Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Duchy of Normandy with this meticulously detailed map crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map, titled 'Normandia Ducatus' or 'Duchy of Normandy' in English, provides an in-depth look at the political divisions and regions during a pivotal time in French history.
As you explore this map, you will find the historically significant city of Caen, the capital of the Calvados department in the region of Normandy. Known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who is buried there, and for the Battle for Caen—heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, causing much destruction to the city.
Le Havre, a major port located on the right bank of the estuary of the river Seine, is also highlighted on this map. The city was rebuilt after being completely destroyed during World War II and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roen, the historic capital city of Normandy, known for its Notre-Dame cathedral, is also featured prominently.
You will also find Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, a maritime city on the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula. Cherbourg harbour is one of the largest artificial harbours in the world. The city was a strategic stronghold during World War II and the German fortifications, built to prevent Allied naval bombardment, are still visible today.
Finally, the map showcases the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, a vast and biodiverse region that spans across the Orne and Mayenne departments. This area, known for its rolling hills, deep forests, and picturesque rivers, is a testament to the natural beauty that Normandy has to offer.
This exquisite map offers not only a geographical perspective but also a unique historical insight into the Duchy of Normandy. It's an essential piece for any history enthusiast or lover of cartography. Explore the intricacies of this map and embark on a journey through time to the Duchy of Normandy in 1690.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Duchy of Normandy
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Caen - Known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror. It was a significant location during the Battle of Normandy in 1944.
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Le Havre - A major port located on the right bank of the estuary of the river Seine. The city was rebuilt after being completely destroyed during World War II and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Roen - The historic capital city of Normandy, known for its Notre-Dame cathedral.
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Cherbourg-en-Cotentin - A maritime city on the northern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula. Cherbourg harbour is one of the largest artificial harbours in the world.
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Dieppe - A coastal community in the Arrondissement of Dieppe in the Seine-Maritime department. Known for its strategic significance during the Anglo-French Wars.
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Evreux - The capital of the department of Eure, it was a prosperous city during the Roman era.
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Alençon - Known for its lace-making tradition, it's the capital of the Orne department.
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Rouen - Known for its Notre-Dame cathedral and as the place where Joan of Arc was executed.
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Bayeux - Home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England.
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Avranches - Known for the Scriptorial d'Avranches, a museum dedicated to the Mont Saint-Michel manuscripts.
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Falaise - Birthplace of William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England.
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Lisieux - Known for its rich religious history and as a pilgrimage site.
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Vire - Famous for the Vire River Valley and its gastronomy, particularly andouille sausage.
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Coutances - Known for its Gothic cathedral and the annual Jazz sous les pommiers festival.
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Saint-Lô - Known as "The Capital of the Ruins" after being almost entirely destroyed during World War II.
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Argentan - Known for its heavy involvement in the Battle of Normandy during World War II.
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Honfleur - Known for its picturesque old port, characterized by its houses with slate-covered frontages.
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Pont-Audemer - Known as the "Venise Normande" (Norman Venice) due to the canal network that branches off the Risle river.
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Bernay - Known for its timber-framed houses typical of the Normandy region.
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L'Aigle - Known for its vibrant weekly market that has been taking place since the Middle Ages.
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Verneuil-sur-Avre - Known for its rich history and well-preserved medieval district.
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Mortagne-au-Perche - Known as the "capital" of the Perche natural region.
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Domfront - Known for its medieval ruins and charming old town.
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Conches-en-Ouche - Known for its 11th-century castle and Sainte-Foy church.
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Pont-l'Évêque - Known for its cheese of the same name.
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Louviers - Known for its Church of Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of the Flamboyant Gothic style.
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Elbeuf - Known for its history in the textile industry.
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Gisors - Known for its castle and the Templar's Church.
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Eu - Known for the Château d'Eu and its beautiful gardens.
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Fécamp - Known for its Benedictine Palace, where the famous Benedictine liqueur is produced.
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Montivilliers - Known for its Abbey Church, one of the most important monastic sites in Normandy.
Notable natural phenomena and boundaries:
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The Seine River - One of the major rivers in France, flowing through Paris and into the English Channel at Le Havre.
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The Cotentin Peninsula - Known for its beautiful coastline and the charming towns of Cherbourg and Barfleur.
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Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park - A vast and biodiverse region known for its rolling hills, deep forests, and picturesque rivers.
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The Bay of the Seine - A major body of water in the English Channel, known for its rich marine life.
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The Alabaster Coast - Known for its white cliffs, including the famous cliffs of Étretat.
Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690:
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The Siege of La Rochelle (1627-1628) - A major event during the French Wars of Religion, it marked the peak of Huguenot power in France.
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The Fronde (1648-1653) - A series of civil wars in France during the minority of Louis XIV, it was a reaction to the centralization of power in Paris and the royal court.
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The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685) - This event led to the large-scale persecution of Huguenots and a major exodus of Protestants from France.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but
it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for
larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.