Scarred by the bombing raids of 1944, Caen reinvented itself during the post-war reconstruction. From the university to the Saint-Jean district, via Avenue du 6 Juin, discover unique architecture, unexpected details and the places that tell the story of the city’s rebirth. A different way of looking at Caen and understanding its history as you stroll through the city.
33%
This is the percentage of the city of Caen that was destroyed during the 1944 air raids. It is far lower than the commonly held belief that it was 90 per cent!
1947–1963: The Rebirth of a City
Whilst the Reconstruction was initially undertaken to repair the damage suffered by the city, it also provided an opportunity to radically rethink its design:
- to make it more modern, pleasant and comfortable,
- to improve hygiene,
- to widen the streets,
- and to ensure the supply of running water
Marc Brillaud de Laujardière, an architect and town planner appointed by the Ministry of Reconstruction and Town Planning, was tasked with drawing up the plan for the reconstruction and redevelopment of Caen.
Work began in late 1948 and was completed in 1963. Over the course of those years, the face of Caen underwent a profound transformation and was largely modernised, whilst preserving the historic monuments that form the backbone of the new urban layout.
Reconstruction lies in the details
The Reconstruction project did not compromise on the quality of the materials used, and the use of Caen stone contributes significantly to the harmony of the project. Indeed, it was in the Caen stone quarries, or in the Glacière, that many residents took refuge during the bombings…
The reconstruction project also paid careful attention to its ornamentation, providing residents with artistic features of great value: bas-reliefs, wrought ironwork and sculptures are all remarkable elements.
5 places to explore the architecture of the Reconstruction period
The Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth
Head to the north of Caen Castle, in the Jardin des Plantes neighbourhood, to the University.
Opened in 1957, it symbolises the city’s rebirth and is one of the first buildings to have been constructed as part of Caen’s reconstruction! It took more than nine years to rebuild the campus according to Henry Bernard’s architectural plans. Listed as a historic monument, the University of Caen attracts over 30,000 students. The bronze statue of Louis Leygue has become the city’s emblem; it depicts the phoenix rising from its ashes. Don’t miss the 1:400 scale map of Rome on display at the Maison de la Recherche en Sciences Humaines.
The Saint-Jean district and its Norman ‘Leaning Tower’
Head to the Saint-Jean district in Caen city centre, which bears witness to these transformations. Having been particularly badly damaged during the bombings, it now boasts a decidedly modern look. At Place Saint-Jean, take a moment to admire the exterior of Saint-Jean Church. It will no doubt remind you of a famous, slightly leaning Italian monument. It’s not for nothing that it’s nicknamed the ‘Leaning Tower of Caen’! Built on marshy ground, the church has gradually sunk. In 1944, the building was not spared from enemy attacks and, during its reconstruction, concrete piles were added to stabilise the church, along with Caen stone.
The Caen Theatre: a model of post-war reconstruction
Of all the buildings damaged by the bombing, the Caen Theatre was the last one the city lost. It was not rebuilt until 1955, with a more modern architectural style whilst retaining the spirit of the ‘Italian-style theatres’, with its two semi-circular balconies. In the spring of 1963, the theatre hosted the National Reconstruction Congress.
A new thoroughfare for a transformed city
Avenue du 6 Juin lies at the heart of the city of Caen. A true symbol of the Reconstruction, it is aptly named. Built to relieve congestion on Rue Saint-Jean and improve traffic flow, Avenue du 6 Juin links the railway station to the University of Caen. Halfway along the avenue, stop off at Place de la Résistance. The six ‘Tours Marines’, built from Caen stone, were constructed between 1951 and 1953. Eight storeys high, they pay homage to Rue de la Marine, which followed the same route as Avenue du 6 Juin. These towers, with their modern architecture and intricate bas-reliefs, mark the entrance to the road leading to the Château and the Quatrans district.
Engineering structures in the heart of the city
Other, more monumental buildings from the Reconstruction period are works of art in their own right, such as the Guérinière water tower, designed by Guillaume Gilet, or the Church of Saint-Julien, designed by Henry Bernard. Its elliptical shape evokes the Christian symbol of the grain of wheat. The walls, built of reinforced concrete, feature no fewer than 4,500 small, multicoloured stained-glass windows
The architecture of Caen’s post-war reconstruction reflects a desire to reimagine the city in the mid-20th century; it offers visitors a wealth of points of interest to discover, particularly during guided tours organised by the tourist office. In 2021, the city of Caen was awarded the ‘Patrimoine de la Reconstruction’ label in Normandy.
Many artists who were deeply affected by the Battle of Normandy – including Yvonne Guégan – have depicted it in their works, some of which are on display in newly established venues.
Reconstruction around Caen
Hérouville Saint-Clair
During the Reconstruction, in 1961, the French state decided to build a new, modern town to the north-east of Caen. The old village of Hérouville was then renamed Hérouville-Saint-Clair. It gave working people in Caen accommodation in a completely new town. The “commuter town” was divided into modern districts around a building with the Town Hall and shops: the Citadelle Douce. The metal water tower in Hérouville-Saint-Clair, which was built in 1968, was given the “20th Century Heritage Label” in 2007. The water tower is lit up at night and towers above Hérouville-Saint-Clair. It is a real symbol of the new town!
La SMN
Based in the towns of Colombelles and Giberville, the SMN (Société Métallurgique de Normandie) metal-working company was founded in 1912. It played a major role in the Reconstruction of Caen. After surviving the First and Second World Wars, the local metal industry underwent a real renaissance, creating many new jobs. The plant employed over 6000 people, some of whom lived in a company town located on “The Plateau” near the factory. Guided visits are organised by members of the SNM Memory and Heritage association to see the electricity workshop, the duty desks and the cold room, and to share the history of this remarkable example of a company town.
