Friday, February 25, 2011

France - Caen Normandie

France - Caen Normandie
received from Marion (France)
Thank you !

Caen {kahn} is the capital of Calvados department in Normandy in northern France, and has a population of 112,846 (1990). Located on the Orne River about 14 km (9 mi) inland from the English Channel, Caen is a major port and trade center for the surrounding agricultural region and is connected to the channel by canal. The development of nearby iron mines has enhanced its economy. Other industries include steel, textiles, and electronic equipment. A university, founded in 1432 by Henry VI of England, and several trade schools are located there. Historical landmarks include the 11th-century Abbaye-Aux-Hommes founded by William the Conqueror; the Abbaye-Aux-Dames founded (1066) by William's wife Matilda; and the Church of Saint-Pierre.Caen served as the capital of Normandy under William the Conqueror. It was captured by the English in 1346 and was ruled by them from 1417 to 1450. During the French Revolution, Caen was an anti-Republican stronghold. The city was severely damaged in June and July of 1944 during the Allied invasion of France, but it has since been largely rebuilt.

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