The main city of Lower Normandy Kahn is not so well-known among our compatriots, as a Mediterranean resort with a consonant name. Meanwhile, Kahn is in many respects even more interesting. Its history, especially the period of the Second World War, is rich and dramatic, and the cultural heritage is rich and unique.

During the landing operation of the Allied forces in Normandy, the famous "Day D", the unfortunate Kan was much less fortunate than, for example, the neighboring Bayeux, which the allies repulsed so quickly that the city was not inflicted the slightest damage. Kahn was taken by storm for more than a week, and when the Fascists finally left the city, his condition was very deplorable.

How to get to Kana

By train from the Saint-Lazare train station in Paris for 1 hour 30 minutes (trains run more often than once per hour ) or from Rouen in two hours (an average hourly train).

A little history

Kahn began as a Norman fortress on an islet in the delta of two rivers, Udon and Orna . People lived in this place, of course, long before the Normans . Since the Middle Ages, the ruins of the castle have been preserved in the city, in which, according to the legend, was born Wilhelm the Conqueror . It is the latter who deserves credit for the development of Kana as a real city . By making Kan the capital of Normandy, Wilhelm acquired a more magnificent residence, so that the castle would be a long time The largest in the country . Also at Wilhelm, in the 11th century, two large abbeys appeared in the city . Later, limestone deposits were discovered near the city, and the local stone of a beautiful creamy color was called Kanskiy . He served as the main building material for most of the city's buildings and for a fair amount of buildings on the other side of the English Channel, in Britain, which bought this limestone from the French with tons of .

Kana's entertainment, excursions and attractions

First of all, , it is necessary to examine the castle is no longer the largest in France, but, indisputably, the imposing castle with its scale . The castle was repeatedly stormed and captured by the British, but from the middle of the 15th century it remained French already completely . In order to view it completely - with the walls, the old treasury and the chapel of the 12th century, it will take a lot of time . Then you can go to the curious Pharmacy garden where, from the Middle Ages, a wide variety of condiments and medicinal plants were grown (and still continue) . On the territory of the castle is located and Museum No rmandii, large enough and interesting; On Wednesday you can visit it for free .And at the other end of the castle area is a new building of the art museum, which has a very worthy collection of masterpieces of painting, engraving and pottery from the 15th century to the present day . In particular, the originals of the works of Rubens, Tintoretto, Courbet, Corot and barbizontsev .

The historical part of the city, despite the terrible destruction of the war, still holds several architectural pearls in its center . @ A charming half-timbered block is located between the castle and Vosges Street, where the most atmospheric restaurants of the city are . Fruad Street and Saint-Sauveur Square are also good for walks, on which there is a remarkable Foué mansion . Kutran Mansion - a beautiful red and white half-timbered house which was built at the end of the 15th century and named after the former owner . Today the association "Music of Normandy" was located in the house . The only preserved medieval tower of Leroy, restored at the beginning of this century, marked the entrance to the city from the side of the river Udon in a pair with the second tower (not surviving) . It dates from at least the 11th century of construction .

Both Kahn abbeys also represent more than worthy tourist attractions . You'll walk to the Saint-Pierre until the masculine; it is here in the church of Saint-Etienne that the grave of William the Conqueror is located . The Gothic church itself is in a dilapidated state, but it is still majestic and beautiful . Visiting the abbey privately is impossible: you need to join an organized excursion at certain hours . It is possible to get to the women's abbey in Chaninje Street, and here, logically, the wife of Wilhelm I, Queen Matilda, whose tomb can be seen in the Holy Trinity Church . is banned. Private persons are forbidden to enter this abbey, because in it Today the local administration is located .

Another interesting church of the city is the Church of St. Michael, which, apparently, was built before Wilhelm I, although the exact date can not be named today . The church is kept in the classical Romanesque style, which is especially evident on the bell tower . True, later, in the 14th century, a gothic spire was built over the nave, and in the 18th century the facade became much more artsy in the then fashion for excesses . Very impressive, like any building in a flaming Gothic style, looks and church St. Peter . Alas, during the military operation of 1944 . it was destroyed to the ground, although by our time the church was completely restored . The Reformed Church of Saint-Julien was built in 1689 . and is notable for the richest interior , including a beautiful altar cover . Today the city choir of boys .

It is open at some distance from the city center, and go over here by bus - but it is necessary . Here before the eyes of travelers a panorama of not only the events of the Second World War, but also later periods of history, right up to the Cold War with the USSR . This is especially informative for our compatriots, as the history of the military and post-war time, obviously, was perceived by our former allies very different from what we were taught at school . The symbol of the museum is the monument "No Violence" in the open air, which is made in the form of a metal revolver with a knotted muzzle m .

In order to dispel the painful impression that may arise after getting acquainted with the horrors of the war, it is worth to go to the rose garden in a park located not far from the Kahn Memorial. Even more attractive is the city's botanical garden: it has a special charm due to some savagery and, as it may seem, lack of rest. The botanical garden is located near the university, and here it really smells of old.

In the vicinity of Kahn there is an abundance of everything so attractive is the French province: vineyards, lovely villages, medieval castles and mansions .You can pay a visit, for example, in the pretty village green Pierrefitte-en-Auge, look at the local church built in the 14th century with interesting frescoes inside and half-timbered house Cours du Bosc . Then you can sit down with a good conscience in a Michelin guide a beer pub " Two barrels ", which occupies an old cottage with a beautiful view of the valley, and evaluate the blood sausage, cicatrix, apple pie and other local delicacies from farm produce (and besides them - a separate map of the Norman ciders) .

And of course, you can not forget To say that Kahn is still not just an interesting city, but also the capital of an equally interesting department . Kalvados is known as the region primarily due to the beverage produced here, something reminiscent of brandy, only made on the basis of apples . Due remarks Calvados is known throughout the world, although few people versed in the intricacies of - such as for example beverage varieties, which vary greatly from year to year exposure, color and taste . Once in Caen, many consider it a matter of honor to try them all; and those who are such a test may be beyond the power remains "ladies'" version of the drink, Pomme, fortress about 17%, and in addition - apple cider, not only feedstock for calvados, but amazingly fragrant self-contained drink .