlooking the city. It features three keeps, ramparts and towers. The main keep, known as the Donjon Guillaume, is the oldest and tallest.
The panels tell you more about the town’s development in the 11th and 12th centuries, thanks to its crafts: flour mills, tanners, leatherworking…
- Opening hours: Free access
- Price: Free
2. Must-see: William the Conqueror’s castle
William the Conqueror’s castle in Falaise is a must-see for history and culture (and technology) lovers.
This fortified castle, built in the 11th century, is one of the most important medieval fortresses in France. It’s one of the most austere we’ve visited, and one of the most fascinating in Normandy(see our list of châteaux).
Today, it houses a museum retracing the history of the castle and of William the Conqueror, who conquered England in 1066.
What’s more, the castle museum offers an immersive, interactive tour that lets you discover what the museum was like thanks to tablets that enable augmented reality.
In one of the rooms you’ll also find miniatures of some of the equipment used to defend the castle, and the tablet lets you see them in action.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day except a few days a year
- Price: €9.50 for adults, €5 for children, free for children under 6.
- See the latest news on the official website
- Please note that the tour includes a lot of stairs
3. Trinity Church
Right next to the castle, in the main square, you’ll find a superb church with some surprising features.
A first church already existed here in 840. This church has been partially destroyed several times, so it’s made up of elements built between the 13th and 16th centuries: a Romanesque cross plan, a Gothic nave and flamboyant Gothic decorations.
Don’t miss the western porch with its ship’s bow shape. We were fascinated by this particular feature, which dates back to 1484.
And inside, admire the richly decorated choir and its chestnut vault.
- Opening hours: Open every day
- Price: Free
4. Rue du dessous de l’arche” (under the arch)
At the other end of this same church, don’t miss another special feature. The ambulatory spans an alleyway, creating a tunnel.
We don’t recall seeing such a construction anywhere else so far (although it must exist).
5. Falaise Memorial
If you’re passionate about the Second World War, this museum tells the story of the Battle of Falaise, which took place in 1944, and was one of the most important battles in the Liberation of France. It’s a good complement to all the D-Day museums in Normandy.
Established in 1966, the museum is housed in a former German military hospital right next to the castle. Here you’ll find a collection of objects and documents about the battle and civilian life during it, as well as testimonials from those who lived through it.
We appreciate the civilian angle, discovering bits and pieces of life during the war. The visit is full of emotion.
- Opening hours: at least from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 5:30pm (but opening hours vary from month to month) – closed in winter, except during French school vacations.
- Price: €7.50 for adults, €6.50 for children aged 10 to 18
- See the latest news on the official website
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
6. Explore downtown Falaise
Falaise’s town center is charming and picturesque.
Start in the main square at the foot of the castle, with its statue of William the Conqueror on horseback. And on the side in front of the museum, a piece of street art painted on a tank by Jef Aerosol reminds us that “war is hell”.
Then head for the old center. Almost nothing remains of the medieval period, as the town was heavily destroyed by bombing in 1944. But you can still admire the buildings that have been rebuilt, proof of efficiency and resilience in the face of tragedy.
7. Ante and Porte des Cordeliers
Another of our favorite spots is the little lake on the side of the town center. It brings a bit of the countryside to the city center. It offers magnificent views of the Porte des Cordeliers, which marks the entrance to the medieval town. It dates back to the 13th century. It’s one of the few remaining structures outside the château. A fascinating feature is the staircase leading to the dwellings above.
- Opening hours: Free access
- Price: free of charge
8. The museum of automata
In the heart of the town, you’ll also find the Museum of Automata. It houses an exceptional collection of over 300 automata, dating from the 19th to the 20th centuries (one of the largest in the world). All fans of mechanics, engineering and art will be fascinated.
The automata depict scenes from everyday life, fairy tales and legends: among our favorites are the orchestra in the gazibo, the carriage and the amusing scene from the Tour de France cycling race.
- Opening hours: in winter, open only at weekends and during school vacations
April to September, open at least every day from 1:30 pm to 6 pm - Price: €8 for adults, €6 for children aged 4 to 12 and free for children under 4.
- See the latest news on the official website
- Allow one hour
9. Saint-Gervais Church
The other fascinating church in Falaises is Saint-Gervais. It was built in the 12th century, on the orders of William the Conqueror, in Romanesque style (and finished by his son). It has, of course, been renovated several times over the centuries.
It features a three-bay nave, a transept and a choir with three apses.
The capitals of Saint-Gervais church are decorated with profane and religious sculptures, magnificent pieces of Romanesque art.
- Opening hours: open every day
- Price: free of charge
10. Château de la Fresnaye and its magnificent trees
And for a change of period and style, don’t miss the Château de la Fresnaye, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and subsequently redesigned. The château has a rare architectural feature: a 7m-deep icehouse. According to the newspaper Ouest-France, you can ask for the key at the tourist office, but we haven’t tested it yet. The château is sometimes open for exhibitions.
But you can already admire it from the outside and enjoy its large park. Take the time to stroll through the surrounding avenues of magnificent trees.
Falaise really does offer a mix of history, architecture and nature.
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Other things to do in Falaise
We’ve listed our must-haves, but you can also take advantage of..:
- Notre Dame de Guibray
- Saint-Laurent Church
- Private mansions
- Hôtel-Dieu Founded in 1201. It now houses the media library.
- The Arlette Fountain with its bas-relief
Is Falaise worth a visit?
Yes, the town of Falaise is well worth a visit.
It attracts visitors with its must-see castle, but we were also pleasantly surprised by its mix of city and country life and its architectural heritage.
For us, it’s one of the most beautiful historic towns in Normandy.
Practical tips for visiting Falaise
Where Falaise is located
- In the heart of Normandy
- Caen to Falaise = 35 min drive
- Rouen to Falaise = 1h35
- Paris to Falaise = 3h
How to visit
We recommend you park your car in one of the town’s parking lots (near the castle, for example) and explore on foot. The downtown area is not very large.
How long
Allow half a day if you’re only doing the castle or the memorial museum – or a full day or two to see it all.
You can also take the opportunity to visit the nearby Suisse Normande for a long weekend in Normandy(see our weekend ideas).
Restaurants
We haven’t tested any of Falaise’s restaurants yet.
But on our list is:
- Restaurant ÔSaveurs
- Restaurant Le Vauquelin
Hotels
Falaise is not rich in hotels. You’ll find mostly private rentals.
There are also a few options in the surrounding countryside.
You can appreciate it:
- Castel Saint-Léornard in Falaise – prices, pictures and availability
- Domaine de la Pommeraye & Spa 15km – see prices, photos and availability
Discover the best rated accommodations in Falaise
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
