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Photo: Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
second largest pilgrimage site in France
The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse of Lisieux is a Catholic church and minor basilica dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Located in Lisieux, France, the large basilica can accommodate 4,000 people and, with more than two million visitors a year, is the second largest pilgrimage site in France, after Lourdes. Pope John Paul II visited the Basilica on 2 June 1980.
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Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Lisieux
one of Normandy's first Gothic buildings
The history of Boutemont castle dates back to around 1000, when a rudimentary military tower was built on a mound to control the lower Touques valley. During the Norman era, successive lords of Boutemont built their home nearby, the origin of the current castle buildings. From 1405 onwards, the Boutemonts were succeeded by other noble families who added to the castle during the 16th century. In 1697, the Le Bas family took over Boutemont during the reign of Louis XIV, building the stone and brick facade of the main building, and opening the wall towards the gardens. Over time, the castle fell into ruin, and was bought by the Drouilly family in 1915. They commissioned famous landscape gardener Achille Duchene, who transformed the surrounding park and gardens.
Guided tour of the calvados distillery and aging cellars followed by pommeau and calvados tasting and a visit to the shop.