FATOUVILLE-GRESTAIN
Former Abbey of Notre Dame de Grestain
Religious buildings
Follow the footsteps of William the Conqueror and visit a former Norman abbey located by the Seine Estuary.
Seven kilometres (4 miles) away from Honfleur, in the heart of Normandy, the former Abbey Notre-Dame de Grestain was founded by Herluin de Conteville circa 1050. His wife, Arlette, mother of William the Conqueror, was buried with Herluin in the choir of the abbey church, which is now destroyed. Their son Robert, William the Conqueror's step brother, was also buried there. You will be able to see some interesting remains of the former Abbey including the really beautiful 12th century medieval room, on which was built a house to host the chaplain after the destruction of the buildings in 1757. You will also see the chapel rebuilt in the 18th century and the surrounding wall, which includes parts that date back to the Middle Ages. The site is open all year round and provides guided tours, lectures, plays, literary events and exhibitions.
Seven kilometres (4 miles) away from Honfleur, in the heart of Normandy, the former Abbey Notre-Dame de Grestain was founded by Herluin de Conteville circa 1050. His wife, Arlette, mother of William the Conqueror, was buried with Herluin in the choir of the abbey church, which is now destroyed. Their son Robert, William the Conqueror's step brother, was also buried there. You will be able to see some interesting remains of the former Abbey including the really beautiful 12th century medieval room, on which was built a house to host the chaplain after the destruction of the buildings in 1757. You will also see the chapel rebuilt in the 18th century and the surrounding wall, which includes parts that date back to the Middle Ages. The site is open all year round and provides guided tours, lectures, plays, literary events and exhibitions.
