Abbaye d'Ardenne: A Norman Abbey with a Storied Past
Explore a historic Norman abbey, now a center for contemporary publishing archives, with a rich and complex past.
The Abbaye d'Ardenne, located in Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe near Caen, is a former Premonstratensian abbey founded in the 12th century. Today, it is home to the Institute for Contemporary Publishing Archives (IMEC). The abbey features well-preserved buildings, including the church, and is recognized as a historic monument.
A brief summary to Abbaye d'Ardenne
- L'Abbaye D'Ardenne, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, 14280, FR
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit the Canadian Garden of Remembrance to honor the soldiers who perished during the Ardenne Abbey massacre.
- Explore the IMEC's library, housed in the abbey's former church, to see a unique blend of historic architecture and contemporary design.
- Check the IMEC's website for upcoming exhibitions, colloquia, and meetings open to the public.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Caen city center, take bus line 20 or 21 towards Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes. Get off at a stop near the Abbaye d'Ardenne. As of July 2025, a single bus ticket costs around €1.70 [Current prices for bus tickets in Caen].
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Caen. A taxi ride from the city center to the Abbaye d'Ardenne typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost for a one-way taxi or ride-sharing trip is between €15 and €25 [Current taxi/ride-sharing rates in Caen].
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Walking
While walking to the Abbaye d'Ardenne from Caen is possible, it is a considerable distance (several kilometers) and not recommended as a primary mode of transport for most tourists. If you choose to walk, follow the D9 road towards Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe. Be aware of traffic and allow ample time.
Discover more about Abbaye d'Ardenne
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vestiges du mur de l'abbaye aux Hommes,
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Cambes-en-Plaine War Cemetery
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Sword Beach
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Normandy Classic Tour
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Normandy beach race
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Plage de Ouistreham
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Lighthouse of Ouistreham
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Monument Signal du D-day
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D-Day Memorial, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and others
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Plage de Courseulles sur Mer
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Bretteville Canadian War Cenetery
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Gold Beach
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Museum and the Merville Battery site
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Ryes British War Cemetery, Bazenville
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British Normandy Memorial
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Unmissable attractions to see
Canadian Abbey d’Ardenne Massacre Memorial
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Colline aux Oiseaux
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Parc Festyland
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Jardin Britannique du Mémorial
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Vallée du Mémorial
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Mémorial de Caen
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United States Armed Forces Memorial Garden
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Vallée des jardins
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Fresque solice
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Caen Botanical Garden
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Place du Canada
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Ducal Palace XIV century
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St. Stephen's Church
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L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes
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Abbaye-aux-Hommes
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Essential places to dine
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Villa Eugène
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Ivan Vautier
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Les Gens Heureux
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Au Double Blanc
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Ô GLOBE
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Restaurant MAGMA
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Le Bistrot du Palais
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Monsieur Louis
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Ju'ste Chez Moi
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La Casinière
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Crêperie la Galettoire
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A Contre Sens
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Balthazar
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Le Dauphin
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Centrakor Saint Contest
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FORUM+
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Marcelle Room
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Boutique zéro déchet - Alternativi
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L’Audacieux
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Atelier Boutic 10 ,CARTAGAG, serge Vandecasteele
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BASALT MARKET
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Lady C loveshop sexshop
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Shakti
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ess9nce
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Deux Heures Seize - Concept store
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Alea
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Ecto Bar
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