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Leaving Bayeux, we visited Villedieu-les-Pôeles. where there is one of the few remaining bell foundries. This was a display bell, used to illustrate the difference between striking a bell with a hammer (as in a clock) and swinging the bell to ring it with an internal clapper (as in a church). † |
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There were a number of old bells lying around, presumably to add atmosphere. † |
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The main moulds for the bells are made from a traditional mixture of clay, goats' hair and cow dung. The decorations are applied using lost wax castings. * |
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A brand new bell, tuned, polished, and ready to go. * |
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We had a picnic lunch in Granville, at a rather grotty spot on the dock waterfront. It was only as we were leaving that we found a much nicer spot at the top of the cliffs. † |
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We spent our day in Vitré just wandering around the town. This was Notre-Dame, a former Benedictine Abbey now used as the parish church. * |
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The nave of Notre-Dame. The choir is actually at an angle to the nave, but this does not show up well in photos. * |
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The choir. * |
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Some attractive old houses in the town. * |
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Porch houses used as shops. * |
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A restaurant starting to think about opening up. * |
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An old hotel, now used as a house. * |
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The old city walls crop up in various places. * |
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A highlight of the town is the château, dominating the scene from on top of the hill. * |
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The castle wall seen from the entrance bridge across the moat. † |
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Castle towers viewed from inside the courtyard. * |
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Fireplace inside a tower. * |
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View from the top of the tower. * |
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Another view of the town from above. † |
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The next morning we dropped into the Château of Madame Sevigny, famed for her letters to her daughter. † |
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It was something of a disappointment. We could not see inside, and the grounds on one side are now part of a golf course. * |
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The grounds were pretty, but uninspiring. * |