Jumiéges Abbey Ruins

With no plans to see it until we stopped for gas and saw it listed in a guide book, Jumiéges Abbey was one of our favorite stops. It was a Benedictine abbey founded in 654 by Saint Philibert. Although disrupted by Viking invasions, its importance and size ebbed and flowed, seeing may periods of prosperity and decline until it was finally closed during the French Revolution. It was once renowned for its library and scriptorium and for its charity to the poor. After the Revolution, the abbey was converted into a stone quarry. Today, the abbey is an evocative reminder of the past. It has been called "the most beautiful ruin in France" by many artists and authors. We agree. The abbey was one of the most peaceful, romantic settings for a family walk. We enjoyed spotting the many different architectural styles and time periods. The abbey grounds have plenty of space for the kids to run around and explore. There are sheep and models of Viking ships to look at and also an art gallery located in "The Abbot's Residence", showcasing exhibits mixing ancient and modern pieces of art.

Who cares about old ruins? Let's play with rocks!!!

We left the abbey feeling so grateful to have seen it. They made us pass through the gift shop in order to exit (of course) and the boys found a couple knights on horses figurines. They were well made and very detailed...there goes another 10 euros. Garçon Peanut Butter's rung up as, "King Richard" and Garçon Livre's as, "Prince Phillippe". They have been the best little toys for the boys this trip!

We had another adventure in store for the day...a ferry ride! We drove our car on a ferry and rode across a river. "Mom, we drove our car onto a boat!"