Leroy Tower

Caen’s medieval heritage makes it natural to come across a 14th-century fortified tower right in the centre of town, between bus stops and traffic queues. The Leroy Tower, also known as the Tour Guillaume-le-Roy, is built of Caen stone. Standing 79 metres high, it has 4 levels: a lower hall, two upper floors and a platform at the top. It is thought to have been built after the capture of Caen by the English in 1346. This victorious Anglo-Saxon attack was one of the first major battles of the Hundred Years’ War and a crucial moment in the conflict. King Edward III of England gained influence and the English gained a firm foothold in France for further retaliatory action. The tower you are looking at was certainly built to strengthen the town’s defences, intimidate opponents and underline the power of the new occupiers to the inhabitants. Back then, it was part of the fortifications and could be accessed from the city walls via external staircases. Located at the entrance to the Bassin Saint-Pierre, it was linked by a chain to another tower on the other bank, making it possible to block access to the port if necessary. This second structure, known as the Landais Tower, no longer exists. The Leroy Tower is a listed historic monument, but can only be visited on rare occasions, such as during Heritage Days.