It is on the Caen-Rouen road, close to Cabourg, what is the William the Conqueror Art Village. Located in the city center of Dives-sur-Mer, about 200 m from the medieval halls, it opens the doors to a small world where medieval and Renaissance styles come together in the most incredible of combinations.

A village of art in Normandy

Père montrant à sa fille une sculpture sur la devanture de l'office de tourisme de Dives-sur-Mer
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You will find the entrance to the village at the intersection of rue d'Hastings and rue Gaston Manneville. A splendid facade in limestone and a checkerboard of black and gray flint will welcome you. After passing under a carved stone skylight framed by two volutes, you will discover the interior courtyards.

Cour Louis XIV, Cour des Evangélistes or Cour de la Pucelle and Cour Jacques Bracquemond follow one another in the interior of the village. 

From the Court of Louis XIV, the walls in half-timbered and decorative furniture dating from the XNUMXthe and XVIIIe centuries set the tone. Sundial, wood carvings, statues of Louis XIV or Saint-Georges slaying the dragon are among the elements that make this place incredible. The experiment continues in the second courtyard. The statues of Saints John, Luke, Mark and Matthew sit there in imperturbable silence. Above the porch leading to the last courtyard stands a sculpture of William the Conqueror.

The third courtyard has been renamed “Jacques Bracquemond” in memory of the painter-engraver who had his studio there for 30 years. The wrought iron that covers the well was made according to his plans. We also owe him the entire graphic identity of the village of Guillaume Le Conquérant.

Craft shops

The Guillaume le Conquérant Art Village is also an opportunity to discover the work carried out by the village artisans. Between two snacks, give yourself a little time, observe the architectural details that have still remained discreet and speak with these men and women who will be happy to show you their know-how.

A guided visit ?

Previously, the art village was a former post house, the oldest parts of which date from the end of the XNUMXth century.e century. The astonishing transformation visible today is Mr Le Remois, a collecting innkeeper, that we owe her. If you want to find out more about the anecdotes around the village, come and register for our guided tour.

A tourist office guarding a treasure over 500 years old

Façade de l'office de tourisme de Dives-sur-Mer
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The tourist office is located in the Louis XIV courtyard, opposite the large stone table. It is held in the former reception room of the inn of Monsieur Le Rémois, the innkeeper-collector who is at the origin of the splendid transformation of the village.

Inside is a copy of some scenes from the bayeux tapestry but also a treasure over 500 years old: the Musician Angels. These are stained glass windows representing 8 musician angels each playing a different instrument, listed as Historic Monuments since 1888.

Want to know the little story around the discovery of this little treasure? So come and have a look at the tourist office!