Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, Normandy

National GeographicOct 20

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.

Site where U.S. Army Rangers scaled cliffs

17 things in this story

Normandy Low-Carbon Rate initiativePlaceDiscount for traveling by train, bus, or bike
Pointe du Hoc Ranger MonumentSightSite where U.S. Army Rangers scaled cliffs
Mont Sant-MichelSightStunning UNESCO-listed stronghold
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
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
Fête du HarengFestivalFécamp, FranceHonors arrival of briny herring in port cities
Seine RiverSightRouen, FranceQuays are revitalized for biking
Atelier Tapisserie GuillotPlaceAubusson, France

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Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument

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Find Out How Heaven—and History—Was Made in Normandy