Lessay

Lessay is a commune in the department of Manche in Basse-Normandie region. It is located west from the center of the Cotentin peninsula, on the edge of the designated as Regional Natural Park Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin 150,000 acres of swamp.

Lessay situated on the river Ay and has 2025 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011). The town developed around a near the river in 1056 AD by Torstin ( Thorstein ) Haldrup Benedictine Abbey, which is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Normandy with his founded in 1080 abbey church Abbaye de Sainte Trinite. The grave of the 1098 deceased son ( Eudes ) of the founder was discovered during restoration. The ribbed vaults are among the first and thus the oldest known.

Famous is the annual since the 11th century four-day market. This Foire de Saint Croix de Lessay called Fair attracts about 400,000 visitors. Offered are household appliance, animals, food, garden and agricultural equipment and cars. The place has a regional airport.

Since 1987 there is a community partnership for the German community Ennigerloh in North Rhine -Westphalia.

• Municipality in the department Manche