#hambyeabbey

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Hambye abbey

Day 17 of my Normandy Advent Calendar in which I share some of my favourite things about Normandy. Hambye abbey was founded in 1145 and was a Benedictine monastery. It prospered in the 13th century but gradually slowly slid into a decline. The last monks left the monastery several years before the start of the French revolution. The abbey was then put up for sale and the outlying buildings used for agricultural purposes. Sadly stone from the church was quarried from 1810 onwards and the majority of the cloister was dismantled. In the early 20th century it was listed as an ancient monument, bought privately and has been the subject of a huge restoration project. Although the church is partly ruined, the magnificent pillars remain and the architecture is still breathtaking. Many of the adjacent monastic buildings including the refectory, dormitory, kitchen and chapter house remain intact. Well worth a visit.

Post and photo by Chris at Normandy Gite Holidays #normandyadventcalendar #hambye #hambyeabbey #normandyabbey #gothicabbey

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[Duplicated:253510] Hambye Abbey

Hambye Abbey is a delightful 12th century abbey just a few minutes drive from Hambye in Normandy. It was once a thriving monastery but fell into decline with the last monks leaving shortly before the French revolution.

It's set in a valley in a calm and tranquil site of natural beauty. Despite being quarried, the abbey church ruins exude peace and serenity - perhaps due to the setting.

The buildings are extensive and many of them are intact having being restored. A room above the gatehouse as well as the Lay Brothers' House often house exhibitions and tell the history of the abbey.

My favourite building is the Chapter House where the monks met every morning to read an extract from the Rule of Saint Benedict. They also dealt with the abbey's daily business and heard confessions.

The cloister occupies the space between the church, the Lay Brothers' House, the monk's accommodation and the refectory. It was a space for prayer, meditation and reflection. Today, very little of it remains except for 6 small columns but it boasts a small well-tended garden.

It's open every day except Tuesdays from April to September but closes at lunchtimes. In July and August it opens on Tuesdays as well. Guided tours of around an hour are also available. See the website for more information and opening hours.

It is a stunning site and I'd buy a season ticket if I could! The restoration programme is a triumph. Despite the fact that the monks have long gone, I always feel as if I'm walking in their footsteps as I discover the environment they lived, worked and prayed in. I'd recommend a visit to Hambye Abbey and to tempt you here's a drone view showing some of the abbey's gothic architecture in all its glory.

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/the-abbey-near-gavray/

The Abbey Near Gavray

Hambye Abbey is a delightful 12th century abbey just a few minutes drive from Hambye in Normandy. It was once a thriving monastery but fell into decline with the last monks leaving shortly before the French revolution.

It's set in a valley in a calm and tranquil site of natural beauty. Despite being quarried, the abbey church ruins exude peace and serenity - perhaps due to the setting.

The buildings are extensive and many of them are intact having being restored. A room above the gatehouse as well as the Lay Brothers' House often house exhibitions and tell the history of the abbey.

My favourite building is the Chapter House where the monks met every morning to read an extract from the Rule of Saint Benedict. They also dealt with the abbey's daily business and heard confessions.

The cloister occupies the space between the church, the Lay Brothers' House, the monk's accommodation and the refectory. It was a space for prayer, meditation and reflection. Today, very little of it remains except for 6 small columns but it boasts a small well-tended garden.

The abbey is open every day except Tuesdays from April to September but closes at lunchtimes. In July and August it opens on Tuesdays as well. Guided tours of around an hour are also available. See the website for more information and opening hours.

It is a stunning site and I'd buy a season ticket if I could! The restoration programme is a triumph. Despite the fact that the monks have long gone, I always feel as if I'm walking in their footsteps as I discover the environment they lived, worked and prayed in. I'd recommend a visit to Hambye Abbey and to tempt you here's a drone view showing some of the abbey's gothic architecture in all its glory.

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A Bird's Eye View of One of Normandy's Finest Abbeys

The abbey at Hambye is very popular with the majority of my guests. It's only 15 minutes away so perfect for a relaxing hour or two just wandering around. The abbey church is lacking a roof but what remains is magnificent and it's not too difficult to imagine how it would have looked. Many of the outbuildings are intact including the chapter room, refectory, kitchen and dormitory. The permanent exhibition tells the story of the abbey including how it was built and the daily life of a monk. There's often a temporary exhibition - the most recent one featured medieval sculptures.

This video gives you an aerial view of the abbey.

https://youtu.be/YDqZUh6ht3M

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/the-abbey-near-gavray/

The Abbey Near Gavray

Hambye Abbey is a delightful 12th century abbey just a few minutes drive from Hambye in Normandy. It was once a thriving monastery but fell into decline with the last monks leaving shortly before the French revolution.

It's set in a valley in a calm and tranquil site of natural beauty. Despite being quarried, the abbey church ruins exude peace and serenity - perhaps due to the setting.

The buildings are extensive and many of them are intact having being restored. A room above the gatehouse as well as the Lay Brothers' House often house exhibitions and tell the history of the abbey.

My favourite building is the Chapter House where the monks met every morning to read an extract from the Rule of Saint Benedict. They also dealt with the abbey's daily business and heard confessions.

The cloister occupies the space between the church, the Lay Brothers' House, the monk's accommodation and the refectory. It was a space for prayer, meditation and reflection. Today, very little of it remains except for 6 small columns but it boasts a small well-tended garden.

The abbey is open every day except Tuesdays from April to September but closes at lunchtimes. In July and August it opens on Tuesdays as well. Guided tours of around an hour are also available. See the website for more information and opening hours.

It is a stunning site and I'd buy a season ticket if I could! The restoration programme is a triumph. Despite the fact that the monks have long gone, I always feel as if I'm walking in their footsteps as I discover the environment they lived, worked and prayed in. I'd recommend a visit to Hambye Abbey and to tempt you here's a drone view showing some of the abbey's gothic architecture in all its glory.

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/hambye-abbey-my-favourite-abbey-near-gavray/

Hambye Abbey - My Favourite Abbey Near Gavray

Hambye Abbey is a delightful 12th century abbey just a few minutes drive from Hambye in Normandy. It was once a thriving monastery but fell into decline with the last monks leaving shortly before the French revolution.

It’s set in a valley in a calm and tranquil site of natural beauty. Despite being quarried, the abbey church ruins exude peace and serenity – perhaps due to the setting.

The buildings are extensive and many of them are intact having being restored. A room above the gatehouse as well as the Lay Brothers’ House often house exhibitions and tell the history of the abbey.

My favourite building is the Chapter House where the monks met every morning to read an extract from the Rule of Saint Benedict. They also dealt with the abbey’s daily business and heard confessions.

The cloister occupies the space between the church, the Lay Brothers’ House, the monk’s accommodation and the refectory. It was a space for prayer, meditation and reflection. Today, very little of it remains except for 6 small columns but it boasts a small well-tended garden.

It’s open every day except Tuesdays from April to September but closes at lunchtimes. In July and August it opens on Tuesdays as well. Guided tours of around an hour are also available. See the website for more information and opening hours.

It is a stunning site and I’d buy a season ticket if I could! The restoration programme is a triumph. Despite the fact that the monks have long gone, I always feel as if I’m walking in their footsteps as I discover the environment they lived, worked and prayed in. I’d recommend a visit to Hambye Abbey and to tempt you here’s a drone view showing some of the abbey’s gothic architecture in all its glory.