We were on a quest. If it had to do with Patton we would stop. And so we came to this town to see the monument erected in honor of the man who was a hero to so many. It was in Avranches, in Aug '44 that he was able to finally come into battle at the head of the Third Army. From here the Third Army took three different paths, Patton at the head of the one headed east. The monument was easy enough to find. It was a little harder to find a place to park in order to visit it. But we felt it was a good monument to a fine general and we were glad we stopped.
Updated May 29, 2008
Another famous story that plays in Avranches, is the one of the penetance of King Henry th second of England, after he murdered Thomas Becket in 1192 (May 11th). The abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel made him walk through the streets of Avranches barefoot and bareheaded, thus to loose the heavy guilt that had come over his shoulders. In this time this happened in front of the former cathedral, of which now-a-days only the ruines can be visited in Avranches.
Written Nov 9, 2007
The cathedral of Avranches was a famous building that originally datedback to the 10th century. Sadly enough, nothing remained after the French Revolution and one also did not rebuilt it again. It was however the bishop of Avranches that ordered Mont-Saint-Michel to b built, after he was visited by Archangel Michael. The legend says that after previous visits of the Archangel, the bishop did not act by starting the construction and Michael had to spur the bishop on by touching him on the head with his finger and pointing a hole in his skull by doing so. The skull with the hole in it, can still be seen in Saint-Gervais church, in the centre of Avranches.
Written Nov 9, 2007
From the Jardin des Plants (City Park) in the centre of Avranches, one can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, that is a tidal area of unknown proportions. It's entirely put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage and is land at low tide, but sea at high tide. In the distance, one can see Mont-Saint-Michel, the holiest sanctuary and number one pilgrims destination for many centuries of North Western Europe. Avranches played a key role in this, as being the largest town in the neighbourhood of "Le Mont" and the gateway for the thousands that had it as their destination.
Written Nov 9, 2007
On July 31, 1944, General Patton's 4th Armored Division liberated Avranches. This monument remembers this victory...
"between July 31st and August 16th, 1944 the glorious American Army of General Patton passed this crossroad accomplishing the break-through at Avranches with the thunder of his armour on his way to the victory and liberation of France".
Updated Jun 26, 2005
Address: at the end of Boulevard du Marechal Foch
Website: http://www.ww2sites.com/index.php?action=jump&page=fravranches
If you are in Europe, you have to go to Mont St Michel. There is a hostel in Avranches that was the cheapest hostel I stayed at ($8/night), and appeared I was the only one there. The buses to the castle have strange hours but after dropping your bags off why not run to the castle from the station? I think it's 7-8 miles. If you're in good shape I would recommend this because it gives you an idea for the true enormity of this edifice. Too tired to walk back? Hitch hike!
Written Jun 14, 2005
Address: in the bay of Avranches
In Avranches you must visit Le Jardin du Plantes, it is a beautiful garden with statues and water features but the best part is the panoramic view over the bay and of Mont san Michel, of course this was the only time I left my camera in the hotel so I apologise that I cannot show you just how lovely it is
Written Aug 30, 2003
Address: Place Carnot, Avranches
The restraunt was very pleasant and airy, the food was very good and well presented
Favorite Dish: I had steak with green peppercorn sauce, it was perfectly cooked and delicious
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 10, Place Carnot
Phone: 02 33 58 03 68
Just south of Avranches is the bridge made famous by a three star general who got out of his jeep and directed traffic so that the three divisions bottle-necked there could get across in a timely manner. It must have been a lively scene.
We got off the N175, turned right and it was right there. A very stately and beautiful bridge in full operating condition still today over the Fleuve la Selune. And the sign at the parking lot of the little store on the corner was too good to pass up.
Written May 29, 2008
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