First published September 7, 2016 Our midweek photo post is of an old abandoned farm we found along an overgrown lane, in the Orne, Normandy. At the entrance a brick house with shutters raised high above the ground looks out over a quiet valley of orchards and grass. Traditional stone farm
Château, manoir & other architectural gems
The Footballers and forgotten château de Tancarville – a story of heritage in danger
An impossible match.... First published February 3, 2018 High on the cliffs above the River Seine in Normandy is an imposing old château . Here history stretches back to the 11th century and the first Dukes of Normandy. Tancarville was home to Raoul I Fitzgerald, trusted friend of Robert, first Duke of Normandy. Raoul would
The terrible tale of the Ravalet children, from Tourlaville
First published October 2016 A million footsteps have covered those made by Marguerite and Julien de Ravalet, growing up in Le Château des Ravalet long ago, but their scandalous story will never disappear. Theirs is a true story so shocking it shook 17th century society and stained the name of Ravalet forever.
Travelling salesman for the souls in purgatory – from Montligeon
First published 7 October 2017 Driving through the mellow villages and pretty countryside of the Perche Ornais (south Normandy), to see La basilique Notre-Dame de Montligeon is something of a surprise. Standing very tall against the ancient Perche forest, the basilica was constructed in dramatic gothic style just over 100 years ago. Why
