Douvres-la-Délivrande is a commune in the Calvados department, in the Normandy region, 14 km north of Caen.
Its territory of 10 km² is located slightly set back from the coast of the Côte de Nacre, and still has a predominantly rural character, agricultural crops representing 74% of its area.
For a time attached to Luc-sur-Mer, the hamlet of Délivrande, a place of pilgrimage known since the early Middle Ages, was integrated into Dover in 1839, and the town adopted its current name in 1961.
Fief Erected as a barony in the 11th century, a prosperous locality renowned for its market gardening, Dover developed even further in the 19th century with the railway linking Caen to the coast. The two entities, Douvres and Délivrande, to the northeast, were united in terms of urbanization during the course of the 20th century.
Affected by the fighting in 1944, especially since a German radar station was located in the city, Douvres-la-Délivrande is now a small town of nearly 5,500 inhabitants whose leisure and heritage offer, between Caen and the beaches, justify a detour during a stay in the region.
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Délivrande basilica is the heritage jewel of the town, which also has a number of sites protected as historical monuments.
A first chapel succeeding a pagan place of worship was built in the 7th century to welcome pilgrims who came to venerate a statue of the Black Madonna. During the Middle Ages, as famous as Mont-Saint-Michel, the site attracted considerable crowds, simple peasants or kings of France! The current basilica was built from 1854 in a neo-Gothic style typical of Normandy. We observe the high altar in marble and gilded bronze, the carved oak stalls, the white marble paving at the level of the choir. Destroyed in 1944, the stained glass windows have been replaced. Information on +33 6 07 36 13 14.
Nearby, the Notre-Dame de Fidélité convent established in the 19th century houses a superb chapel redecorated in the 1930s by the master René Lalique who, inspired by the place, designed glass roofs and objects sacred (tabernacle, altarpiece)… Visit by appointment on +33 2 31 37 30 17. Finally, still on Délivrande, to see, the old Louis XIII façade of the so-called Masters seminary (today a private college).
Then head to the center of Dover to discover the Domaine de la Baronnie, (near the church): center of power since the Middle Ages, we can observe in an enclosed space of three hectares the former country residence of the bishop of Bayeux. Today, a 14th century manor house, a 15th century barn and gatehouse, the remains of a chapel and outbuildings (farms) have been preserved. Sold during the Revolution, this coherent whole now belongs to the city. Cultural events are organized there as well as private receptions. Inquire on +33 2 31 36 24 24.
In a completely different area, the former German radar station established in 1942 and which was the subject of fierce fighting in 1944 (the site was only liberated on June 17, i.e. 10 days after the rest of the city!) has become a museum. We learn about the development of this new technological weapon at the start of the Second World War, and we can discover the installations of the garrison which protected the station (bunkers). Open daily in July and August, Tuesday to Sunday from April to early November and by reservation for groups the rest of the year. Price: 5 and 6.50 euros. Information on +33 7 57 48 77 32.
Still in terms of heritage, the parish church of Saint-Rémi, next to old houses in the historic center of Dover, has preserved a Gothic choir. Note that the bell tower, originally isolated from the building, has a Romanesque base but its spire is Gothic and has fine pinnacles at the corners. Inside, in the right chapel, you can see an altarpiece dedicated to Saint Laurent including a painted canvas from 1884 and you will notice an 18th century statue of Saint Régnobert facing the organ.
The Lesage pharmacy, built in 1901, under the Art Nouveau style, where revisited old styles mingle (Louis XIII style skylights, Louis XIV window console, Romanesque window, stair tower on the facade) and Nicely worked ironwork elements, or the town hall (former courthouse) dating from the beginning of the 20th century, are also worth mentioning.
Only a few kilometers from the landing beaches, the British military cemetery where nearly 1,000 Allied soldiers and 180 German soldiers are buried can conclude this rich overview.
During a stay, holidaymakers have a varied leisure offer at Douvres-la-Délivrande. In terms of culture, the Coeur de Nacre center hosts shows, plays and concerts throughout the year, as well as exhibitions. Information on +33 2 61 53 60 31. Animations are also scheduled at the library (contact on +33 2 31 37 24 51) and you can finally enjoy the cinema Le Foyer, managed by an association, labeled Art and Essay, and which satisfies all audiences. Price: 3.50 and 5.30 euros. Information on the program on +33 2 31 37 34 34.
On the sports side, the Pierre Roux complex houses football pitches, a hall dedicated to basketball and volleyball, but also tennis courts (to be reserved with the local club at +33 2 31 37 21 14).
Finally, even if the sea is close, the pools of the Aqua Nacre aquatic center and its fun or well-being facilities remain an option: information on +33 2 31 25 35 60.
For hiking enthusiasts, in addition to the paths along the vegetable crops but also the fields of violets (another local specialty), it is easy to reach the beaches (a few kilometers to the north) for long walks on the sand... Circuits have also been designed on the theme of the D-Day landings. Maps and information on +33 2 31 97 33 25.
