Lucerne abbey
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12th Century Normandy Abbey

Lucerne Abbey is a 12th century Normandy abbey. The photo below is taken from the gatehouse.

The abbey is a Premonstratensian monastery that was founded in 1143. The village of La Lucerne-d’Outremer sits in the triangle between the towns of Granville, Avranches and Villedieu-les-Poêles.

The building in the photo is the magnificent abbey church. Over the centuries it was destroyed at least three times. Many of the outbuildings also suffered the same fate.

The abbey’s saviour was Abbé Marcel Lelégard, a young Normandy abbot. He bought the ruins together with Pirou chateau located further north in La Manche region. Restoration work began in 1959 with the abbey church being the first building to be re-built.

The extensive restoration programme has continued over the decades. There is still more work to be done but what’s been achieved is simply remarkable. Take a look at the video below for a glimpse of the abbey church and refectory. Take the time to look up at the ceiling refectory that looks like a ship’s hull. If you visit Pirou castle you can also see a similar ceiling in one of the chateau buildings.

This is just one example of a 12th century Normandy abbey. Discover more heritage sites in the Insider’s Guide. There are another six abbeys or castles featured in this Normandy heritage article.

For more information visit the Lucerne abbey website.

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