La Terrasse d'artillerie, Scenic viewpoint in Caen, France.
La Terrasse d'artillerie is an elevated viewing platform running along the castle walls with paved walkways and benches for stopping. From here the city and surrounding neighborhoods spread below, revealing how the fortress sits within the modern town's geography.
The fortifications grew after English attacks in the 14th century and were rebuilt in the 16th century when an earthen mound for cannons was added. These changes show how defense tactics evolved to keep pace with new military technology.
The information panels here recall the terrace's role as a gathering point where residents once observed their surroundings and connected with the city's defense. This elevated platform bridged military function with daily civic life in a way that shaped how people experienced their town.
The site is accessible year-round and the paved paths are easy to walk, though surfaces can be slippery after rain. The views shift throughout the day and with weather conditions, so visiting on clearer days gives better sightlines across the city.
Excavations beneath the present platform uncovered remains of a medieval house from the 14th century and an even older stone quarry from the 11th century. These buried layers reveal how the purpose of this place transformed across several centuries.
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