Caen has a history stretching back 1,000 years. The city originated from an island fortified by the Normans at the confluence of the Orne and Odon rivers. The city suffered severely during the World War II and was largely destroyed. A large part of the historic buildings had been destroyed, which is why the city centre now consists mainly of new buildings, with a few exceptions.

The Maisons a Pans de Bois are two historic half-timbered houses that remained intact despite the violence of war. These half-timbered houses date from the early 16th century. Nowadays the houses have been restored as a three storied townhouse. Due to their renovation, it was possible to date the oak used in their construction to the year of 1513.

The Maisons a Pans de Bois were listed as historic monuments in 1947.