As we approach the 68th anniversary of the Landings, a stay in the touristic area of Bayeux-Bessi ...[+]
In 911, King Charles the Simple, overwhelmed by Viking raids, granted the lands of Lower Seine to their chief Rollo. The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte was signed and marked the birth of the duchy of Normandy. The Vikings turned the concession into a prosperous and powerful State, which reached its peak when William, Duke of Normandy became King of England in 1066.
William the Conqueror is a preponderant character in the history of Normandy. He has left his mark in the Bessin region: the Bayeux Tapestry relates his victory at the Battle of Hastings, Bayeux Cathedral was consecrated in his presence in 1077, and a plaque in Ryes is a reminder of his long ride to Falaise.
This summer, Normans and tourists are invited to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Normandy. Festive events will be organized across the Bessin region: exhibitions, medieval festivals, evening shows, Viking re-enactments, medieval feasts... Here are a few dates not to be missed!
1st, 2nd and 3rd July - 25th Medieval Festival in Bayeux
This year, a grand parade will mark the opening of the festivities on the Friday evening : Damsels and squires, and a 5 metre high knight - the tallest in the world - will wander through the streets of Bayeux. No less than twenty companies of re-enactors from France and Europe will set camp to show us the daily life of Vikings, Saxons and Normans. A true journey through history!
2nd and 3rd July - A Viking longship drops anchor in Port en Bessin
The Dreknor is the replica of a 9th Century Viking war-ship. Visits and boat trips will be the opportunity to discover this legendary boat (approved by Maritime Heritage Foundation).
From 12th July to 27th August - Evening show "Rendez-vous à la cathédrale"
For the second year running, Bayeux will be the scene for an evening show based on the projection of architectural pictures. The south facade of the cathedral will adorn itself with light and colour and reveal the finest details of its architecture. Opposite, the façade of the "Hôtel du Doyen" will become a giant screen for the projection of a high definition animated film: Spectators will discover 2000 years of history in Bayeux and Bessin, narrated by a lace maker.
15th and 16th July - Son et lumière at the chateau of Colombières
The Chateau of Colombières will come to life at dusk, from 10.30pm. Visitors will discover its history since medieval times, through light and plays. Situated on the edge of the Bessin marshland, the chateau was nicknamed "lookout" due to its strategic location. Colombières has witnessed a thousand years of history and has kept in its present architecture the signs of its original defensive purpose.
From 7th to 17th August - In the Viking's footsteps
In Neuilly-la-Forêt close to Isigny: several events will be organized around the re-enactment of a Viking camp: treasure hunt , exhibitions and lectures dealing with the Viking influence, and a walk through time (9 kilometres).
Find the complete calendar of events organized for the anniversary of Normandy at: www.happybirthdaynormandie.com
The facade of historical buildings will become giant screens, where the history of the medieval city and the seaside town will be told. "Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale" and "Rendez-vous au Grand Hôtel" use the latest technologies in sound and picture, to offer Normans and tourists alike a quality evening show, from 10th July to 28th August.
More info:
Night show Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale in Bayeux
Night show Rendez-vous au Grand Hôtel in Cabourg
On the Vikings footsteps in Neuilly-la-Forêt
Tel : 02.31.10.12.91
Medieval menu, Restaurant La Ferme de la Rançonnière
in Crépon (15km from Bayeux)
