Founded in the twelfth century, the Abbey d'Ardenne takes place Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, next to Caen, in the heart of Calvados. It was originally part of the Norbertine order, and became the fourteenth century the first Norman abbey of this order because of its important cultural influence.
Largely destroyed by bombing in World War II in 1944, the site has undergone extensive restoration in 1996 before hosting the Institute's Memory Editing Contemporary, IMEC, which aims to collecting and preserving the archives entrusted by publishers, authors, artists and other researchers.
Opened in 2004, this website including an incredible equipped library in the old abbey church and hosts many cultural events throughout the year with exhibitions, symposia and other artistic events.
Labeled Cultural Center meeting by the Ministry of Culture, the Abbey d'Ardenne yet defies time at the heart of its hundred hectares, far from any urbanization, revealing white stone buildings and beautiful gardens where stroll.
