Lisieux is a commune in the Calvados department in the Basse-Normandie region. It is the capital of the Pays d’Auge area, which is characterised by valleys and Normandy’s typical hedged farmland, where there is a mix of livestock farming (mostly milk cows) and cider apple cultivation (from which Cider and Calvados are made, not forgetting Pommeau). Lisieux is situated on the confluence of the river Touques and many of its tributaries: the rivers Orbiquet, Cirieux and Graindain.
As its name indicates, the Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet is situated in the commune of Saint-Germain-de-Livet. It is to be found opposite the village church which dates from the 19th century. The château has been owned by the town of Lisieux since 1958 when it was donated by the Riesener family. From an architectural point of view the château comprises a half-timbered manor dating from the 15th century and a glazed brick and stone building from the Pré-d’Auge dating from the end of the 16th century. The chateau combines medieval and Renaissance elements and is surrounded by a moat and a peacock garden.
Lisieux was an important center of power in medieval times. The bishopric of Lisieux controlled most of the Pays d’Auge by the 12th century. King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are thought to have married at Lisieux in 1152, and the town remained powerful for several centuries afterwards until in the 14th century the triple scourges of the Plague, war and resulting famine devastated Lisieux and reduced its influence. The main judge of Joan of Arc, Pierre Cauchon, became a bishop of Lisieux after her death and is buried in the Lady Chapel of the cathedral.
The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux was constructed in honour of Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux, who was beatified in 1923 and canonized in 1925. It was built for pilgrims who came in increasing numbers to venerate the new saint in the town where she had lived and died. The large basilica can accommodate 4,000 people, and, with more than two million visitors a year, is the second largest pilgrimage site in France, after Lourdes.
