In Eure, a former abbey offers a varied cultural program all summer long in the shadow of history.

Founded in 1050, the Fatouville-Grestain Abbey (Eure) has been linked for centuries to William the Conqueror and the history of Normandy . Now owned by the Wapler family, the remains are located on a four-hectare site, open free of charge to visitors. They can wander under a magnificent canopy of trees.

But the site isn't just a green lung surrounded by ancient stones. Every year, a strong cultural program is offered there, with concerts, conferences, tours, readings, and religious festivals. A dive into the memory of the place, but not only that.

For each appointment, it is recommended to reserve your place on the abbey website .

This summer's program begins on Saturday, July 12 at 6 p.m., with a lecture by Annick Polin, which will bring together literature and painting, on the theme of Saint Augustine's conversion to Christianity, as told by himself and revisited through three paintings exhibited in Normandy. Full price: 15 euros, reduced: 10 euros.

On Thursday, July 17 at 2:30 p.m., the Honfleur Tourist Office will organize a guided tour of the former Grestain Abbey, featuring "anecdotes and historical facts." Other tours will be organized on July 31, and then on August 14 and 28, at the same time. Full price: €6, reduced price: €4.

On Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m., Jacques Le Maho, a research fellow at the CNRS in Caen (Calvados), will give a lecture on the link between the founding of the abbey and a manuscript dedicated to Mont Saint-Michel . The researcher will thus establish a link between the Eure site and one of the most visited in France. Full price: 15 euros, reduced: 10 euros.

Saturday, July 26th, will be the Feast of Saint Benedict. After a reading of texts about the founder of the Benedictine order at noon, then a walk to the spring followed by its blessing by the town's priest at 12:30 p.m., a picnic with barbecue will be organized at 1 p.m. Admission is free.

On the same day at 8 p.m., and the following day, Sunday, July 27, at 4 p.m., actress Lorena Felei and owner Nicolas Wapler will offer a staged reading of Erasmus's "Lament for Peace." Full price: €15, reduced price: €10.

Wednesday, July 30th, will be Children's Day at the abbey. Lucile Boulanger, winner of the 2025 Victoires de la Musique Classique (Classical Music Awards) , will introduce them to her instrument, the viola da gamba, and take them on a musical journey, starting at 11 a.m. For ages 6 and up. Full price: 10 euros, reduced: 5 euros.

For three days, on Friday, August 1st at 8 p.m., Saturday, August 2nd at 6 p.m., and Sunday, August 3rd at 8 p.m., the master of the house will present his translation of Euripides' play "Iphigenia at Aulis," directed by Luana Kim. Full price: 15 euros, reduced: 10 euros.

From Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, the 3rd edition of the “Three Days of Grestain” festival will take place, with theatrical performances, exhibitions, readings, visits and dinner concerts organized by the companies “Le fil de la plume” and “La plume de l'Indien”.

On Saturday, August 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 17 at 4 p.m., two jazz concerts will be held in the park, featuring Luana Kim and Djanick. Full price: €15, reduced price: €10.

Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will be the two days of visit to favor for medieval history enthusiasts. Indeed, the Honfleur Tourist Office will organize during this weekend "Les médiévales de Grestain," a series of activities including the participation of historical reenactment companies. Free admission.

After the start of the school year, the cultural program will continue with two concerts on Saturdays, September 20 and 27. The first will be performed by the vocal ensemble Alkemia from Le Havre, under the direction of Thérèse Louvet, and the second will be performed by Luce Zurita (voice and flute) and Léonard Chantepy (guitar). In both cases, full price: 15 euros, reduced price: 10 or 5 euros.