In the tiny village of La Haye de Routot – whose church harbours ancient, hollow yew trees – a superstitious ritual is observed each year. A tower of wooden spars is raised in a steep pyramid, 15 metres (50ft) high and topped with a cross. In a centuries-old tradition, after a solemn procession, the tower is put to the torch in the conflagration known as 'Feu de St-Clair'. Celebrants return home with a glowing firebrand at the end of festivities, which is said to protect their property from lightning.

Times
Evening