Bayeux in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe
La Rue Saint-Jean
Rue Saint-Jean
— Bayeux, la Qualité a ses Racines —
On trouve dans la rue différents bâtiments remontant au Moyen Age, caractérisés par leur façade formée d'un haut pignon triangulaire (n° 15-17-37). La plus imposante de ces demeures se situe au fond de l'impasse des n°51 et 53. Il s'agit d'un manoir de la fin du XVe siècle. Il possède une puissante et haute tour d'escalier de forme carrée à laquelle est accolée à partir du deuxième étage une tourelle cylindrique. On trouve à sa base une tête sculptée, seule fantaisie de cette habitation qui est l'une des rares demeures monumentales du faubourg.
Un blason, orné d'un croissant de lune encadré de trois étoiles, placé au-dessus d'une fenêtre située à l'entrée de l'impasse, indique la présence en ces lieux d'une famille noble. Son identification reste un mystère; il a cependant donné son nom à l'impressionnant manoir du fond de la cour.
La halle aux grains, implantée à l'angle de la rue aux Coqs, est formée d'un bâtiment datant de la première moitié du XIXe siècle qui conserve le même emplacement depuis le Moyen Age. Le roi saint Louis, au XIIIe siècle, fit donation de la halle-au-blés, aussi appelée Tripot, aux religieux chargés de la gestion de l'hôtel-Dieu (hôpital) qui en tiraient un revenu conséquent. C'est ici que se vendaient autrefois les céréales récoltées dans le Bessin, riche terroir agricole dont Bayeux est la capitale commerciale et administrative.
The name of this street has changed down the ages, originally indicating the craft activities of this district. From the 17th century it became known as Rue Saint-Jean after the patron saint of the most densely populated and poorest parish in the city, of which it was the centre.
In this street we can find several buildings from the Middle Ages, characterized by their facades framed by a tall triangular gable (n° 15-17-37). The most prestigious of these dwellings is situated at the end of the cul-de-sac between n° 51 and 53. This manor house has a powerful, tall square-shaped staircase to which a cylindrical tower, with a small sculptured decorative head, has been added from the second floor.
A coat of arms, embellished with a crescent moon framed by three stars, indicates that a noble family once lived here.
The grain market, located on the corner of the Rue aux Coqs, consists of a building dating from the first half of the 14th century and the market has been on the same site since the Middle Ages. This is where the cereal crops harvest in the Bessin area, a rich agricultural region with Bayeux as its capital, used to be bought and sold.
Erected by La ville de Bayeux. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the France - Bayeux - Circuit du Vieux Bayeux series list.
Location. 49° 16.576′ N, 0° 41.969′ W. Marker is in Bayeux, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. Marker is at the intersection of Allée de l'Orangerie and Rue Saint-Jean on Allée de l'Orangerie. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 46 Rue Saint-Jean, Bayeux, Normandie 14400, France. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Autour des Augustines (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Le Quartier du Pont Saint-Jean (about 120 meters away); L'Ancien Seminaire (about 210 meters away); Le palais Episcopal (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); L'Aure (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Le Rempart Gallo-Roman (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Un édifice du Xe siècle (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Les Abords du Chevet de la Cathédrale (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bayeux.
More about this marker. The caption on the upper right picture reads:
Décor de la tour de l'hôtel du Croissant
Scenery of the tower at the Hotel du Croissant (Crescent)
The caption on the lower right picture reads:
Le blason ayant donné son nom à l'hôtel du Croissant
The coat of arms gave the Hotel du Croissant its name.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2015, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2015, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.