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During the Battle of Normandy, 23 Canadian soldiers were executed at this 12th-century abbey on the outskirts of Caen; a memorial garden now commemorates them. The partially ruined abbey church is a fine example of Norman Gothic architecture.
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There is a marvellous view of the abbey, its creamy 18th-century buildings nestling in the lush valley, as you enter the village from the south on the D39. The 18th-century refectory has been converted into a simple church, where its founder’s sarcophagus lies sunk beneath the altar.
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The monks of this small community welcome guests on retreat, and host summer concerts in their handsome 18th-century abbey.
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Like their founders William and Matilda, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Abbaye-aux-Dames (the first of the two to be built) are close cousins. The lovely convent buildings were designed by Guillaume de la Tremblaye.
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Lanfranc was the first abbot of the abbey, which was founded by William the Conqueror and consecrated in his presence in 1077. Ten years later, William was buried, most unceremoniously, in the abbey’s church, St-Etienne.
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Nobleman who renounced his former life and founded the Trappists in 1664.
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The château’s sumptuous interior has portraits of Napoleon and Wellington, confronting one another across the Waterloo Room. A hot-air balloon museum is housed in the stables.
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This glorious Baroque masterpiece, a frothy pile of pink brick and pale stone floating on its glassy moat, is perfectly complemented by the formal gardens that surround it.
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The monumental staircase is the star at this impressive yet charming Neo-Classical château.
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The interior of this handsome château set in an English-style park is graced by superb woodwork, tapestries and Empire furniture.
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Bayeux Medieval FestivalBayeux hosts its magnificent Medieval Festival. In a swirl of colour, noise and smells, the town is filled with crazy jesters, acrobats, jugglers, fair damsels and brave knights. Read more
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ArmadaDuring the Armada, international tall ship crews join together to pay tribute to the French navy of old, by sailing from Rouen down to the Seine estuary in magnificent ships. Read more
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Figaro RegattaThe top event on the local sailing calendar is the annual Figaro Regatta, known as La Solitaire due to the solo nature of the competition, is one of the longest, most challenging and famous... Read more
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American Film FestivalWhere else but the glamorous and chic resort of Deauville to hold a film festival to rival Cannes? Once a year a fairly liberal sprinkling of Hollywood stars descend on the town to première their... Read more
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