Heritage

The Abbey in Hambye

ByChris Robinson 12/12/201906/01/2022

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 church and the walls that would have been at the entrance are also missing. However, the walls of the nave, the north and south transepts, the chancel and the apse still remain. It’s sorry state is because it was quarried when it fell into decline.

Fortunately, the majority of the abbey buildings remain intact. The gatehouse houses the ticket hall, shop and an exhibition room. Other buildings include the refectory, dormitory, lay brothers house, chapter room and the kitchen. A doorway from the south transept leads into the remains of the cloister. Take a look at the drone footage to see all the abbey buildings.

Hambye abbey in Normandy

Heritage | Towns and villages

A Tour of Coutances Cathedral

ByChris Robinson 25/06/201810/01/2022

Guided tours of the upper galleries of Coutances Cathedral can usually be booked throughout the summer. They are also offered during the school holidays. In the summer there is often a tour in English once a week. French tours are available every day in both the morning and the afternoon. The tours last around an…

Towns and villages | What to see and do in Normandy

The October Gavray Fair

ByChris Robinson 14/10/201930/09/2022

Looking for ideas for what to do during October in Normandy? A weekend in mid to late October is when La Foire Saint-Luc. The fair is held just outside Gavray and is a typical Normandy country fair. More than 600 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors are usually expected over the three days. The fair is one…

Food And Drink | What to see and do in Normandy

Normandy Cider Trail

ByChris Robinson 22/11/201906/01/2022

Following a Normandy cider trail is really easy with an app you can download on your phone. The app has been developed by the Clos du Cotentin Tourist Office. It covers a 60km route in the Cotentin which is an area in the north of La Manche region. The towns of Valognes and Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte are…

Normandy | What to see and do in Normandy

A Normandy Water Mill In a Beautiful Setting

ByChris Robinson 13/09/201808/01/2022

This chocolate-box Normandy water mill in Rethoville dates from the 18th century. It’s in the north east of La Manche region of Normandy between Cherbourg and Barfleur. Originally called la Coudrarie water mill it’s now known as the Marie Ravenel water mill. This is in homage to the miller’s daughter and celebrated poet who lived…

Normandy

What To Do In Villedieu-les-Poeles

ByChris Robinson 18/02/201911/01/2022

For inspiration of what to do in Villedieu-les-Poeles, visitors can take a look at the latest tourist guide. It’s produced in English and French and includes a map of the town to help you to plan your trip. A new version is printed each year to make sure it includes up-to-date information. Villedieu is an…

Heritage | Towns and villages

Lace Making and Metalwork Crafts in Normandy

ByChris Robinson 31/08/201810/01/2022

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…