In Saint-Philbert-des-Champs, a construction flaw shapes the history of the washhouse: built in 1906, it was never used for washing clothes. This contrast between the building and its actual use makes the site interesting to travelers who want to explore local history through an everyday structure. Other attractions include a protected statue in the church, an easy walking route through the commune, and culinary experiences.
Church and Statue
The church of Saint-Philbert-des-Champs has a false transept, the left arm of which is occupied by a bell tower. The church also houses the statue of Saint Philbert. Dating from the 18th century, it depicts the saint with a bishop’s crozier, a calabash, and the Rule of the Benedictine Order. The statue was listed as a protected cultural object on December 22, 1981. The two dates refer to different things: the 18th century is when the work was created, while 1981 is the date it was listed.
A Washhouse with an Unusual Use
The washhouse of Saint-Philbert-des-Champs has a rectangular concrete basin, an original earthen floor, and a surrounding brick wall. Because of a flaw in the drainage system, it was never used for washing clothes. Instead, residents drew drinking water there. The washhouse is supplied by the Fontaine des Boudards, also known as the Fontaine d’Anjou. The building combines distinctive construction details with an unusual history of use. It is located on a walking path and can be reached on foot or by bicycle.
A Walk through the Commune
The Entre la Touques et le Chaussey route passes through Saint-Philbert-des-Champs. It is an easy 7-kilometer walk that takes about two hours. The section through the commune initially follows a path that then becomes a small paved road. This change in surface complements the distance and approximate duration when planning your walk. Route details and conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out.
Culinary Experiences: Cooking Classes and Cheese-Making
La Maison du Chef Normand offers cooking classes lasting two and a half hours. Depending on the option chosen, participants prepare savory or sweet dishes; the food they make can be sampled on site. Dates and availability may change, so check them before making plans. Another culinary tradition is the Spruytte family’s cheese-making: on their farm in Saint-Philbert-des-Champs, they have been making a square cheese for three generations from the raw milk of their Norman cows. These offer two different perspectives on local cuisine: a cooking class of a set duration, with the option to sample the dishes, and a cheese-making tradition carried on across generations.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Hymer, Colleville-Sur-Mer, Les Loges-Saulces, Le Tourneur, Thury-Harcourt, Crocy, Villers-Bocage, La Chapelle-Yvon.
For the broader travel overview: Calvados.
