Falez is a small Norman town in Calvados, whose population is about 8,000 people. This city is famous for two things. Firstly, there is a beautiful Fález Castle, in which King William I. was born. Secondly, during the Second World War, Fález played an important role in conducting military operations and defeating fascist troops.
How to get to Faleza
Falaise is conveniently located at the intersection of several highways. It can be reached by a direct road from Cana (40 km), as well as from Alençon or Rouen, turning into Se. From Kana to Falez, you can also get by bus number 35.
Search for tickets to Paris (the nearest airport to Faleza)
- Fly in a balloon.
- To go for a day to the picturesque town of Vir, which is about 60 km to the west along the highway.
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A little history
The city appeared in the Middle Ages and served long residence of the Norman Dukes . The convenient location served the further development of the city, as did King Wilhelm's assistance to him . Unfortunately, the same arrangement led to the fact that in 1944 ., when the German units were locked here, Falez was subjected to cruel "carpet" bombing . In the course of the operation, which later received the name "Falez sack", the combined forces were acheny so significant enemy forces that the allies opened the way to Paris, which was soon released . But architecture Falaise this operation is, alas, not benefited .
Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Faleza
First of all, in Falez, of course, it is necessary to look at the castle . Wilhelm the Conqueror was born here in 1027 ., and this fact is marked by a large bronze statue in front of the fortress . The castle stands on a rocky hill above the city and in its present form refers to the period of 12-13 centuries . At a later time the fortress was restored in several stages, and with 2001 . it can be freely visited . Expositions are organized on the territory and exhibitions related to the history of this magnificent fortress . The replica of three statues of important historical figures can be seen in the chapel: King Henry II, Richard I and Eleonora Aquitanskaya . The castle has a stunning view of the city and its surroundings .
Fález itself is quite attractive and lively, although at the end of the Second World War allied air raids destroyed more than half of the Old City . Anyway, in the post-war years the city was almost completely restored . Among its sights Church of Saint-Gervais, an example of which is clearly visible transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture . Another significant church - Holy Trinity, near the castle, considered the oldest parish church of the city .It was built in the period from the 13th to the 16th centuries, and to this day the trancept of the 13th century, the Gothic nave of the 15th century and the Gothic choirs with carved wooden ornaments survived . Before the church one can admire the beautiful statue of the medieval knight . Remains in Falez and fragments medieval city walls with ancient fortifications .
The newer attractions of Falez are, for example, the museum of painting, where about 90 works by Andre Lematra, a native of the city, are collected. Another amazing place is the Avenue of Automata, a kind of open-air museum that takes visitors to the beginning of the 20th century, into an era of clockwork. Here, on colorful glass windows, about three hundred mechanical toys are displayed, and even adults will have a lot of fun looking at them - not to mention children.
Surroundings of Faleza
Near the city there are two monasteries, which are definitely worth visiting . The first one is the Cistercian monastery of the 12th century Saint-André, which stands on the edge of the forest southeast of Faleza . The Abbey is open to visitors, and you can admire the vaulted ceilings and arcades . Second - Willel-Canive abbey northwest of the town of the same name . It was built in 1127 g . and occupies an area of 30 hectares of beautiful garden with landscaped pond . The most notable is the entrance to the abbey : his gallery of the 13th century is the only one preserved till our a sample of the medieval portal among all the Cistercian monasteries of France .
Also near the town of Faleza, to the north-west, is the town of Saint-Germain-le-Vasson, where an interesting mining museum is located. Here you can find out how iron ore was extracted earlier in these places, and how the miners lived. Since 2003, the museum has organized the opportunity to inspect the "underworld of Calvados" during a descent into a specially created mine for a depth of 475 m and travel through tunnels.
A very unusual place can be found about 6 km west of Falez, on the way to Pont Uyi . This is a small adjoining to the farm is the rural chapel of Saint-Vigor, which was built in the 15th century as a family chapel by William Vanembras . Up to 1737 g .inside the rest of the family found rest, but in subsequent years the chapel was rebuilt more than once, then it collapsed and eventually by 1983 . fell apart completely . In 1987, . Japanese artist Kioshi Takubo was fascinated by the chapel and decided to turn it in a masterpiece of contemporary art . The artist started working on the project in 1992 . and in a year he restored the chapel by covering the roof with colored glass tiles, putting inside the steel floors and finishing the walls with sheet metal, on top of which Takubo painted pictures in the traditional Japanese style . For by the settlement of the chapel is charged a small fee, but this unusual place is definitely worth it .
The natural beauty of the surroundings of Faleza also deserve the attention of the guests of the city. In 7 km to the north-east, at an altitude of 156 m above sea level, there is a natural reserve of Mesnil-Soleil. Here on the rocky hills, dried by the sun, grow rare flowers and herbs, some of which are endemic to Normandy. Here you can see butterflies of more than 200 species.
Another curious natural landmark is located just north of Falez, at a distance of about 10 km: it is the "Devil's Slit" on Mount Joly. According to legend, the devil created this narrow and steep canyon, having made a deal with Saint Quentin in exchange for the soul of the latter (by holy cunning, he avoided payment under the contract). This is one of the most beautiful places in the region, which, obviously, fell in love with primitive people in the Neolithic times, and it is wonderfully suitable for hiking and close landscape photography.
And about 20 km west of the town is the famous Rosh dam 'Etre height of 118 m, whose sharp fracture is exactly like a human profile. At the foot of the cliff in 2006 a wooden pavilion was opened, inside of which there is a small museum where you can get acquainted with the history of the Norman mountains - the region called the Normandy Switzerland.
Events
Every year Falez hosts the Game Festival with knight tournaments. And those who prefer more unusual entertainment, for sure like the balloon flight over the valley. Balloons run into the sky an hour and a half before sunset for meteorological reasons; the duration of the flight is one hour. The company's office is located on Avenue Hastings.