NormandyAvranches

Avranches is rich in both recent and ancient history. Late in WWII it was the starting point of General Patton's 'Avranches Breakthrough' that smashed a German Panzer counter-offensive during the Battle of Normandy. There is a Patton Monument in Avranches with WWII tank. The square the Patton Monument is located on is American territory; the ground and trees was brought over from the United States.

On May 22nd 1172 Henry II, both the King of England and Duke of Normandy came to Avranches to make a public penance for his actions (he clamed he had no part) in the murder of Thomas Becket. Henry arrived barefoot and only wearing a shirt and asked for forgiveness in the Avranches Cathedral. The Cathedral was destroyed during the French Revolution. All that remains of the Cathedral is a chained off paving stone located in what is now call La Plateforme, the place where the Cathedral once stood. La Plateforme also offers a wonderful view of Saint-Michel.

Avranches also has a strong relationship with Mont-Saint-Michel. It was in Avranches that the Bishop Aubert had his vision of the angel Saint-Michel. The angel command the Bishop to build a chapel on the rock then called Mount Tombe. The town hall of Avranches still houses a collection of manuscripts from Saint-Michel dating from the eight to fifteenth century.

Not to be missed in Avranches is the view of Mont-Saint-Michel found in the Jardin des plantes. Avranches is about a 45-minute drive from Mont-Saint-Michel.

Related Links:
Avranches Tourism
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