Portbail - Notre-Dame

Portbail belonged to the Abbey of St. Wandrille (aka "Abbaye Saint-Wandrille de Fontenelle") near Rouen, founded by Saint Wandrille in 629. A convent, destroyed by the Normans, existed here already within the 8th century. The foundations of a large baptisterium found are even about 200 years older.

Notre Dame, seen here from the small harbour, was probably built for a priory dependent of the "Abbaye Sainte-Trinité" in Lessay (20kms south) mid 11th century. It is proven, that a Roman villa had existed, where the church is now. Just like Saint-Germain in neighbouring Barneville, the church got heavily fortified. The tower dates back to the 15th century. Meanwhile the building is used for exhibitions and concerts over the summer.