My Top 10 Abbeys and Castles in Normandy
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My Top 10 Abbeys and Castles in Normandy

These are just some of the abbeys and castles in Normandy I’ve visited. They’re all located in La Manche region of Normandy. I’ve chosen five abbeys and five châteaux and they’re all equally impressive. Abbeys Mont St Michel This is on most of my guests’ to-do lists while they are here. This iconic abbey is…

Lace Making and Metalwork Crafts in Normandy
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Lace Making and Metalwork Crafts in Normandy

Lace making and metalwork are just two of the crafts that were once practised in Villedieu-les-Poêles in Normandy. The town is most famous for copper and a number of shops today sell a wide range of copper items. Brass and pewter were also worked here. Pot makers, tanners, coppersmiths, salt merchants, lace makers, spinners, embroiders…

Hambye Abbey
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Hambye Abbey

Hambye Abbey is a delightful 12th century abbey just a few minutes drive from Hambye in Normandy. It was once a thriving monastery but fell into decline with the last monks leaving shortly before the French revolution. It’s set in a valley in a calm and tranquil site of natural beauty. Despite being quarried, the…

A Day Out in Lucerne

A Day Out in Lucerne

A young priest from Normandy succeeded in restoring a magnificent abbey that had been destroyed on three previous occasions. Lucerne Abbey was founded in the mid 12th century. It was destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War and also during the Religious Wars. During the French Revolution a wealthy local ship owner bought the abbey and…