Falaise Castle was originally built in the 10th century and was the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Normandy.

Guillaume Peuerel, The Conqueror, was born in this castle in Falaise, Normandy, France. His father was Robert the Magnificient, Duke of Normandy. His mother was a tanner's daughter named Arlette. When Duke Robert saw her washing her linen in a stream at Falaise (now called Arlette's fountain), he took her to his castle and she became his mistress. Thus Guillaume was born. Outside the castle entrance is a statue of the Conqueror.

The castle was fortified through many years by the The Dukes of Normandy, the Angevin Kings and the Kings of France. The Square Keep was built by King Henry I.

The casts of the tombs of Henry II, his wife Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and their son Richard I were placed in the castle chapel.

The walls of Falaise Castle have survived many conflicts and they still stand today. There are only traces of the original castle remaining. World War II caused considerable damage to the castle. It has since been repaired.

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