Stay : On the roads of the History of Normandy
Are you a fan of the incredible medieval epic that gave birth to Normandy and are you eager to better understand the stakes and the decisive aspect of the Landing of thousands of soldiers on the Normandy beaches one day in June 1944, in the resolution of a world conflict? Then embark on the roads of History.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
8 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : On the roads of the History of Normandy - 8 days
Day 1: Excursion to the medieval city of Domfront-en-Poiraie
Steps: Mont-Ormel, Domfront En Poiraie
Start your day with a morning excursion to the heights of Domfront-en-Poiraie. This small city of character, whose history is closely linked to that of the duchy of Normandy, has preserved its medieval historic heart with its paved streets and half-timbered houses. The medieval towers dating from the 13th century are a testimony to the medieval period. In the afternoon, head for the Coudehard-Montormel Memorial for another page of history: the Battle of Normandy, and more precisely the Chambois pocket which was the last act of the battle. A site not to be missed.
MÉMORIAL DE COUDEHARD-MONTORMEL
Day 2: The castle of William the Conqueror in Falaise
Steps: Falaise
Birthplace of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, Falaise Castle bears his name by default. It was actually in the 12th century that the building, one of the first to be built in stone in the duchy, was erected. At the time, Falaise was a major influence on the duchy. But the following centuries will put the castle in a bad light, and it will be saved from destruction thanks to its classification as a historical monument. During the visit (1 hour 30), you will discover its history. Take advantage of your excursion to discover the Falaise Memorial - The Civil War. A unique place that tells the story of life under the occupation, the exodus..
MÉMORIAL DE FALAISE - LA GUERRE DES CIVILS
Day 3: Bayeux Museum and Abbey aux Hommes in Caen
Continue your Norman medieval adventure by discovering the Bayeux Tapestry, an incredible work of art in the museum of the same name. Dating back to the 11th century, this 70-metre-long embroidery depicts the Battle of Hastings. Follow this with a visit to theAbbey aux Hommes in Caen. Built in 1060 by the famous and unmissable William the Conqueror, this building is a pure gem of Romanesque and Gothic style.
ABBAYE AUX HOMMES
Day 4: Caen Memorial
Steps: Caen
Embark on a world-famous page in history: the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944 and the Second World War. The Caen Memorial is a must-see. Archival images, documents, everyday objects... Through a modern scenography, the museum vividly retraces the details of the D-Day landings and the ensuing Battle of Normandy. You'll also discover the entire history of the Second World War, from the birth of the conflict to the genocide of the Jews. A visit lasting several hours.
MÉMORIAL DE CAEN
Day 5: The D-Day landing beaches
Steps: Cricqueville-En-Bessin, Ouistreham, Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont
Discover the five beaches of the Normandy coastline whose names have forever gone down in history: Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach. Stretching from Ouistreham to Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, these sites were the scene of bloody battles. A visit inevitably charged with emotions. Stop at the Pointe du Hoc, in Criqueville-en-Bessin between Omaha and Utah Beach, to discover the site fortified by the German army and whose bomb impacts are still visible.
POINTE DU HOC
Day 6: Le Havre
Steps: Le Havre
Continue your World War II themed tour with a visit to Le Havre, a veritable martyred city, as Allied bombing raids in September 1944, intent on ousting the Nazi occupiers, destroyed almost 80% of the city! Only the historic basins, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the 18th-century Maison de l'Armateur were spared. They are all part of the city's reconstruction by architect Auguste Perret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour with an accredited guide.
MAISON DE L'ARMATEUR
Day 7: Saint-Pierre de Jumièges Abbey
En route to Rouen. A few kilometers from the big city, stop off in the morning at the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Jumièges. This jewel of Norman Romanesque architecture, of which only vestiges remain following its destruction in the 19th century, is well worth a visit. Inaugurated by William the Conqueror, it stood the test of time before the French Revolution changed its fate and turned it into a stone quarry! Joan of Arc also saw her destiny cruelly written in Rouen, where she was burnt alive. Push open the door of the Historial Jeanne d'Arc, in the archbishop's palace, which tells the story of France's famous virgin. Continue your afternoon stroll through the old town.
ABBAYE DE JUMIÈGES
Day 8: The Eure, in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart
Steps: Les Andelys, Pont-De-L'Arche
Conclude your escapade on the roads of the history of Normandy by a day in theEure. The visit of a major monument: Château-Gaillard in Les Andelys. Richard the Lionheart, Duke of Normandy and King of England, decided to build this castle at the end of the 12th century. His objective: to protect Rouen, which was then the capital of the region. If it is today in ruins, its walls overhang the city with majesty. On the heights of this fortress, discover a superb view on the valley of the Seine. About 30 kilometers away, visit theCistercian abbey of Bonport which also owes its birth to the descendant of William the Conqueror.
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