All About William the Conqueror

Explore the intriguing history of William the Conqueror and the medieval roots of Bayeux.

William the Conqueror was the Duke of Normandy from 1035 until his death in 1087. He was famously the first Norman king of England, having defeated the Saxons at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

This tour allows you to follow his footsteps and understand his history and the history of Normandy through its castles and magnificent archaeological sites. Your tour will begin in the heart of Normandy in the town of Falaise, where William the Conqueror was born in 1027. Its historic fortress, perched on a rocky crag, was built in the 10th century and has impressive exhibits that guide visitors through 1000 years of Norman history.

From Falaise, you will travel to Caen, which boasts many historic buildings dating to the time of William the Conqueror. The town is of course most famous as the burial place of this iconic historic figure, and as a part of the tour you will be able to visit Abbaye-aux-Hommes, where William the Conqueror was buried in the 11th century.

The tour ends in the medieval city of Bayeux, which has a glorious Neo-Romanesque/Gothic cathedral, beautifully preserved timber-framed houses and a remarkable medieval castle, the construction of which was commissioned by William the Conqueror and completed by his son, Henry Beauclerc. As a special treat, you can can visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry – a medieval embroidery chronicling the Norman conquest of England, culminating in the Battle of Hastings. It is thought to date to the 11th century and is almost 230 ft long.

This tour includes:     Entry tickets     –     Private guide     –     Transportation

About Normandy

Normandy is most famous as the location of the D-Day landings, which took place during World War II on June 6th, 1944. It was intended to liberate France from the German forces, and indeed marked a turning point in the development of the Second World War. The best-known beaches are Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, and the American cemetery is located on the cliffs of Omaha Beach. But the region of Normandy has a history and culture that stretches beyond the D-Day landings. For example, Deauville in Normandy is known around the world for its famous American film festival, while Bayeux is home to the famous Tapestry. Mont St Michel is also a lovely location to visit and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – climbing to its summit is a little bit hard, but worth it for the amazing view.