Aubigny: History, Funerary Art and Limestone

If you are considering Aubigny as a destination, you can choose places to visit based on your interests in local subjects such as architectural history, funerary art, or the history of limestone and a protected natural area. When planning, it is important to distinguish historical significance from accessibility. A well-known attraction does not necessarily mean that you can visit its interior.

Travel by NOMAD line

NOMAD line 118 connects Caen and Falaise, serving Aubigny along the way. If this connection is an option for you, check the timetable before travelling.

Château d’Aubigny: architectural history and exterior views

Château d’Aubigny was built in the first half of the 17th century for the Morell-d’Aubigny family. Its grounds include a chapel, a dovecote, Bretèches and outbuildings. A moat surrounds the château, and avenues of beech trees lead from the road to Caen to the château. These features show that the design of the surroundings, as well as the main building, is part of the architectural story. The château is privately owned and is not open to visitors. The main façade can be seen from the D658, and the rear from the D6.

Funerary statues and inscriptions

The “Orants des seigneurs d’Aubigny” are six kneeling funerary statues of the lords of Aubigny. As historical objects, they have been protected since 25 July 1902. Inscriptions on the tomb slabs record the deaths of Raven de Morel in 1592 and Gabrielle de Riant in 1587. The protection status, which dates from 1902, should be distinguished from these earlier dates of death.

Quarry history and nature conservation

The underground quarries of Saint-Pierre-Canivet and Aubigny were in use from the 14th to the 20th century. Limestone from Caen was extracted there and used to produce the white stone Pierre d’Aubigny. The Anciennes carrières souterraines de Saint-Pierre-Canivet et d’Aubigny are also a Natura 2000 site under the Habitats Directive. The site protects four species covered by nature conservation directives. The caves are not open to the public. The history of extraction and the protected status offer two different perspectives on the area: it is both a record of industrial use and a protected natural area. The period from the 14th to the 20th century describes the quarrying activity, whereas the Natura 2000 designation refers to the nature conservation status.

Houses and farms spanning several centuries

Aubigny’s historic houses and farms also include buildings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. While the château was built in the first half of the 17th century, the period represented by the houses and farms extends into the 19th century. This broadens the focus from a château complex to several building types and successive centuries.

The three cultural and historical subjects appeal to different interests: the château highlights its patrons and architectural ensemble; the Orants, funerary figures and inscriptions; and the houses and farms, building periods spanning several centuries. When planning, you can therefore take into account the different conditions of viewing the château from the road and the caves’ non-public access.

Discover more destinations: Trouville-Sur-Mer, Victot-Pontfol, Épinay-sur-Odon, Estry, Cahagnes, Sainte-Honorine-Des-Pertes, Géfosse-Fontenay, Saint-Aubin-Sur-Mer

For the main travel overview: Calvados.