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The visitors are not aware about this architectural heritage and Caen has many private twon houses, which which symbolize the economic and cultural prosperity of the city during the 17th century called at this time the "Norman Athens".
A private town house was in the France of bygone days, a vast, detached townhouse. These urban dwellings took on such a great scale that they can almost be considered as the equivalent of small châteaux. During the Renaissance, these dwellings adopted an antique décor. The most beautiful of these buildings, constructed generally between the courtyard and the garden and preceded by a monumental doorway or an arched entry leading out into the street, were built in the classical style.
Hôtel d'Escoville
Place Saint Pierre
The severe façade overlooking the public road harbours one of the most typical private town houses of the 16th century. In the courtyard, loggia, high roofs, lanterns and skylights are characteristic of the Italian Renaissance. Devastated in 1944, the hotel underwent major restoration work and is today the head office of the Caen Tourist Office.
Hôtel de Than
Rue du Maréchal Leclerc
Built a little before l'Hôtel d'Escoville, circa 1520-1525, this hotel also attests to how Caen was during the Renaissance. The characters of its flamboyant style are recognisable thanks to the pitches of windows decorated with crockets and animals. Today, the hotel houses an Information and Recruitment Centre for the National Gendarmerie.
Hôtel de Mondrainville
Rue de la monnaie
Mr Etienne Duval de Mondrainville had this residence built, which was subsequently destroyed in 1944. The cour de la Monnaie gets its name from the privilege obtained by the King, in 1550, to be able to mint coins. The Pavillon de Plaisance is all that remains today, visible from place Pierre Bouchard.
Hôtel de Colomby
6, rue des Cordeliers
This private town house belonging to the Colomby family and built in the 16th century was extended at the turn of the next century with a large house on the street. Its high roofs, square corbelled turret and door, the only visible elements from the street, give it an austere and defensive appearance.
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Hôtel d'Escoville
Hôtel d'Escoville
Hôtel d'Escoville
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