A place with a future

Between Bolbec and Lillebonne, a tower of stone, vestiges of the old enclosure wall, signals the presence of a vast estate. Far to the back, one can see the classical architecture of the conventual buildings, which include several mediaeval rooms.

Le Valasse Abbey was founded after a double vow was made: in the 12th century, as his ship was sinking during his return from the Crusades, Waleran, Count of Meulan, swore to God that he would build an abbey if spared. Matilda, mother of Henry II of England, made a similar vow when under siege by French troops at Oxford. The Cistercian abbey was completely demolished after the French Revolution, and the estate was purchased by a shipbuilder, who transformed the remaining buildings into a shipbuilding plant, which later became an industrial dairy.

Today, the federated towns of Caux-Vallée-de-Seine have completed major renovation work and are seeking to bring the huge estate back to life by attracting visitors for cultural activities and entertainment, as well as companies looking for high-quality locations for meetings and receptions.