Church of St. Etienne

The Church of St. Etienne is the official burial place of William the Conquer and the stone commemorating his life is almost as centrally placed as the altar. The photographic archive’s black and white images displayed on the cathedral's walls are also fascinating. The images give an idea of what life was like for hundreds of families residing in Caen during WWII, when they were warned at the last minute (for fear the Germans would catch wind of the plans) that the Allied forces would be bombing the area. Hundreds of locals sought shelter in the church and cloister behind the building that was the Men’s Abbey and is now the Caen City Hall. Stroll through the cloister behind the church on your way out.