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.
More than 1,200 years ago, Vikings—or “Northmen”—began invading the coast of what is now Normandy, giving a name to the region on the English Channel. The political and cultural consequences for Europe were profound, embodied in the figure of William the Conqueror, born in Normandy in 1027. He subsequently led the Norman conquest of England, culminating in 1066 with the Battle of Hastings, events depicted in the threads of the Bayeux Tapestry.
To celebrate the millennium anniversary of his birth, Normandy is throwing a giant party in 2027. From festive banquets to street theater, the celebrations will last all year. It’s an opportunity to learn about the region’s outsize role in European history while exploring the landscapes and culinary culture that continue to inspire travelers from around the world.
(See all 25 of the destinations that made our list of the best places to visit in 2027.)
When to Go
The warm temperatures and late sunsets of summer are enhanced by open-air concerts and festivals galore. While this year will likely bring more crowds to the region, it is typically quieter in spring, when Normandy’s gardens and orchards bloom, and fall, when various food festivals celebrate the harvest from land and sea; in November, the Fête du Hareng takes place in various port cities, including Fécamp and Dieppe, honoring the arrival of the briny herring, while apple and cider festivals occur across the region. Winter can be chilly and damp, with winds howling off the Channel, but it’s cheaper to travel in the offseason and there’s nothing like warming up by a roaring fire after a day’s excursions.
What to Do
Celebrate the Norman Conquest:
In 2027, Normandy is marking the thousandth anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror in the town of Falaise with Millennium, a yearlong series of reenactments, medieval sports games, sound-and-light shows, and other events across the region.
See What Inspired the Impressionists:
A staple of tourism to Normandy is Claude Monet’s house and garden at Giverny, where the legendary artist spent the second half of his life, producing such masterworks as The Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lilies series. But don’t stop there. The region is full of beautiful places depicted by Monet and his cohort, including the cliffs of Étretat, the seaside resort of Deauville, and the picturesque port of Honfleur.
Remember D-Day:
Visit the famous beaches, named in 2026 to the UNESCO World Heritage list, where thousands of American soldiers lost their lives in the battle to liberate France. A restoration of the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, at the site where U.S. Army Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs to seize Germany artillery pieces, will be completed by the end of 2027.
Visit the World's Most Famous Island Abbey:
Follow in the footsteps of the medieval pilgrims who navigated quicksand and strong tides to reach the stunning UNESCO-listed stronghold of Mont Sant-Michel. Birdwatching excursions and bay hikes at low tide offer a different perspective of the legendary site.
Learn About the Bayeux Tapestry:
While the Bayeux Tapestry Museum is closed for renovations until October of 2027 (the tapestry itself is currently on loan to the British Museum), visitors can check out a monumental audiovisual exhibit at the Hôtel du Doyen that explores both the Norman Conquest and the secrets woven into the tapestry. The Château de Falaise, where William the Conqueror once lived, is hosting an exhibit of contemporary artwork commissioned for Millennium, including a woven piece by the Atelier Tapisserie Guillot in the French town of Aubusson depicting the Bayeux Tapestry’s “missing” scene: William the Conqueror’s coronation.
Roam Through Rouen:
In the marvelously preserved medieval city center, which escaped bombing during World War II, stands the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, the tallest gothic cathedral in France––which obsessed Monet, who painted it 30 times. Bike the revitalized Seine River quays and hop off at the Cité Immersive Viking for a multimedia exploration of Viking history in Normandy. From June 17–27, Rouen will host Armada 2027, the world’s largest gathering of tall ships.
Getting Around
Normandy is easily accessible by train from Paris’ Gare Saint-Lazare station. It’s about an hour and a half to Rouen and two hours to Caen. You can also rent a car at Paris–Charles de Gaulle, the closest international airport, which is the best way to explore Normandy’s rural country roads and coastline. However, to reward travelers who ditch their cars, the region recently rolled out the Normandy Low-Carbon Rate initiative, which offers a 10 percent discount at more than 100 tourist sites if you travel by train, bus, or bike. Normandy has some 1,300 miles of bike paths, offering a scenic way to explore the region.
