Understanding the abbey of Le Bec Hellouin 

• An internationally influential abbey. Founded by Knight Herluin in 1034, the abbey of Le Bec Helouin eclipsed the other great Benedictine abbeys of Normandy such as Jumièges or Saint-Wandrille thanks to its influence, which extended beyond the borders of the kingdom. Bishops, abbots and theologians flocked here from around Europe in the 11th century to listen to the teachings of Lanfranc, adviser to William the Conqueror and Archbishop of Canterbury. In the 12th century the order had 25 priories in England and about twenty in France. 

• An unhoped-for renaissance. After the French Revolution, the abbey was transformed into military stables before being restored between 1948 and 1959. A community of Olivetan Benedictine monks has brought it back to life with the help of the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques et des Sites, now the Centre des monuments nationaux.