Église Notre-Dame de Portbail, Romanesque church in Port-Bail-sur-Mer, France.
Église Notre-Dame de Portbail is a Romanesque church standing at the edge of the harbor in Port-Bail-sur-Mer, with a stone bell tower. The building dates from the 11th century and displays the typical features of that medieval construction style.
The site once held an 8th-century abbey linked to Saint-Wandrille Abbey. The current church was built later on the same location and has marked the place since then.
Inside, two colorful stone statues from the 16th century depict Saint James and the Virgin Mary with Child. Modern stained glass windows also fill the space, blending contemporary art with older religious works.
The building is accessible from April through September as an exhibition space, with guided tours arranged through the local tourism office. Plan your visit accordingly since access is limited to these months.
The fortified bell tower served as a watchtower during the Hundred Years War and still functions as a navigation landmark for ships. This dual purpose makes it a rare example of a structure that has served both military and maritime roles.
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