Normandy Heritage

Normandy Heritage

Introduction From the reign of William the Conqueror through to D-Day, Normandy’s heritage and history have been turbulent. These historic events have left a rich heritage of cathedrals, abbeys, castles, museums, historic buildings, churches, chapels, manor houses, war sites, cemeteries and memorials.  Many of the cathedrals, abbeys and castles were built in the 11th and…

12th Century Normandy 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…

The Abbey in Hambye

The Abbey in Hambye

This photo of the abbey in Hambye is another favourite from my photo collection. The abbey is a medieval Benedictine monastery that was founded in 1145. This photo is taken from the apse of the abbey church. You can see the flying butters structures overhead and also the church’s tower. There’s no roof to the…

Historic Workshop Courtyards in Villedieu-les-Poêles
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Historic Workshop Courtyards in Villedieu-les-Poêles

The picturesque view above is one of 35 historic workshop courtyards to be found in the Normandy town of Villedieu-les-Poêles. This particular courtyard is called the Cour du Foyer (or the Furnace Courtyard) and houses the pan maker’s museum and the lace-making house. It’s one of the prettiest courtyards and is situated at the top…