Lillebonne, situated in the valley of the Bolbec River,[1] is a nice introduction to French Normandy. At one time back in Gallo-Roman times, Lillebonne was the main town of the Caleti tribe. It was once a major harbor on the Bolbec Estuary. The port, however, has silted up over the years.[2] The town was destroyed by the Julius Caesar-led Romans and rebuilt by Emperor Augustus. Lillebonne served as an important transportation, military, and commercial center during Roman times because of its proximity to the Seine River.[3]
Lillebonne’s main attraction is its first and second century amphitheatre, which once held 10,000 spectators. Today, it lies in ruins, covered in vegetation at Félix Faur Square.[4] You can also find ruins of Roman baths at Lillebonne. The church of Notre Dame is another attraction of the town; it is a 16th century Gothic structure with a graceful tower.[5]
References:
Gaudez, René, Hervé Champollion, and Angela Moyon. Tour of Normandy. Rennes: Éditions Ouest-France, 1996. ISBN: 2737317185.
“Lillebonne.” < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillebonne>
[1] Lillebonne
[2] Gaudez, 113
[3] Lillebonne
[4] Gaudez, 113
[5] Lillebonne
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