Coutances Cathedral was consecrated in 1056 at a ceremony attended by William Duke of Normandy (William the conqueror). The building was commissioned by Bishop Geoffroy de Montbray and was built in the Norman style. The bishop accompanied William to England in 1066 and returned with gifts for the cathedral. In 1247 the present cathedral was […]
Tag archives: NormandyActivities
The bell foundry at Villedieu-les-Poêles in Normandy
The bell foundry at Villedieu-les-Poêles was opened in 1865 and is still in production today. The eight bells in the photo were made for the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and were put on public display before being installed in 2013. You can visit the workshop in Villedieu for a guided tour in either French, […]
Foire aux Plantes in Coutances
The last 2 weeks in October are an opportunity to visit the botanical gardens, the garden centre and what remains of the dahlia show. The fair is held at the agricultural college where students learn their various trades. Yesterday was a beautifully sunny day, although some sections of the garden were beginning to see the […]
A relaxing holiday in Normandy
Although the October holidays are almost over, it's the ideal time to explore Normandy. Everywhere will be quieter, even Mont St Michel, which can be busy during the summer holidays. It's Normandy's most popular visitor attraction and well worth a visit. Posted by Chris at www.normandygiteholidays.com #NormandyGiteHolidays #NormandyActivities #montstmichel #normandyabbey Check this out on […]
Stud farm in Saint Lô
The Haras National de Saint-Lô in Normandy is a horse stud farm set just outside the centre of the town. Built in 1806, the magnificent stables have a very distinctive and rather elegant exterior. The majority of the stables were destroyed during the bombings which St Lô endured during the second world war. Around 95% […]
Abbey de la Lucerne in Normandy
There’s still time to visit the abbey before it closes at the beginning of November for the winter period. Built in the 12th century, it has undergone an extensive restoration programme. There are several buildings to explore on the site including the charming gatehouse seen from the abbey grounds. Post and photo by Chris at […]
Family friendly activities in Normandy
If you're visiting Normandy on holiday, check out some of the activities you and your family can enjoy. From mini farms, adventure parks and aquariums, discover how to spend your time here. http://bit.ly/1LDKnXD Post by Chris at https://normandygiteholidays.com #NormandyFor Families #NormandyActivities Check this out on Google+
La forêt des elfes
A family friendly activity in Cérences, in Normandy. Thrills and spills as you negotiate the high rise walks 30 metres above ground or try out one of the zipwires. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Gothic Cathedral in Coutances
The Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in Coutances was built in the 13th century. The lantern tower shown in the picture below is designed to provide an intense source of light in the centre of the cathedral. The circle at the centre is meant to represent Heaven, while the earth is the square, and the octagon […]
The most beautiful ruin in France
This is how victor Hugo described Jumièges Abbey, a benedictine monastery in Normandy, situated between Rouen and Le Havre. Founded in 654 by Saint Philibert, it was destroyed in 841 by the Vikings and again during the Hundred Years War. Although it prospered, the French Revolution, saw its decline and parts of the buildings were […]