Normandy's 1,100th Birthday—from William the Conqueror to 2011What’s more, the festivities continue all through 2011.

Normandy flourished under their reign. William became king of England, the most powerful monarch of his time and one of the most illustrious figures in history. A skillful warlord, but also an eminent teacher, art lover, and builder. He was the first patron of Norman art and left an exceptional imprint on his native province.

This is an anniversary that stimulates the imagination: dinners, parties, festivals, games, and medieval walking tours illustrate and illuminate the province’s the glorious past. An embarrassment of riches greets the tourist…

Visitors can find plenty of information at the Calvados Tourist Office (www.calvados-tourisme.com), which offers many resources for discovering the delights of the region and its fascinating Norman history (www.lafabuleuseepopee.com)

Visit www.happybithdaynormandie.com to find out more about the many 1,100th birthday events taking place in Caen, Bayeux, and Falaise, the three cities most closely tied to the memory of William the Conqueror. You’ll also find events in many other Norman towns like Cabourg, Deauville, St-Pierre-sur-Dives, and Villers-sur-Mer…

An opportunity to enjoy a succulent medieval lunch at the Ferme de la Rançonnière in Crépon (site…) or to participate in:
William the Conqueror family hikes and sporting events (May 21–22) throughout the Calvados region
Medieval Festival and Medieval Book Fair in Bayeux (July 1–3) including an extraordinary parade (www.bayeux-tourisme.com)
A live show during Les Médiévales at the Chateau de Crèvecoeur (August 7–14, www.chateau-de-crevecoeur.com)

Discover Normandy’s exceptional architectural heritage, forever linked to the memory of William the Conqueror:
Falaise Chateau, symbol of ducal power (www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr) and two jewels in Caen that were founded by the prestigious duke/king:
Abbaye-aux-Hommes and St-Etienne Abbey (where his tomb lies) and
Abbaye-aux-Femmes and Trinité Abbey (where the tomb of Queen Mathilde lies) (www.calvados-tourisme.com).

Enjoy the exposition that opens at the end of March in Bayeux: “Emakimono and the Bayeux Tapestry.” Presenting invaluable treasures of both Japanese and French art (www.tapisserie-bayeux.fr), the exposition includes the scroll of the Great Minister Ban (a major Japanese work from the 13th century) and the famous tapestry of Queen Mathilde (an 11th century work representing exceptional historic episodes from the life of William the Conqueror and scenes from medieval Normandy).
Photos © Stéphane Maurice / Socorpresse
The Manoir de Mathan near Bayeux
Chateaux hotels in Normandy, Business hotels and Secret places, Unusual hotels and B&B