National GeographicOct 20, 2026
Find Out How Heaven—and History—Was Made in Normandy
The region in northern France is celebrating a thousand years since the birth of William the Conqueror—who shaped its future trajectory—with a busy program of events.
17 things in this story
- Fête du HarengFestivalHonors arrival of briny herring in port cities
- Elsewhere
- Bayeux Tapestry MuseumMuseumBayeux, FranceClosed for renovations until October 2027
- Hôtel du DoyenSightBayeux, FranceAudiovisual exhibit on Norman Conquest and tapestry
- Château de FalaiseSightFalaise, FranceHosts exhibit of contemporary artwork for Millennium
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de RouenSightRouen, FranceTallest gothic cathedral in France, obsessed Monet
- Cité Immersive VikingSightRouen, FranceMultimedia exploration of Viking history
- Armada 2027FestivalRouen, FranceWorld’s largest gathering of tall ships
- Gare Saint-LazareSightParis, FranceTrain station for access to Normandy from Paris
- Paris–Charles de GaulleSightParis, FranceClosest international airport to Normandy
- Normandy Low-Carbon Rate initiativePlaceNormandy, FranceDiscount for traveling by train, bus, or bike
- MillenniumFestivalFalaise, FranceYearlong series of events for William the Conqueror anniversary
- Claude Monet’s house and gardenSightGiverny, FranceArtist spent second half of life here
- Cliffs of ÉtretatSightÉtretat, FranceBeautiful place depicted by Monet
- Pointe du Hoc Ranger MonumentSightNormandy, FranceSite where U.S. Army Rangers scaled cliffs
- Mont Sant-MichelSightNormandy, FranceStunning UNESCO-listed stronghold
- Seine RiverSightRouen, FranceQuays are revitalized for biking
- Atelier Tapisserie GuillotPlaceAubusson, France