Lessay Abbey in Normandy

Lessay Abbey is an 11th century Benedictine monastery in Normandy. It was built in the Romanesque style and features an early example of the rib vault.

The abbey church was founded in 1056. It suffered enormous damage in 1356 during the Hundred Years War. The damage was repaired and it survived until 1944. It wasn’t damaged by the bombings in the region following D-Day. But it was destroyed by fleeing German troops. It was, however, rebuilt in exactly the same style.

The abbey church is free to visit every day between 10am and 6pm. You can find it on 5 rue du Hamet in Lessay. There’s parking nearby.

Lessay Abbey is only open to the public on a few days each year. It is featured on the programme for a heritage weekend that takes place in September each year. This year (2019) the Journées des Patrimoine will be held on 21st and 22nd September. Groups can also organise a private tour via the Côte Ouest Manche Tourisme tourist office website.

You can take a look at the abbey church in this video.