Prieuré Saint Michel du Bosc, Cotentin, Normandy
At the beginning of the 12th century, Richard de La Haye was kidnapped by pirates. Under these circumstances, he made a promise. If he were to regain his freedom, he would have religious buildings built on his land. And so it happened, he escaped. Together with his wife, Mathilde de Vernon, Lady of Varenguebec, he founded the priory of Saint-Michel-du-Bosc in Lithaire. A place for work and contemplation: ora et labora. Since 1153, Le Prieuré Saint Michel du Bosc was a Benedictine women's house, run for centuries by a long line of prioresses, until the French Revolution. It was above all a refuge for dissident women, condemned by the king. This area was then part of the lordship of Varenguebec. The former priory is now located in the municipality of Lithaire, on the edge of Varenguebec, near the land of de Bosc. Today it has its own street name: Rue de Saint Michel du Bosc. There is only one address: our house.
A charming estate with a rich history
After the French Revolution, religious buildings were confiscated by the state. The priory became a farm. But it remained an important house in the region. At the beginning of 1944, the "farm" of Saint-Michel du Bosc was the command post of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment and its medical antenna. We recently discovered the remains of this after opening a secret, walled-up room. There we found crates full of American ammunition. The police and fire brigade took everything away. You will find Saint-Michel du Bosc in the heart of the triangle of Caen, Mont-Saint-Michel and Cherbourg, on the border of the departments of Manche and Calvados in the Regional Natural Park "des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin". An idyllic, centuries-old estate with a rich history in Normandy, amidst peaceful nature, silence and rural beauty.
A micro-village in rural tranquility
Locus Amoenus Saint Michel du Bosc is a rare gem. It is actually more of a hamlet, a small settlement with several detached buildings, an orchard, a vegetable garden and a private pond, situated on 6 hectares of wooded meadows in rural tranquility. This micro-village, nestled in the heart of the Cotentin, is connected on one side by a courtyard overlooking the garden with a landscaped courtyard, herbaceous beds and a large pond. From the court on your leftside you have view on Mont Castre. With a rich history and beautiful scenery, this ancient quarry houses remains from the Neolithic, Gallo-Roman and Middle Ages. On the other side, overlooking the old stone wall, you have a view of the Marais. A little further away, on clear days, you can see the sea.
An oasis of space and tranquility, in the heart of Normandy
Retreat and recharge
The former priory became a farm, but remained a secluded refuge. Less prayer, just as much labour. Today, the place still feels special. It is no longer a farm, but a lovely place. Locus Amoenus. You feel the good energy flowing, which makes you completely relax. The location is ideal for various activities. Here you can work in peace, relax, retreat, gather friends and family around you and find inspiration. Walking along the quiet and endless beaches, just fifteen minutes away, gives you the feeling of being completely embraced by nature. Cherbourg-en-Cotentin is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in France, Beach Le Rozel, Known for its wide expanse of soft, white sand and clear, turquoise water. Making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Other must-visit beaches are Beach de Vauville and Plage de la vieille Eglise, Barneville-Carteret.
Heritage, culture and nature
You are close to attractive sights and beautiful historic villages such as La Haye-du Puits, Port-Bail, Sainte-Mère-Église and Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte with its medieval castle.
Mont Castre, 2 kilometres away, at 130 metres high, offers a breathtaking view of the Cotentin. If you like hiking, you can walk for days on the many capes along the coast. The city of Bayeux, rich in culture and of course the famous Musée de la Tapisserie is nearby, just as the lovely historic capital of Contention Coutances with the Notre-Dame Cathedral, an example of Norman Gothic art. Both Saint-Malo, a maritime cave of wonders and Le Mont Saint-Michel are must-visits at one and a half hour drive. De latter ofcourse the world-famous tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
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