Les Amis de Bernay

Anyone interested in the history and heritage of Bernay and its region can join this nonprofit historical and archeological society. And you don’t have to be a member to participate in most of their activities.

Activities

Les Amis de Bernay activities include a weekly open house (Tuesdays from 14h to 16h) at the local maison des associations (8 Rue Jacques Philippe Bréant), a paleography workshop during which members transcribe old texts, a monthly guest lecture, two guided historical tours in the region every year (members only), guided tours of the Bernay Abbey in August and July, and guided tours of the city during the European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) the third weekend of September.

Publications

The organization has put together a massive collection of historical documentation on Bernay and the region, all listed on their website. They publish annual bulletins, which do a deep dive into a period, place, or some other aspect of Bernay’s history. Their latest bulletin, La rue de l’Abbatiale et le quartier de l’abbaye, takes a close look at one street in Bernay. In this edition, they provide the backstory on individual buildings, including details about people, architectural elements, and events, all illustrated with photos, old postcards and other ephemera, and more.

You can get these docs at the tourism office (29 Rue Thiers), local bookstores, or by contacting the organization. You can look at copies during the weekly open house.

I’ll be relying heavily on their research for this blog!