Medieval Normandy
William the Conqueror
One of the most brilliant warriors of all time, William the Conqueror will be ever remembered for the Battle of Hastings when he rode to victory to become King of England in 1066. Born out of wedlock to Robert the Magnificent and a poor peasant woman, William was originally known as William the Bastard, despite being rightful heir to the Dukedom. When Robert died in 1035, William was just eight years old but eventually he was able to claim his birthright as the 7th Duke of Normandy, going on to make history with his fight to claim the English throne.
Château de Falaise, Falaise
The story of how William the Bastard became William, Duke of Normandy and King of England, begins at Falaise where he was born in 1027. Tour the two castle keeps where William grew up and the 13th century round tower, all painstakingly restored, and experience key moments in the building's illustrious history through a self-guided audio-visual tour.
www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr
Bayeux Tapestry, Bayeux, Calvados
William of Normandy's famous victory at Hastings is retold through the Bayeux Tapestry, hand-woven and 70 metres long. Actually an embroidery, this wonder of the 11th century has been remarkably preserved and now acts as an essential source of information on the way of life in the Middle Ages. Excellent audio guides accompany a visit to the Tapestry with a simplified version of the commentary for kids. Discover the story behind the 58 scenes of the relic then have all your questions answered through the colourful signs, maps and models in the exhibition room and the sixteen-minute film in the cinema.
Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames, Caen
Although virtually destroyed during World War II, Caen miraculously retained its two magnificent abbeys, the Abbaye aux Hommes, founded by William himself and the Abbaye aux Dames, founded by his wife Mathilda. William the Conqueror's tomb can be found in the abbey church of Saint Etienne.
The Epic Adventure trail, Caen/Falaise/Bayeux
Follow the inspirational story of William on the Epic Adventure tourist trail that links key sites in Caen, Falaise and Bayeux.
Richard the Lionheart
Duke of Normandy and King of England from July 1189 until his death, Richard I was known as Richard the Lionheart, or Coeur de Lion, even before he became king due to his reputation as a great military leader and warrior. He spent much of his time in Normandy trying to protect the region from the French kings.
Château Gaillard, Les Andelys, Eure
High above the villages of Les Andelys, on a sharp curve in the Seine River, stand the remains of an impressive stronghold. This is Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart's castle in Normandy, perched on a cliff over 100 metres up. Built in just one year, from 1197 to 1198, and designed to protect Rouen and Richard's duchy of Normandy, much of the original fortress still remains and is open to visitors. Les Andelys also hosts a weekend festival of medieval events each year in June.
www.les-andelys.com/chateau-gaillard/
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc is a French national heroine and Catholic saint. She was condemned as a witch and burned at the stake in Rouen at just nineteen years old. Born in Eastern France, Joan was a simple peasant girl who led the French army to several
important victories during the Hundred Years' War, claiming divine guidance. She was captured by the English in 1431, tried and burned alive. Twenty-four years later, the decision was overturned and she was declared a
martyr.
Old Market Square, Rouen
On May 30th 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen as a heretic. In Joan's memory, a tall cross has been erected on this site. Each year, an official speech is given here during the Joan of Arc Festival on the last weekend of May.
Saint Joan of Arc Church, Rouen
Built next to the site where Joan of Arc was martyred, this modern church serves both as a church to honour Saint Joan and as a civil memorial to France's national heroine. Consecrated in 1920 to coincide with Joan's canonisation, the roof is designed to recall the flames and smoke from the fire. The famous stone statue of Joan of Arc by André Malraux is also protected beneath the roof of the church.
