– Between 1910 and 1939, Paul Desjardins organized the famous “decades” in Pontigny abbey, to unite eminent personalities for debates on literary, social and political themes.

       – In 1952, Anne Heurgon-Desjardins, while repairing the castle, created the Centre Culturel and continued, with her own personal touch, the work of her father.

       – From 1977 to 2006, her daughters, Catherine Peyrou and Edith Heurgon, took the lead and brought a new dimension to the activities.

       – Today, after the departure of Catherine and then of Jacques Peyrou, Cerisy continues under the management of Edith Heurgon and Dominique Peyrou, supported by Anne Peyrou-Bas and Christian Peyrou, also part of Cerisy castle’s Civil Society, as well as with the support of an efficient and dedicated team led by Philippe Kister.

       – They receive, in a prestigious setting far removed from urban disturbances and for a relatively long time period, people who are animated by the same attraction for discussion, in order to, through communal contemplation, invent new ideas and weave lasting connections.

       – The Civil Society graciously puts the premises at the disposal of the Association des Amis de Pontigny-Cerisy, with no lucrative purpose and recognized for its public interest, currently presided over by Jean-Baptiste de Foucauld, the inspector general of finances.

       – The Centre Culturel, the main means of action of the Association, has organized nearly 750 symposiums broaching, through completely independent routes, the most diverse of themes. These symposiums have given rise, through various editors, to the publication of approximately 550 books.

       – The Centre National du Livre ensures continuous support to the organization and publication of the symposiums. The territorial collectivities (Normandy Region, department Council of the Manche, Coutances Mer and Bocage) and the regional directorate of cultural affairs bring their support to the Center, which also organizes, alongside the Universities of Caen and Rennes 2, encounters on themes concerning Normandy and the Great West.

       – A Cercle des Partenaires, circle of partners, formed of enterprises, local collectives and public bodies, supports and even initiates prospective encounters on the main contemporary challenges.

       – Since 2012, a new modern and accessible conference room has allowed for a new formula: the “Entretiens de la Laiterie”, days for exchanges and debates, a collaborative effort from the partners of the Association.