Aunay-sur-Odon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aunay-sur-Odon
Part of Les Monts d'Aunay
Coat of arms
Aunay-sur-Odon Location in France Show map of France Aunay-sur-Odon Location in Normandy Show map of Normandy
Country	France
Region	Normandy
Department	Calvados
Arrondissement	Vire
Canton	Les Monts d'Aunay
Commune	Les Monts d'Aunay
Area 1	12.74 km2 (4.92 sq mi)
Population  (2019)	3,188
• Density	250.24/km2 (648.1/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Postal code	14260
Elevation	98–307 m (322–1,007 ft) (avg. 123 m or 404 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Aunay-sur-Odon (pronounced like "oh-nay soor oh-don") was once a small town, or commune, in the Calvados area of Normandy, a region in north-western France. On January 1, 2017, it joined with other towns to form a new, larger commune called Les Monts d'Aunay.

This town was recognized for its beauty, earning "two flowers" from a special group called the National Council of Towns and Villages in Bloom.

Exploring Aunay-sur-Odon: Geography and Location

Aunay-sur-Odon is nestled at the base of the Armorican Massif hills, right by the Odon river. This river starts just a few kilometers away. The town is in a special area called the Pre-Bocage, which is a mix of different landscapes. It's between the flat plains of Caen, the Bessin region, and the Bocage virois (a countryside with lots of hedges and small fields).

The town is a meeting point for several local roads. It's about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Villers-Bocage, 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Caen, and 31 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Vire. Roads like the D8, D6, and D54 connect Aunay to many nearby towns and villages.

The Odon river flows through Aunay-sur-Odon from west to north. It's part of the larger river system of the Orne. Smaller streams, like the Douvette and the Ruisseau du Val Boquet, also flow into the Odon here.

The highest point in the commune is about 307 to 310 meters (1,007 to 1,017 feet) high, located in a wooded area to the south. The lowest point is 98 meters (322 feet) where the Odon river leaves the commune to the north. About one-eighth of the area is urban, meaning it has buildings and streets. The southern part is covered in forests, and the rest is Bocage countryside.

Aunay-sur-Odon has an oceanic climate, which means it has mild temperatures and rain throughout the year, similar to other parts of western France. It gets about 950 millimeters (37 inches) of rain each year.

Neighbouring Towns and Villages

	Saint-Georges-d'Aunay	Longvillers	Bauquay
	La Bigne		Bonnemaison
		Aunay-sur-Odon
	Ondefontaine	Roucamps	Hamars

Understanding the Name: Toponymy

The name "Aunay" comes from an old word, Alnus, which means "alder tree". Alder trees are common in this area.

In 1895, the town officially added "sur-Odon" to its name, becoming Aunay-sur-Odon. This means "Aunay on the Odon," showing its connection to the Odon river that flows nearby.

A Glimpse into the Past: History of Aunay-sur-Odon

Aunay-sur-Odon has a long history, dating back to the Gallo-Roman era. It was an important spot because old roads from places like Vieux to Avranches and from Bayeux to Condé-sur-Noireau crossed here.

A famous old story, the Roman de Rou, mentions a Lord of Alnei who helped William the Conqueror take over England. There are still remains of his 12th-century castle, which was used until the Hundred Years War and later destroyed.

In 1131, an abbey was built in the town. An abbey is a type of monastery where monks or nuns live. This abbey was badly damaged during the wars of religion many years later.

A railway line opened in 1886, connecting Caen to Aunay-sur-Odon and later to Vire. However, passenger trains stopped running in 1938, and eventually, the whole line was closed. Today, a street called Rue de la Gare (Station Street) reminds people of the old railway.

Aerial photo during the bombing of Aunay-sur-Odon

Aerial photo after the bombing of Aunay-sur-Odon

During World War II in 1944, Aunay-sur-Odon was heavily bombed by Allied forces. Because it was a crossroads between important cities, it became a target. On June 12, planes destroyed the town center, and many people died. A few nights later, more bombs completely destroyed the town. Almost nothing was left standing, except for a damaged bell tower. More than a quarter of the people living there were killed.

After the war, the town was rebuilt very quickly. The first stone for the new town was laid in 1947, and the reconstruction was finished by 1951.

Heraldry: The Town's Symbol

The coat of arms for Aunay-sur-Odon has a pattern of 12 red and silver stripes. This design is called Barry of 12 Gules and Argent.

How the Town Was Run: Administration

Aunay-sur-Odon Town Hall

Aunay-sur-Odon had a town council made up of 23 members. These members included the mayor and six deputy mayors. The mayor is the leader of the town, similar to a president for a country, but on a local level.

List of Mayors from 1924

Police Services

A special police unit called the Mobile Gendarmerie (EGM 24/3) has a base in Aunay-sur-Odon.

Schools and Learning

Aunay-sur-Odon has a nursery school for young children and a public elementary school. For older students, there is the Charles Lemaître College, which offers general and vocational education.

Twinning: Friends Across Borders

Aunay-sur-Odon has special "twinning" relationships with two other towns:

• Holsworthy in the United Kingdom, since 1976.
• Mömbris in Germany, since 1989.

These partnerships help people from different countries learn about each other's cultures.

Population Changes: Demography

The people who live in Aunay-sur-Odon are called Aunais (for males) or Aunaises (for females) in French.

Demography is the study of how populations change over time. The table below shows how the number of people living in Aunay-sur-Odon has changed through the years.

What to Do: Economy and Tourism

Aunay-sur-Odon is part of the Bocage Normand tourist area, which is known for its beautiful countryside. You can take guided tours of the town from the local tourist office. There are also trails for hiking and biking, especially as it's a starting point for exploring Norman Switzerland, a scenic area with hills and valleys.

Places to See: Sites and Monuments

The Church of Saint-Samson.

• Aunay Abbey: You can still see the remains of this old Cistercian Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century.
• Motte-and-bailey castle: These are the remains of an old type of castle, built on a mound of earth.
• Church of Saint Samson: This church was rebuilt in the 20th century. The original church was almost completely destroyed during the bombings in 1944. The new church, finished in 1952, has beautiful artwork created by four different artists.

Fun Things to Do: Activities and Events

• Flowery City: The town is known as a "flowery city" because it has received two "flowers" in a competition for beautiful towns and villages.
• Cultural Season: The AIPOS association organizes cultural events each year, including music, theater, and dance shows. Some shows are free, while others require a ticket.
• Cinema Paradiso: This is a local movie theater that shows the latest films.

Sports and Clubs

• Athletic Union of Aunay-sur-Odon: This club has a soccer team that plays in a regional league.
• Sports and Leisure Club of Aunay-sur-Odon: Since 2007, this club has been the sports club for the Mobile Gendarmerie Squadron.
• Athletics Club (ALAVE): This club has been helping young people with athletics for over 40 years. They are especially known for their hammer throwers, who have competed in national championships.
• Aunay VTT: This club is for people who enjoy mountain biking (VTT stands for Vélo Tout Terrain, which means all-terrain bike).

Famous People from Aunay-sur-Odon

• Xenophon Hellouin (1820-1895): A painter and museum curator.
• Paul Jules Tillaux (1834-1904): A well-known surgeon and expert in anatomy.
• Charles Lelong (1891-1970): An athlete who won a silver medal in the 400 meters at the 1912 Summer Olympics.
• Gordon Zola (born 1964): A writer known for his parody works.
• Anais Bescond (born 1987): A French biathlete, which is a sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

Images for kids

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  Aerial photo during the bombing of Aunay-sur-Odon

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  Aerial photo after the bombing of Aunay-sur-Odon

See also

In Spanish: Aunay-sur-Odon para niños