› Around Port-Bail
COTENTIN WINDMILL
The Lande windmill is located at Fierville les Mines. It was built in
the 18th Century. It was restored in 1997 and is equipped with a Breton
system which enables the miller to move the sails without having to
stop the mill.
Demonstrations take place every day in the summer.
Closed on Mondays in May, June and September. Open on Wednesdays and at
weekends in winter. On-site hostel with Norman specialities, groups
welcome. Bookings: +33 (0)2 33 53 38 04.
Website: www.cotedesisles.com, tourism/windmill section.
CANVILLE LA ROCQUE AND ITS FRESCOS
This is an authentic village nestled in the hills of the Cotentin and
Bessin natural marshland park. Rich with history, it has kept its
traditions and maintained its ancient stones. Take a look around the
village square and discover its old wooden cider press. Enter into
Canville la Rocque's church of St Malo. The frescos portray the legned
of the "pendu dépendu" (The hanged man unhanged) which were drawn on
the walls at around 1520. These frescos reflect the importance of the
pilgrimage to St Jacques of Compostela in Galicia, Spain. They tell the
story of a family of German pilgrims who had stopped over at a hostel.
A servant was making passes at a son who was pushing them away. In an
act of revenge, she accused the son of theft and so he was hanged. When
returning from Galicia, the son's parents found him still alive.
This site is not to be missed!
THE OMONVILLE CHURCH
The ruins of this church can be found in the old village of Omonville
la Foliot. More than just a church, this is represents the memory of a
village and of a local lord as you will discover.
There was already
a 12th century church that existed here. This one however dates back to
1759. When the village area merged with neighbouring Denneville, it
fell into disuse. The ruins have been maintained through the commitment
of the locals alone. Here lies the tombstone of Pierre Marie Eustace
d'Omonville, the last Lord of Omonville and first Mayor of Denneville.