On the roads of the History of Normandy
2024
Highlights of the trip
During your stay you can enjoy the following highlights: Culture / Heritage.
Best times to go
The best time(s) to go is/are : Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver.
Where to stay - Mont-Ormel ?
The map of your stay "On the roads of the History of Normandy"
Detail of the stay : On the roads of the History of Normandy
How to get there - Mont-Ormel
Excursion to the medieval city of Domfront-en-Poiraie
Steps: 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.
Places of interest : MÉMORIAL DE COUDEHARD-MONTORMEL
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..
Places of interest : MÉMORIAL DE FALAISE - LA GUERRE DES CIVILS
Bayeux Museum and Abbey aux Hommes in Caen
Steps: 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.
Places of interest : ABBAYE AUX HOMMES
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.
Places of interest : MÉMORIAL DE CAEN
The D-Day landing beaches
Steps: 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.
Places of interest : POINTE DU HOC
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.
Places of interest : MAISON DE L'ARMATEUR
Saint-Pierre de Jumièges Abbey
Steps: Rouen
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.
Places of interest : ABBAYE DE JUMIÈGES
