Abbaye de cerisy la foret

Built by Robert, father of William the Conqueror in 1032 on the site of a 6th century building.

Superb example of Norman architecture and stunning inside, perhaps because it is largely empty. I’m not religious but the building has quite an impact.

Anyway, it has been threatening to fall down for several centuries and part was pulled down to save on maintenance costs.

This was half way through our day’s cycle further south into Normandy and very nice it was too.

My family name has a Norman derivation so maybe there’s a link way back.

It would seem attractive to live here but it’s so quiet, even in summer. Many villages have lots of closed shops but still the bar tabac, the boulangerie and sometimes the charcuterie survive. I guess supermarkets and widespread car use have put an end to some of the local shops.