Photos, videos and docs of Jaap van 't Veen, with the keywords: "Normandië"

France: Blangy-le-Château, Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:22:13 +0000

The Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité (Church of Our Lady) was built in the 15th century. The church replaces an earlier Romanesque building, destroyed during the Hundred Years War. Two hundred years later, the nave, which had suffered considerable damage, was restored.The three-storey bell tower served as a porch. The Church of Our Lady also houses several classified furniture items, such as a master altar, altarpieces, statues, stained glass and paneling. The stained-glass window above the altar is dating from the late 15th century, depicting the genealogy of the Virgin Mary..

France: Ouilly-le-Vicomte, Château de Boutemont

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 07:15:42 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Château de Boutemont (Boutemont Castle) is dating back to the 11th century, when it was built as a military fort during the Norman invasion of England. Over the centuries, the estate passed through the hands of several noble families. The castle as it stands today dates from the 16th century. Since 1927, it has been listed as a Historic Monument.

The castle is surrounded by beautiful themed gardens: Italian Garden, White Garden, Zen Garden, Ginkgo Garden and the Purple Garden.

France: Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:25:16 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The first Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet (Castle of Saint-Germain-de-Livet) was built in the 12th century. It was a pentagonal defensive fortress, made of stone and surrounded by a moat.

In 1462 the owners - Tourneby family - decided to destroy the old fortress, except the basement and the drawbridge. They erected on its foundations a half-timbered manor made of cob and wood. During the Renaissance, a magnificent extension was added, with an arcaded gallery and the famous checkerboard facades of stone and green-glazed brick.

In the 19th century, it belonged to the Riesener family. The family’s last heir donated the castle/manor to the city of Lisieux in 1938. Today, it is a museum exhibiting the family’s heritage (not open during my visit there).

France, Le Breuil-en-Auge, Château du Breuil

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:22:22 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Château du Breuil (Breuil Castle) is a 16th cen¬tury renaissance castle, with significant developments extending into the 17th century. The castle is listed as a His¬tor¬ic Monu¬ment. It has served as the residence of several notable families.

The castle complex includes a main residential building, outbuildings, and formal gardens. The use of local limestone and timber framing in parts of the structure highlights regional building traditions. Breuil Castle does not retain medieval fortifications such as moats or battlements, yet its sturdy stone contribute to its imposing presence.

Since 1954, Château du Breuil has been recognized not only for its architectural heritage, but also as one of the most prestigious Calvados distilleries in Normandy.

France, Blangy-le-Château

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:58:41 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Blangy-le-Château is a picturesque village in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, was awarded in 2024 the official ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ label (mid 2026 there were 184 of such villages).

The village is well known for its many colourful half-timbered houses with architectural details, such as the old pharmacy with its carved woodwork, or the 16th century Auberge du Coq Hardi, one of the oldest and most opulent houses in the village (main image).

France - Fauguernon, Château de Combray

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 07:10:17 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The original Château de Combray (Combray Castle) was built in the 16th century. The present castle, in the Louis XIII style, dates from the mid-19th century. After 1965, the owner of the castle, who died unmarried, decided to bequeath the estate to the Pasteur Institute.

The castle is now owned by a private individual and not open to the public.

France, Château de Fauguernon

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:48:01 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Château de Fauguernon (Fauguernon Castle) is a historic site, featuring medieval ruins that date back to the 9th and 12th centuries. The site - located on a strategic point - was fortified against Scandinavian (Vikings) invasions. The castle was partly dismantled in the 12th and again in the 16th century by the governor of Normandy.

The ruins of the fortress retain the vestiges of a double wall whose enclosure was occupied by farming activities. The interior defence is formed by thick high walls reinforced by towers built on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by ditches.

I was lucky when taking the pictures. On Google Maps, it looks as though the farm buildings are the castle. But when I walked onto the grounds to ask the owner for permission to take photos, I was invited on a private tour – complete with a detailed explanation of the history – to the ruins of the original castle.

France: Hermival-les-Vaux, Château d'Hermival

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 06:46:18 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Château d'Hermival (Hermival Castle) is dating back to the middle of the 16th-century. The country house was remodeled in the 17th and 18th century under Louis XV. The facades have been listed as a Historic Monument since 1927, featuring distinctive corner pavilions in checkerboard pink brick and cut stone.

Originally owned by the noble Bosch family, it later passed to the Sisters of Bon Sauveur de Caen community, before being renovated in 2019 as a private event venue.

France - Lisieux, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:42:23 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Lisieux (Saint Peter’s Cathedral) was the seat of the Bishop of Lisieux until the diocese of Lisieux was merged in 1801 into the diocese of Bayeux.

Most probably there was already a church here in the 6th century. This is because a Bishop of Lisieux existed around that time. A previous cathedral, built in the Romanesque style, was unfortunately burned down in 1136. The basic shape of the church, especially the front part, stayed the same. Rebuilding of the cathedral started around 1160. In 1226, another fire damaged the cathedral. During the repairs three small chapels were added to the back of the church.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Lisieux survived World War II completely unharmed. This is quite amazing, as the town of Lisieux itself suffered from allied bombing in 1944.

France - Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:04:29 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux was founded in Romanesque-Byzantine style in memory of Sainte Thérèsede l’Enfant Jésus. Construction of the church began in 1929 and it was consecrated in 1954.

The walls and ceiling of the basilica are largely covered with marble and mosaics. These vibrant works of art, created by Pierre Gaudin, depict scenes from the lives of Christ and Sainte Thérèse. The absence of columns in the immense interior provides an unobstructed view for 4.000 worshippers.

France - Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:20:42 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux (Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse of Lisieux) was founded in Romanesque-Byzantine style in memory of Sainte Thérèsede l’Enfant Jésus. Construction of the church began in 1929 and it was consecrated in 1954.

The story of the Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse begins with the life of Thérèse of Lisieux, a young Carmelite nun who was canonised in 1925. Her popularity grew enormously and the need for a place of pilgrimage became apparent. In response, construction of the basilica began under the direction of the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and architect Louis Marie Cordonnier.

The design of the basilica is a mix of neo-Byzantine and Romanesque styles, inspired by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris. The building is constructed of reinforced concrete and a local type of granite. The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse has impressive dimensions: 104 metres long, 45 metres wide and a dome reaching a height of 97 metres. With an area of 4,500 m², it is the largest church built in France in the 20th century. The basilica can accommodate 4.000 worshippers.

The construction of the Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux faced many challenges, including financial constraints and the outbreak of the Second World War, but it was finally consecrated in 1954. Today, with more than 700,000 visitors, it has become the second most important place of pilgrimage in France.

France - Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:18:20 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

France - Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:23:48 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Basilique Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux (Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse of Lisieux) was founded in Romanesque-Byzantine style in memory of Sainte Thérèsede l’Enfant Jésus. Construction of the church began in 1929 and it was consecrated in 1954.

The story of the Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse begins with the life of Thérèse of Lisieux, a young Carmelite nun who was canonised in 1925. Her popularity grew enormously and the need for a place of pilgrimage became apparent. In response, construction of the basilica began under the direction of the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and architect Louis Marie Cordonnier.

The design of the basilica is a mix of neo-Byzantine and Romanesque styles, inspired by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris. The building is constructed of reinforced concrete and a local type of granite. The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse has impressive dimensions: 104 metres long, 45 metres wide and a dome reaching a height of 97 metres. With an area of 4,500 m², it is the largest church built in France in the 20th century. The basilica can accommodate 4,000 worshippers.

The construction of the Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux faced many challenges, including financial constraints and the outbreak of the Second World War, but it was finally consecrated in 1954. Today, with more than 700,000 visitors, it has become the second most important place of pilgrimage in France.

For images of the amazing interior see: www.ipernity.com/doc/294067/53107306

France - Lisieux, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:28:19 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Lisieux (Saint Peter’s Cathedral) was the seat of the Bishop of Lisieux until the diocese of Lisieux was merged in 1801 into the diocese of Bayeux.

Most probably there was already a church here in the 6th century. This is because a Bishop of Lisieux existed around that time. A previous cathedral, built in the Romanesque style, was unfortunately burned down in 1136. The basic shape of the church, especially the front part, stayed the same. Rebuilding of the cathedral started around 1160. In 1226, another fire damaged the cathedral. During the repairs three small chapels were added to the back of the church.

The cathedral is about 110 meters long. It is considered a national monument in France. The front of the building has three main doorways. Above these doorways are two towers. The tower on the south side was built in the 16th century; it has a tall, pointed spire. The north tower collapsed in 1554.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Lisieux survived World War II completely unharmed. This is quite amazing, as the town of Lisieux itself suffered from allied bombing in 1944.

France - Cambremer, Église Saint-Denis

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:29:27 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Église Saint-Denis (Church of Saint Denis) dates back to the late 12th century. It was consecrated in 1188 by Henri II, Bishop of Bayeux. Only the square Romanesque tower made of limestone remains from this period. The pyramidal roof is topped by an octagonal spire. The bell tower has been listed as a historic monument since 23 April 1921.

The church was largely rebuilt in the 17th century. In the 19th century, the church was renovated and enlarged: the nave was extended, a northern chapel was demolished and the cemetery was relocated. The church was given a new high altar and a sacristy and a new presbytery were built.

The interior of the church offers sixteen stained glass windows from the 20th century, evoking the history of the early Christians or historical figures such as Joan of Arc or Charlemagne.

France - Cambremer, Les Jardins du Pays d’Auge

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:23:58 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Les Jardins du Pays d’Auge (The Gardens of the Pays d’Auge) is one of the most beautiful gardens in France; they are classified as “Jardin Remarquable”.

The gardens are dating back to the year of 1994, when the owners bought a 3ha field next to their renovated farmstead. The project was very challenging since the abandoned field was covered in brambles, without a single tree or building. A landscape architect was called in to design the garden. The next three years the gardens and their Normandy-style buildings were constructed.

Nowadays the Gardens of the Pays d’Auge offer a series of beautiful themed gardens; like the Sun Garden, Moon Garden, Garden of Scents, Purple Garden and Garden of Angels. Throughout the gardens there are several half-timber buildings,which have been rescued by the owners from various stages of dereliction and moved to the gardens to be restored. One of them houses a small museum.

France - Château de Crèvecoeur

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:41:40 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Château de Crèvecoeur (Crèvecoeur Castle) is a unique example of a small rural country estate. The complex is surrounded by a moat and has retained its original layout in two parts.

The grounds feature a group of 15th- and 16th-century agricultural half-timbered houses: the farmhouse, dovecote, barn and a 12th-century chapel. In the upper courtyard, accessible via a bridge, the 15th-century residence is protected by a moat and a 12th century wall with defensive loopholes. A simple garden, a sheepfold, chicken coop, bread oven and pottery kiln complete the seigniorial estate.

The gatehouse originally was located at the former castle of Beuvillers (near Lisieux). It has been moved and is now used as a reception area and shop.

France: Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, market hall

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:12:06 +0000

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The market hall is an example of Norman medieval architecture and dates back to the 11th century. It was originally used by the Benedictine monks of the local abbey to sell their goods.

The market hall is 70 meters long and 20 meters wide and is among the largest halls in France. The structure was listed as a historical monument the 6 March 1889. The hall was completely destroyed by fire during the German withdrawal from the area in the summer of 1944 and was restored and inaugurated in 1949 in accordance with medieval construction techniques.

Nowadays the market hall still retains its commercial vocation by hosting the authentic Monday morning market and several annual fairs.

France: Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, Église Notre Dame de l’Epinay

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:34:09 +0000

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The Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives (Épinay was the original name of the town) was founded in the 11th century; the earliest records of the monastery date back to 1011, when Countess Lesceline - great-aunt of William the Conqueror - had her château transformed into a monastery to house a community of nuns. The nuns were soon replaced by Benedictine monks from Jumieges.

Consecrated in 1067, the church was destroyed in a fire almost fourty years later. The construction of a new church would begin two years later and took more than a hundred years to complete. The monument retains very few elements from its earliest days, since it was entirely rebuilt during the Gothic period, between the 13th and 15th centuries. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the abbey church was restored and rebuilt.

At the end of the French Revolution, the monastery was sold as national property and the abbey church was transformed into a parish church of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives. Remarkably, the town and the abbey were spared by the bombings at the end of World War II. The tall towers of the abbey church still dominate the town.

France - Caen, Église Saint-Georges

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:36:22 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Église Saint-Georges (Saint-Georges church) - located within the complex of Caen Castle - is first mentioned in a text from 1082. Elements from this period have been preserved in the church. There are traces of windows from the Romanesque period and the triumphal arch was rebuilt in the 1100s. The Gothic windows date from the 14th and 15th centuries, and the choir and door were rebuilt at the beginning of the 16th century.

Inside, the nave is covered with a wooden roof structure that was built during the Hundred Years' War. Archaeologists have dated this to the years of the English occupation, around 1435.
The wooden bell tower disappeared in the 19th century when the church was converted into a service building for the army. The church was severely damaged by bombing at the end of the World War II and was restored from 1948 onwards. The new stained-glass windows were installed after 1970.

Today, Église Saint-Georges is an information centre for the history of the castle and a reception area for the two museums of Caen Castle.