Caudebec is another charming riverside town. We traveled to the Jumieges Abbey. The Abbey was built around 654 and was pillaged by the Vikings in the 9th century which basically left just ruins. It was rebuilt on a grander scale and consecrated in 1067. Enjoying the patronage of the dukes of Normandy, the abbey became a great center of religion and learning, its schools producing many scholars. The French revolution ended its time as an abbey and left nothing but some impressive ruins.

The really cool thing is that they are still excavating the ruins. They have discovered two burials in the site but have not (and may not) exhume them.

The Abbey Saint-Wandrille of Fontanelle

The Abbey was built in 649 only to be pillaged by…you guessed it….the Vikings in 852. In 960, the monks returned and began the reconstruction of the monastery. In 1562, the monastery was again ransacked but this time Huguenot troops. The French Revolution and other conflicts continued to destroy the abbey and it was continually rebuilt. Finally in 1967-1969, the abbey was rebuilt and remains standing. The current occupants, some 30 monks, are continuing the restoration of the abbey to its former beauty.

The monks here sing Mass in a Gregorian chant and have made numerous recordings. Our guide today was an 80 year old Brother who has lived in the monastery for over 50 years. The monastery practices silence as a way of life. The Brother was very sharp and did a great job educating and entertaining us.) An interesting sidenote, he came back to the ship for lunch!)

The tile is being remade to resemble the original.