Medieval Normandy is known for William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and the Bayeux Tapestry. But Normandy’s medieval heritage goes beyond William the Conqueror and 1066, the Hundred Years War with England and Joan of Arc, the “fair maiden of Orleans” whose fate was tied to endless battles between the French and the English. Normandy’s medieval beginnings date back to 911 when Rollo the Viking became the first Duke of Normandy. Follow the trail of these places and attractions for a journey through medieval Normandy.
Castillo de la Falaise
William the Conqueror spent his early years in the mighty Falaise Castle. In a small town about 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Caen, it is now a semi-but restored ruin in such a way that your imagination takes hold and you go back to the past. (But for effect, take a guided tour or take the English audio guide with you.)
Practical information
Chateau Guillaume-Le-Conquerant
Place Guillaume le Conquerant
14700 Falaise, Normandy
William the Conqueror Chateau website
For more information, read my article on Falaise Castle
Bayeux y el tapiz de Bayeux
Bayeux is a charming city, best known for the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, and the Battle itself in 1066.
But there is much more to Bayeux, as it was on the front line at the Normandy landings and D-Day in June 1944. The battles of World War II are commemorated at the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum, the War Cemetery Briton and the statue of General Eisenhower.
For practical information on Bayeux, including how to get there, hotels and restaurants in Bayeux, see my Guide to Bayeux.
Caen
The historic city of Caen has always played an important role in the life and economy of Normandy. The Abbaye-aux-Hommes and the Abbaye-aux-Dames, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, were important to medieval life in the region. Immensely wealthy and gifted, they helped make Caen an important religious and intellectual center in medieval Normandy.
Later, Caen was vital in WWII and the Battle of Normandy. The Caen Memorial Museum is one of the top sites for anyone interested in D-Day and the Normandy landings.
Read more about Caen, including how to get there, hotels and restaurants in my Caen Guide.
Ruan
Rouen is a very attractive old city, with a historic cathedral, a magnificent ancient astronomical clock (important in the Middle Ages when no one had clocks or clocks – think of the possible chaos), and a Museum of Fine Arts with a collection of Impressionist paintings. second only to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
Also not to be missed is the Botanical Garden, a Ceramics Museum filled with beautiful examples of the earthenware art that brought such wealth to Rouen, and a rather wonderful modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc.
Jumièges
This is one for the romantics of this world. Jumieges is a small town on a bend in the Lower Seine with what the writer Victor Hugo described as “the most romantic ruins in France.” And it is. With the sound of birdsong and light dancing around the half-destroyed walls, this once massive Benedictine abbey is glorious.
Now peaceful, it was once an important center, particularly for the illustrated manuscripts that monks worked on year after year. Founded in 654, constantly invaded by marauding Vikings, rebuilt in the 11th century and consecrated by William the Conqueror in 1067 until its disappearance as a religious house in the French Revolution.
Practical information
Abbey of Jumièges
76480 Jumièges
Seine Maritime
Jumièges website
For more information, see my article on Jumièges Abbey.
Where to stay
La Ferme de la Ranconniere is an old manor house built around a large courtyard with very nice rooms, perfect peace and a good restaurant serving a special medieval menu for foodies. It is close to the beaches of Normandy Landing, which are only 5 kilometers (3 miles) away, as well as the towns of Bayeux (12 kilometers, 7.5 miles) with its magnificent tapestry and Caen (24 kilometers, 15 miles).
Practical information
Route de Creully-Arromanches
14480 Crepon
Website
Price band: $$ What this means
Half board is also available. Ask when you book
Read my review of La Ferme de la Ranconniere
The Hotel Bourgtheroulde is a five-star hotel located in the city center. Originally built between 1499 and 1532, it has a magnificent ornate façade. It is the ideal place for a romantic getaway where you can live like royalty. There is a spa, heated pool, two restaurants and a bar and terrace.
Practical information
15 Website of the Hotel Place de la Pucelle
76000 Rouen
Price band $$$ – $$$$
What does this mean
