In the wake of William the Conqueror

Normandy was the birthplace of probably the most famous of all dukes, William The Conqueror, but not being content with this title, he went on to meet Harold Godwinson in battle at Hastings. Head of the most powerful family in Anglo-Saxon England and recently newly crowned King thereof, and won! This tour takes you to his birthplace, Falaise castle, then on to his most strategic castle in Caen, built in 1060, after the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes in 1047, and finally the two abbeys he built with his Flemish wife, where both William and Matilda have rested for over 930 years. William's grave, marked by a marble slab, was destroyed in 1562 and the bones scattered and lost, with the exception of one thigh bone. Matilda, who died in 1083, was buried in the Choir under a slab of black marble. What better way to learn about one of the most crucial points in European history, by walking in the footsteps of the greatest General, Duke and King of the middle ages? Guilielmus Victor.

We start this historic tour at the birthplace of William. This impressive medieval castle, built on a natural high point with natural sheer drops, Falaise Castle, the view is impressive and allows for superb photo opportunities. We then move on to the castle in Caen, the stronghold of William after his battle of Val-ès-Dunes and henceforth to become the stronghold of Normandy. This is also a very impressive structure in the heart of Caen. Our tour then continues to the two Abbeys, Abbaye Aux Hommes and Abbaye Aux Dames, built by William and new bride Matilde, to appease Pope Leo IX. A thousand years of history is all around us. These two beautiful monuments also in the heart of Caen old town, housing the remains of King William and Queen Matilde for more than 930 years. Lastly we move on to the 900-year-old Bayeux tapestry, testimony and sequence to 'The Battle of Hastings. Bayeux is the medieval capital and has many sights to see and photograph. All within 2 hours train ride from Paris.