950 years on from the Battle of Hastings, come and visit Normandy, birthplace and home of William, Duke of Normandy, later to be King of England. And a must-see is the Bayeux Tapestry – a masterpiece listed as world heritage by UNESCO, celebrating this epic period of England and France's mutual history in the world's most famous embroidered comic strip.

To mark this landmark year, until December 2016, Normandy is stepping back in time as medieval festivals and events take place across the region. So why not walk in William's footsteps and take a trip to Normandy this autumn to see the key sites associated with the Duke of Normandy and his momentous expedition?

Falaise: The imposing medieval stronghold of William the Conqueror's Castle still dominates the town of Falaise; a reminder that this was the birthplace of the fearsome William Duke of Normandy. Little is known about William's childhood, although it is assumed that many of his early years were spent in Falaise. The castle has been restored in recent years and its tablet tour uses the latest augmented reality technology to create an immersive experience which brings the castle's past to life.

Caen: Historically, it was largely due to William the Conqueror that Caen grew into a great city. William and his wife, Matilda of Flanders, each ordered a grand abbey, the Men's Abbey for William, the Women's Abbey for Matilda; both hugely impressive places to this day which are open to the public and free of charge. Between them, Caen Castle was one of the most important strongholds in the duchy of Normandy, and now houses the Normandy Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.

Bayeux: Situated in the historic old town, Bayeux Cathedral dates back to Norman times and was consecrated in 1077 by Bishop Odo of Conteville in the presence of his half-brother, William Duke of Normandy and King of England. It is believed that Odo commissioned the world-famous, UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry. This masterpiece is now displayed at the Bayeux Museum, where visitors can take an audio tour while following the epic 70-metre tapestry that depicts all stages of the Norman Conquest.

Here are some medieval moments not to be missed between now and the end of December:

William the Conqueror Tour, Caen

Set out from Caen Tourist Office, explore the outstanding architectural heritage of Caen and admire the city's finest monuments: Caen Castle, the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Etienne founded by William, the Women's Abbey and the Men's Abbey, where William was buried, as well as lesser-known sites of historic interest. Enjoy an interactive tour (available in English) by accessing photos and videos at strategic points on the route.

• For more information, click here

William Duke of Normandy's flight to Falaise, Calvados (16-23 October)

Watch medieval horse riders re-enact the 210km route taken by William when he fled from Valognes to his castle in Falaise in 1047 following a failed attempt by the Norman nobility to seize him. There will be entertainment and festivities at each staging post of the route.

• Entry: Free of charge
• Start time: Around 5pm
• For more information, click here

William's Cathedral lightshow, Bayeux (October and December)

Experience a spectacular lightshow inside Bayeux Cathedral, where the Bayeux Tapestry and other architectural features will be projected onto the entire length of the nave!

• Entry: Free of charge
• October dates: 13, 16, 19, 22, 26 and 29 at 6pm, 6:45pm and 7:30pm
• December dates: 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 28 and 31 at 5:30pm, 6:15pm, 7pm and 7:45pm
• For more information, click here

Medieval Christmas Market, Falaise (11-12 December)

Experience musicians, jugglers, clowns, strolling players and traders in medieval costume this Christmas in Falaise, the town where William was born, which will be putting on a festive medieval Christmas market at the foot of William the Conqueror's Castle.

• Entry: Free of charge
• Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm
• For more information, click here

William the Conqueror Comic Strip exhibition, Bayeux (until 31 December)

This exhibition at the Museum of the Bayeux Tapestry in Bayeux focuses on an innovative contemporary comic strip which tells William the Conqueror's story, providing an original and fun way for the whole family to find out about the man who, before becoming 'the Conqueror' was a young man of illegitimate birth fighting for his survival and legacy.

• Entry: 9€ per person
• Opening hours: 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm
• For more information, click here

-ENDS-

For more information on the 950th anniversary of the Norman Conquest, visit: www.medieval-normandy.com 

For information on how to get to Normandy from the UK, visit: http://bit.ly/howtogettonormandy

For more information on this press release or for photos, contact:

Fran Lambert, UK & Ireland Press Officer for the Normandy Tourist Board

Email: fran.lambert@atout-france.fr

Tel: +44 (0)20 7061 6637 | +44 (0)7801 922 183

Web: www.normandy-tourism.org | Twitter: @NormandyPRUK