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The Cotentin Inland |
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| Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte A good example of a castle built near a bridge so that the local Vicomte could gather tolls from anyone who wanted to cross the river. Saint-Sauveur also has a convent still occupied by an order of nuns (Sainte Marie-Madeleine Postel). The Abbey dates from the 12th century, the castle from the 14th.
Blanchelande A premonstratensian Abbey founded in the 12th century and once very influential; its dependent churches include that at Sainte-Mère-Église, and it even had a daughter house in Lincolnshire, England. The Abbot's house, now a private dwelling, dates from the 18th century. The abbey complex is surrounded by a moat, and most of the monastic buildings can still be seen, including a vaulted refectory. There are still occasional pilgrimages to the Abbey and to a shrine in the woods. The dainty little mill house, across the road, is let as a holiday cottage.
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Valognes has been called 'The Versailles of
the Cotentin', which is a bit of an exaggeration; but it is a fine old
town with a number or aristocratic hôtels, notably the Hôtel de
Beaumont, where if you ask nicely Madame la Comtesse will show you round.
The church, however, was partially destroyed in 1944, and partially
restore in the 1950s, The restored bits are hideous. There is also
an old hospital with a much nicer chapel attached.
Bricquebec A fine market town with a magnificent part-ruined castle. inside whose bailey there is a hotel and restaurant.
Crosville sur Douve The Château de Crosville retains a 15th-century tower, but was mostly built in the 17th century. It was bought in 1980 by the Lefoi family, who restored it just in time to save it from ruin. Their daughter Michèle still runs the château and the farm, and puts on regular exhibitions, mostly concerned with local history.
Liesville-sur-Douve: Chèvrerie de la Huberdière Here you can visit a working goat farm, witness the milking and buy fresh, fresh cheese.
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