Le Molay-Littry is a Norman commune in the Calvados department, born in 1969 from the merger of Molay and Littry. Located in the heart of the Bessin country, near the forest of Cerisy and the department of Manche, it takes place about ten kilometers from Bayeux.
Subject to barbarian and then Norman invasions, as early as the 6th century, the territory of Molay-Littry was also the scene of numerous English attacks during the Hundred Years War. Due to its clay-rich soil, the town developed a significant pottery activity in medieval times, before turning to mining in the 18th century. Recognized for its quality, the Littry coal is used everywhere, before seeing its production stop in the late 1940s.
Today, Le Molay-Littry lives mainly from its tourist activity, through its former industrial heritage, as well as its ancient monuments.
The town of Molay-Littry has an important religious heritage. One can admire the church of St. Clair du Molay, building of the second half of the nineteenth century designed in the neo-Romanesque style. Older, the church of Saint-Germain de Littry also deserves attention. Built in the eleventh century, originally in a Romanesque style, she saw her choir listed as a Historical Monument in 1926.
Rebuilt at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Mine Chapel takes place in a disused building of the old steam machine pit pit. Do not miss the chapel of Saint-Nicolas du Molay, some elements of which could date from the twelfth century.
The Molay castle, originally a mound with eleven-century timber frame trusses built by the Bacon family, was repeatedly the scene of English sieges. The current castle dates partly from the 15th century and the 17th century. This building should not be confused with the current Molay Castle, an 18th-century building used to host school groups.
Created in 1902, the Mining Museum is one of the oldest French museums on the history of techniques, and the first dedicated to the mine in France. An immense gallery sixty-five meters long has been recreated on the surface, allowing visitors to discover all types of woodwork and all mining techniques implemented from the eighteenth century to the 1950s. the traditional equipment of the miners, as well as a huge animated model of a mining tile.
An 18th century mill farm, the Marcy mill was once part of a network of five mills scattered along the Siette. The only building still visible, it has now become a milling museum.
The Bel-Air cave, also known as the glacier, is a geological site to admire foothills of the granite Armorican Massif. At the side, you can admire a waterfall of a few meters formed by a tributary of the Siette.
The wood of Molay, located nearby, allows the practice of hiking to appreciate the local flora and fauna.
The market is held every Thursday morning. A Christmas market is also proposed in December.
The Marcy mill festival is celebrated every first Sunday of May. For the occasion, more than forty artisans gather and demonstrations of folk dances are also offered.
For the national day, in July, the town offers a large popular concert, a ball, and a fireworks display.
Pierre en Lumières au Musée de la Mine
- On 18 may 2024
- Parking du musée de la mine
- Visit to the Coal Mine Museum at Le Molay-Littry
Observons les Oiseaux
- From 22 may to 22 june 2024
- Médiathèque intercommunale, Renée Duval
- Birds can be found in all habitats, even the most inhospitable. They first appeared in the time of the dinosaurs. They have evolved and diversified. - With this exhibition combining panels, augmented reality and teaching aids, become a budding ornithologist and discover the multiple relationships that humans and birds have maintained for generations. - Twenty or so birds common in Europe, remarkable for their song and behavior, have been selected. In other words, once you've made their acquaintance in our exhibition, you'll find it much easier to recognize them in the wild !
80ème Anniversaire de la Libération du Molay et de Littry
- On 7 june 2024
- Moulin de Marcy
- Various events to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Le Molay and Littry, with the reconstitution of the IndianHead military camp on the Moulin de Marcy site. Parade of schoolchildren, march in tribute to 1st Lt Arthur T. KRAUSE. Parade of military and vintage vehicles, return of the exodus parade. Popular ball and demonstration of an anti-aircraft searchlight. - Refreshments and catering on site.
80ème Anniversaire de la Libération du Molay et de Littry
- On 8 june 2024
- Moulin de Marcy
- Various events to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Le Molay and Littry, with the reconstitution of the IndianHead military camp on the Moulin de Marcy site. Parade of schoolchildren, march in tribute to 1st Lt Arthur T. KRAUSE. Parade of military and vintage vehicles, return of the exodus parade. Popular ball and demonstration of an anti-aircraft searchlight. - Refreshments and catering on site.
80ème Anniversaire de la Libération du Molay et de Littry
- On 9 june 2024
- Moulin de Marcy
- Various events to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Le Molay and Littry, with the reconstitution of the IndianHead military camp on the Moulin de Marcy site. Parade of schoolchildren, march in tribute to 1st Lt Arthur T. KRAUSE. Parade of military and vintage vehicles, return of the exodus parade. Popular ball and demonstration of an anti-aircraft searchlight. - Refreshments and catering on site.
