William the Conqueror's Castle (Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant)
About William the Conqueror's Castle (Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant)
This 10th-century fortress is the birthplace of William the Conqueror, born around 1027-1028 to Duke Robert I and Arlette, a tanner's daughter. The castle complex includes three distinct keeps: the Grand Donjon built by William's son Henry I in 1123, the Petit Donjon from the Plantagenet era (c. 1150), and the cylindrical Tour Talbot added by King Philip II Augustus around 1207 after the French conquest of Normandy. Visitors explore the castle using interactive tablets with augmented reality technology that reconstructs medieval interiors, furnishings, and daily life as it appeared 800 years ago. The castle sits on a rocky spur between the Ante and Marescot valleys, the same location where legend says Duke Robert first spotted Arlette washing clothes at a fountain. Closed Mondays except during school holidays; extended hours in July-August. The site has steep pathways and many staircases, making wheelchair access impossible inside the keeps.
Interesting Facts
Carbon-14 dating from 2009 archaeological excavations revealed that the castle's first stone walls were built between 1019-1023, making them among the earliest stone fortifications in Normandy. Most castles of this era were still wooden motte-and-bailey structures.
William was originally known as 'Guillaume le Bâtard' (William the Bastard) due to his illegitimate birth. He only earned the title 'the Conqueror' after defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and becoming King of England.
During World War II, the castle survived the intense Battle of the Falaise Pocket in August 1944, when Allied forces encircled and destroyed much of the German 7th Army. While the town suffered severe damage, all three medieval keeps remained standing.
The Tour Talbot, despite its name honoring English commander John Talbot who repaired it during the Hundred Years' War, was actually built by French King Philip II Augustus as a symbol of French royal authority after conquering Normandy from the English in 1204.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
General Admission
RecommendedIncludes interactive tablet with augmented reality experience. Guided tours in French included on weekends and holidays; English tours available July-August.
Family Pass
Family TicketValid for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Best value for families.
Location & Practical Info
Address
Place Guillaume le Conquérant, 14700 Falaise, France
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