Falaise - This small town, the Birthplace of William the Conquerer, lies some 35km South-East of Caen and was almost totally destroyed during the first Allied victory following “D.Day” in 1944. Prior to the liberation of Paris. Despite the destruction it’s worth a visit to see the medieval fortress where William planned the invasion of England in 1066, and the memorial in the St.Prix Chapel in the castle. There’s a statue of William himself in the main square.