Canton Vimoutiers INSEE/Postal code 61508 /61120 Population 4,418 (1999) Population (2012)2 3,675 | Region Normandy Time zone CET (UTC+1) Area 16.15 km² Local time Monday 7:17 PM Arrondissement Argentan | |
 | ||
Elevation 92–236 m (302–774 ft)(avg. 134 m or 440 ft) Weather 18°C, Wind W at 8 km/h, 47% Humidity | ||
Vimoutiers is a commune in the Orne department in north-western France.
Contents
Map of 61120 Vimoutiers, France
The finish line of the Paris–Camembert bicycle race is Vimoutiers.
History
In 1040 while besieging a nearby Norman castle, Alan III, Duke of Brittany died suddenly in Vimoutiers, then a possession of the Duchy of Normandy. His death was thought to be caused by poisoning.
On 14 June 1944, during the Battle of Normandy, Vimoutiers was bombarded by Allied forces. The village was destroyed and 220 people died.
A Second World War German Tiger tank is exposed on the outskirts of the city. It is one of six remaining in the world.
The beautiful and strategic location of Vimoutiers attracts numerous tourists for sporting events, recreation and overnight rest. Modern hotels and small restaurants cater to visitors.
Name
The name 'Vimoutiers' is a contraction of 'Vie', the name of the small river which runs through the town ('vie' means 'life'), and 'Moutiers', a French word which means 'Monastery'. This name is derived from the fact that there was once a monastery present on the site, near the banks of the river 'Vie.
Notable people
Vimoutiers was the birthplace of Joseph Laniel (1889–1975), politician of the Fourth Republic.
Twin towns
Vimoutiers is twinned with: