At the bustling camping site, I parked near the valley without an ocean view for the night, making sure to plug in for electricity to recharge my camera gear. The next morning, despite feeling weak, a good breakfast revitalized me, preparing me for an exciting day ahead. On day two, I set my sights on visiting the historic city of Fécamp.

The captivating story begins in 1510 at the Abbey of Fécamp, where a Benedictine monk named Dom Bernardo Vincelli concocted a secret elixir with remarkable success. Lost after the French Revolution, the recipe resurfaced in 1863 when Alexandre Le Grand, a Fecamp wine merchant, rediscovered it. Under Le Grand’s expertise, the elixir was transformed into a luxurious liqueur, and the magnificent Palais Bénédictine was erected to house this extraordinary distillery.

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey to the Palais Bénédictine, a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel and the exclusive home of Benedictine liquor production. This breathtaking building seamlessly blends Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance styles, offering an unparalleled experience as both a production facility and a captivating museum.

Step into the enchanting Plants & Spices Room, where you will immerse yourself in the aromatic symphony of the 27 carefully selected ingredients that constitute Benedictine. Delve into the original recipe, revealing the division of the 27 plants & spices into 4 distinct preparations, each yielding 4 exceptional spirits. Marvel at the magnificent hammered copper stills, the birthplace of the magic that defines Benedictine. Witness the meticulous blending of these spirits, known as alcoholates, before they mature within the Palace’s storied cellars, housed in exquisite oak tuns.

The recipe remains a closely guarded secret to this day. Only three copies exist, each hidden in a distinct location across the globe.

The inner city of Fécamp is absolutely stunning. It was pleasantly quiet, allowing me to leisurely capture photos of the charming old buildings. Among them was the beautiful church of Saint-Étienne. Historical Background: Referenced in a charter of Duke Richard II in 1017-1025, this church may even predate that. The reconstruction was initiated by Antoine Bohier, the Abbot of Fécamp (1505-1519).

Unfortunately, the church suffered a fire in 1563. In the 19th century, it became one of the two parish buildings, and significant restoration work was carried out, including the unfinished cross tower. The exquisite stained glass windows (1882-1886) were crafted by Jules Boulanger. In 1912, lightning struck one of the church’s four bell towers, resulting in a new, distinct appearance. The building was officially designated as a historical monument in 1921.

The church exuded a warm and welcoming ambiance, and I savored the opportunity to capture its essence through my photographs.

After a peaceful moment of silence, I resumed my journey through the city and encountered the captivating ruins of Palais Ducal. The Château de Fécamp, an ancient castle dating back to the 10th century, now stands in a state of glorious decay, designated as a historical monument since October 26, 1910.

The castle’s site suffered significant damage in the 19th century due to the construction of a railway trench. However, subsequent excavations have unveiled the construction plan and revealed two distinct phases: an initial wooden structure succeeded by a stone construction that incorporated the 11th-century rampart. The palisade enclosure, reconfigured during Richard II’s reign, likely featured at least one rectangular wooden flanking tower. During the 12th century, a square-plan dungeon, now vanished, fortified the castle’s architecture. Positioned directly across from the Trinity Abbey, the castle’s exterior remains a captivating sight.

Trinity Abbey, also known as the Holy Trinity Abbey, is a remarkable monastery with a fascinating history. According to legend, the monastery was built from the trunk of a fig tree that washed ashore on the beach of Fécamp, containing the Precious Blood of Christ. The abbey church, a large Gothic structure of exceptional length (127 meters), boasts interior decorations from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the tabernacle of the Precious Blood and the sculpture of the Dormition of the Virgin.

The abbey enjoyed royal protection and held authority over numerous possessions in Normandy and beyond. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and religious heritage.

More info https://www.fecampclick.fr/trinite.html

The awe-inspiring church left me in silent reverence as I leisurely made my way back to my camping spot, seeking respite next to the invigorating ocean breeze. Strolling through the city center, I was struck by the profound historical significance of Fécamp during World War II.

Fécamp played a crucial role as a point of support for the Atlantic Wall. During the First World War, Fécamp served as a garrison town for the Belgian army, which was exiled to Sainte-Adresse near Le Havre. Following its occupation by the Germans in June 1940, Fécamp became home to an essential radar station at Cap Fagnet and a German military hospital carved into the cliff. The town suffered significant destruction when the retreating German army demolished its port facilities on August 30, 1944, marking Fécamp as a national priority for the reconstruction of its port infrastructure.

Discover the bunkers nestled in the dunes just next to my camping space.

As the stroll came to an end, I marveled at the rich history of a small town previously unknown to me. The day was truly beautiful, and I couldn’t resist capturing more images with my iPhone.

Behold the stunning sunset captured from the side where I parked, marking the end of a wonderful day at the French Coastline. Immersed in the local culture, I am grateful for this experience and hope you find the images as captivating as I do.

 

Thank you and good night!