Valognes's a commune in the Manche department in Normandy in northwestern France. It lies on the Merderet river, southeast of Cherbourg. History The town was built not far from the Roman town of Alauna or Alaunia, from where the town derives its name. It was a fortified stronghold under the Norman dukes and French monarchs. Also here, William the Conqueror received the news that the barons of Cotentin and Bessin were conspiring to kill him, enabling him to escape to Falaise. Edward III of Engla… (More on Valognes)