Set in a spacious park, beside the canal linking Caen with the sea is the Chateau de Benouville, built in 1768 by the Marquis of Livy. It represents a new stage in the thinking of revolutionary architecture, impressive but full of surprises and charm. Its showpiece is the monumental staircase.

Whilst here you might like to visit 'Pegasus Bridge' the key bridge in this region taken by airborne troops in gliders early on the morning of 6 June 1944.

At Canapville, close to Deauville is the Manoir de Canapville (Manor of the Bishops of Lisieux) a listed historic building, the original 13th century tower has joined to it, two half timbered 15th century manor houses. Inside you will find 18th century furniture, Chinese porcelain and Asian statues. A fitting conclusion to your visit would be the cider press.

Here you will be able to discover one of the wonders of the Pays d'Auge, the former 16th century Dominican convent, the Vaucelles quarter are wonderful examples of half-timbered houses dating from the 15th century. You can also see the 12th century Saint Melaine church and the town square, a good resting place for a late lunch. Remember in France, lunch is taken seriously!

Two miles north of the village, stands the Manoir du champ Versant, a typical 16th century impressive highly colorful building, surrounded by farm buildings. The interior of the manor displays a collection of regional furniture and pottery.

The colors of the building stone of the Chateau-Germain-de-Livet and its green varnished brickwork give a fairy-tale appearance to this little castle, nestling in the valley bottom. Built in the 15/16th centuries it is perhaps the best example of the Renaissance architecture in the Pays d'Auge. It contains excellent furniture and 16rth century frescoes.

William the Conqueror's aunt, Countess Lesceline built an Abbey here in 1012. The town is famous for the quality and construction of its remarkable early stone buildings.

The future Conqueror was born in Falaise in 1027. Early in the 12th century his son built a majestic keep of a typical Anglo-Norman style on the foundations of the family castle, which remained the home of the Dukes, the Kings of England until 1204. Here also in the town is the truly amazing Automates Avenue, a reconstruction of the streets of Paris, a unique collection of 300 automaton, will take you back to the early part of the 20th century.

Finally before leaving Falaise it is important to remember that it is here in August 1944 that the British/Canadian & American Armies entrapped thousands of retreating German soldiers, which opened the way to drive onto Paris.