Paris1972-Versailles2003

This was a find on a previous passing thru and now finally was town, I like to tell you about the marvels of quant old Pont-L’Evêque. The town of Pont-l’Evêque is in the department of Calvados no 14 of the region of Normandie in my belle France. I came along the D579 road from Honfleur, this time, See my other post on the town in my blog, These are remnants picture found in my cd rom vault that should be in my blog for you and me, Therefore, let me tell you about the curiosities of Pont l’Evêque, part II !! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

This charming little town is at the confluence of the 3 rivers: Touques, Calonne and Yvie. In the Middle Ages, the city became an important administrative seat of the Viscount of Auge. Even if Pont-l’Evêque was destroyed at almost 65% in August 1944, during the battle in WWII ,that liberated the city, you will discover a rich and varied heritage. You will find in the rue Saint-Michel and rue de Vaucelles, colorful half-timbered houses, some are also carved. The Place du Tribunal is a concentrate of the history of the city: the former convent of Dominican sisters , the fountain, the old court, the archives of the Viscount of Auge, and the old prison.

The place Jean Bureau is named after Jean Bureau, mayor of Pont-l’Évêque from 1939 to 1944 then from 1953 to 1977. At the bottom of the place Jean Bureaux you have the tourist office,see Norman style building afar.

The Touques is a coastal river of Normandy ; it bathes Pont-l’Évêque and flows into the English Channel between Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer, Here is City center by the D675 bridge. You can see the Church Saint Michel chevet (see post).

In City center there is a lavoir or washouse now only for decoration , It is in the garden of the Dominicans, Cultural Space and Art Library , The Dominicaines is a temporary exhibition space with a rich and eclectic program. With monographic and collective exhibitions, varying the media and materials, this place aims to share the views on art, in particular through cultural mediation workshops and guided tours. Since 2002, the Dominicaines has offered an art library, which gives you the opportunity to take current and contemporary art home with you with a subscription.

The prison of Pont-l’Évêque was opened in 1823 it was particularly known as « La Joyeuse Prison » or the joyful prison, of the title of André Berthomieu’s film with Michel Simon and Darry Cowl released in 1956, which is inspired by history , A guardian chief leaving a little too much freedom to prisoners. Before that, it made the big title of the newspapers by being the theater of the escape of the famous prisoner Renée La Canne in 1949, .The city of Pont-l’Evêque now values ​​this place by setting up guided tours, theatrical visits, thematic events or the opening to artistic practices. The old prison also serves as a set of filming for films or TV movies. If you want to know the history of this building that has remained intriguing, visits are provided by reservation by the Dominicans, cultural space and art library (see above).

The town of Pont l’Evêque on its heritage: https://www.pontleveque.fr/decouvrir/patrimoine/

The local Terre d’Auge tourist office on the heritage of Pont l’Evêque:  https://www.terredauge-tourisme.fr/fr/decouvrir/le-patrimoine/pont-l-eveque/

There you go folks, another dandy off the beaten path of my belle France, These are road warrior towns because we passed rather quickly, glad we stop by it, worth the detour we like it, Again, hope you enjoy this post on curiosities of Pont l’Evêque , part II as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!