Cities
France Caen Caen Historical Landmark

Manoir des Gens d’Armes

Manoir des Gens d’Armes
About

Tucked away in Caen’s historic heart, the Manoir des Gens d’Armes is a rare gem of late medieval architecture. Built in the 15th century, this manor—once home to military officers—blends defensive design with Renaissance elegance. Its half-timbered upper floors, turreted corners, and delicate stone tracery evoke a time when artistry and fortification coexisted. Originally known as the Manoir de la Talbotière, it passed through noble families including the Nollents, who adorned its façade with sculpted medallions—faces of kings, poets, and philosophers still visible today. Though its crenellated walls and drawbridge were more theatrical than practical, they reflect the romantic spirit of the French Renaissance. Now classified as a historic monument, the manor offers visitors a vivid glimpse into Normandy’s layered past, where domestic life, symbolism, and architectural flair converge in one captivating site.

Caen France
Location

The Manoir des Gens d’Armes stands at 161 Rue Basse in the historic center of Caen, anchoring one of the city’s oldest quarters with its distinctive stonework and status as a local landmark. Visitors find themselves within easy reach of Caen’s renowned castle, the Château de Caen, where the Musée de Normandie and Museum of Fine Arts showcase regional history and European masterpieces. The celebrated Abbaye-aux-Hommes—built by William the Conqueror and home to City Hall—lies nearby, offering architectural grandeur and guided tours through its Romanesque cloisters. Green spaces are plentiful: Parc Michel d'Ornano and the Vallée des Jardins provide tranquil spots for walking or family outings, while Colline aux Oiseaux delights visitors with its rose gardens, mini-golf and play areas. Families can also discover the Musée d'initiation à la nature, a welcoming natural history museum in the Abbaye aux Hommes precinct. This central location makes the manoir an ideal base to explore Caen’s blend of medieval heritage, museums, and urban parks.

Le Mémorial de Caen Le Mémorial de Caen Caen Musée de Normandie Musée de Normandie Caen Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen Caen Musée d’Initiation à la Nature Musée d’Initiation à la Nature Caen Galerie R.J Galerie R.J Caen Artothèque de Caen Artothèque de Caen Caen La Galerie 170 La Galerie 170 Caen The Artists Galerie des Arts The Artists Galerie des Arts Caen YellowKorner YellowKorner Caen Galerie Des Sens Galerie Des Sens Caen Théâtre de Caen Théâtre de Caen Caen Le Zénith de Caen Le Zénith de Caen Caen La Comédie de Caen La Comédie de Caen Caen Le Cargö Le Cargö Caen Château de Caen Château de Caen Caen Le Palais Ducal Le Palais Ducal Caen Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux Caen Vallée des Jardins Vallée des Jardins Caen Parc Michel d'Ornano Parc Michel d'Ornano Caen Parc Claude-Decaen Parc Claude-Decaen Caen Jardin des Plantes de Caen Jardin des Plantes de Caen Caen Abbaye aux Hommes Abbaye aux Hommes Caen Abbaye aux Dames Abbaye aux Dames Caen Église Saint-Pierre Église Saint-Pierre Caen Church of Saint-Jean Church of Saint-Jean Caen Collégiale du Saint-Sépulcre Collégiale du Saint-Sépulcre Caen Église Saint-Gilles Église Saint-Gilles Caen Restes de l’église Saint-Martin Restes de l’église Saint-Martin Caen Le Dôme Le Dôme Caen

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