Attractions and Places To See around Les Loges-Sur-Brécey - Top 20

To get to know Saint Claire, honored here with a statue, we must, geographically speaking, travel from the Manche region, south over the Alps, to the Italian region of Umbria, and, in chronological terms, return to the 13th century. "Santa Chiara" (usually referred to in German as "Clare of Assisi") from that city is the second great figure in Christianity, alongside "San Francesco." While the men who gathered around Francis proclaimed the Word of God as preachers, Claire and her fellow sisters lived in seclusion in a convent near the Church of San Damiano, outside the gates of the city of Assisi. Clara was born in (or around) the year 1193 and died in 1253. Her general feast day in the calendar of saints is the day of her death, August 11, in all major Christian denominations. There are also regional or order-specific feast days.

Each of these crosses, which the hiker encounters, clearly visible in the fields or—as here—in the shade of the trees, is a symbol of remembrance of the crucifixion, but also of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "With us on earth, there is His memory, but in the Kingdom of Heaven is His presence: This presence is the joy of those who have already attained salvation. The memory is our consolation, as we are still wanderers, journeying toward our homeland." (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, founder of the order and Doctor of the Church)

The small church that hikers encounter north of Saint-Michel-de-Montjoie is built of the stone typical of this region. A look inside the chapel reveals that the apse houses not just one statue (often either a cross or the saint chosen as patron), but five. + Centrally located and slightly elevated, we see the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus in her arms. Both are facing the viewer and wear a crown. + To the left of the viewer, but to the right of the Madonna, and thus in a place of honor, we find her fiancé, Saint Joseph, Jesus' foster father. + Next to him, we encounter the Archangel Michael, who, with his spear, slays a dragon lying at his feet – always the symbol of evil in Christian iconography. + On the other side of Mary stands the Apostle Peter, to whom, according to the Gospel accounts, Christ entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. + On the far right from the viewer's perspective is another saint, whose name I unfortunately cannot identify. However, his dark habit identifies him as a member of a religious order.

The small church that bikers encounter north of Saint-Michel-de-Montjoie is built of the stone typical of this region. A look inside the chapel reveals that the apse houses not just one statue (often either a cross or the saint chosen as patron), but five. + Centrally located and slightly elevated, we see the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus in her arms. Both are facing the viewer and wear a crown. + To the left of the viewer, but to the right of the Madonna, and thus in a place of honor, we find her fiancé, Saint Joseph, Jesus' foster father. + Next to him, we encounter the Archangel Michael, who, with his spear, slays a dragon lying at his feet – always the symbol of evil in Christian iconography. + + On the other side of Mary stands the Apostle Peter, to whom, according to the Gospel accounts, Christ entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. + On the far right from the viewer's perspective is another saint, whose name I unfortunately cannot identify. However, his dark habit identifies him as a member of a religious order.

A magnificent, symmetrically laid out town hall. When we visited, it was decorated with flags to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation. Touchingly, it was also decorated with the West German flag on this occasion. Living neighborliness in 21st century Europe.

Finally, vacation! The whole family is finally setting off for Brittany. After 700 km, we need a break. The motorway service station is completely overcrowded, so we just drive off. By chance, we end up in Villedieu-les-Poêles-Rouffigny, a small, historic town in Normandy. The large town square is closed off; the 80th anniversary of the liberation is being celebrated. And amazingly, the black, red and gold German flag is hanging on the town hall. We sit down in a cafe on the town square and drink a Coke. Next to us, the golden statue of the Republic with a Phrygian cap gleams from a high column erected in 1889 to mark the 100th anniversary of the revolution. Opposite, the Gothic tower of the church towers over the old stone houses; gargoyles, which fortunately have nothing to do today, look down from high roofs, including a dog-like one with funny floppy ears. Next to it is a boulangerie, which is chosen to replenish the provisions and to check the usability of the school French. The result is a taste experience: wonderfully crispy baguette, wonderful, finely wrapped croissants and a dark bread with a strong, crunchy crust, in which nuts and raisins are baked. The latter definitely justifies a detour to this wonderful bakery. Another quick look into the church: an early Gothic-looking room with small windows, round columns and a heavy vault. We are delighted to see and meet an exceptionally cheerful Saint Anthony with a happy baby Jesus in his arms. Another short stroll through the beautiful, flower-adorned streets, then we continue our journey, rested.

Beautiful cemetery with a beautiful church

Super cool for a break