Bayeux Tapestry
St Etienne Caen
Mont St. Michel
Cathedrale Notre Dame
Bayeux
Abbaye aux Hommes Caen
Chateau de Caen
MONT ST MICHEL
The incomparable Bayeux Tapestry before it goes off display
Caen with its two abbeys, "Dames" and "Hommes"
Chateau de Falaise - site of William's birth
Magnificent Mont St Michel
In 2017, Medieval Normandy was our first tour abroad to be led by historian Julian Humphrys, who has led many of our UK tours over the past decade. It has proved extremely popular and garnered rave reviews so we have added several more tours with the inimitable Julian at the helm (to Burgundy, Waterloo and Normandy for his insight into Operation Overlord).
This tour looks at the early life of William of Normandy and the subsequent invasion of England in 1066 and his rule as the first Norman king of England until his death in 1087. This wonderful tour visits key locations associated with his life as well as the incomparable Bayeux Tapestry that tells the story of the invasion in a unique pictorial style. The Bayeux Museum which is home to the Tapestry is closing for renovation works in 2025, so this is the last chance to see the Tapestry in its home before coming off display for a renovation.
Available Departures |
From |
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| 11 - November - 2024 | £ 1029.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings Portsmouth Departing: 11th November 2024 at 20:15 Returning: 15th November 2024 at 14:00 |
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| 10 - March - 2025 | £ 1145.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings Portsmouth Departing: 10th March 2025 at 20:15 Returning: 14th March 2025 at 14:00 |
Day 1: Depart Portsmouth by overnight Brittany Ferries service to Saint Malo with reserved cabin
(Parking at Portsmouth is plentiful, secure and costs £13 per day https://www.apcoa.co.uk/parking-in/portsmouth/portsmouth-international-port/ or the train station is 5 minutes by taxi.)
Day 2: Arrival in Saint Malo, Mont St Michel and Bayeux
This morning we arrive in Saint Malo then travel towards Mont St Michel for our first visit. The island commune has been the seat of a monastery since the 8th century though it was at its most influential in the 12th and 13th centuries as a pilgrimage site. The abbey, unchanged for centuries, crowns the island, the village at its foot full of shops and restaurants. After free time for lunch (not included) we will make the journey towards the lovely town of Bayeux for check-in to the Lion D’Or Hotel. This evening there will be a welcome drink, lecture from Julian, 'Rise of the Conqueror:The early life of William of Normandy’, and dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 3: Full day Bayeux
This morning we visit to the wonderful Bayeux Tapestry, an extraordinary masterpiece of embroidery that tells the story of the Norman conquest as well as revealing details about the 11th century way of life. Its origin is uncertain but was probably made in England just after the invasion. This afternoon we visit the 11th century Cathedral Notre-Dame and the Museum of Art and History, housed in the Bishop's Palace the museum showcases the journey through history of European art, from archaelogy to Modern Art. This evening Julian will give us another lecture 'Triumph of the Conqueror. William of Normandy and the invasion of England' before dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 4: Chateau de Falaise and Caen
This morning we visit the Chateau de Falaise, perched on a high crag on the site of an earlier castle where William was born in 1026. This afternoon we visit the Norman city of Caen, which boats a host of ancient buildings dating back to the time of William of Normandy, including the Chateau de Caen which houses the Musée de Normandie, the Abbaye aux Dames, the Eglise de la Trinité, built by William’s wife Mathilde in 1062, and the Abbaye aux Hommes, the Eglise St Etienne. You have the evening free to enjoy dinner at your own leisure.
Day 5: Priory St Gabriel, Chateau de Creully and home
This morning we will have a drive through the picturesque Bessin and visit the Priory of St Gabriel, founded in 1058 by the Abbot of Fecamp and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture in Normandy. We will also visit the Chateau de Creully, a fortified castle which played a major role in 1944 during the landing of Allied troops in Normandy and was also home to the BBC Headquarters in its square tower. We then transfer to Caen for the return daytime ferry crossing to Portsmouth with arrival at approximately 19.15hrs.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note this tour has been classed as 'Demanding'. This is due to the amount of walking involved on the tour for all visits - day 3 and day 4 are spent all on foot. There are also a large number of steps at Mont St Michel. The hotel also has no lift so stairs must be taken in order to reach rooms.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Brittany Ferries - overnight crossing
A cabin is provided for the overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Saint Malo. Standard inside cabins have comfortable beds for a good night's rest and also private bathroom.
The Lion d'Or Hotel, Bayeux
The four-star Le Lion d’Or Hotel is located in the heart of the lovely and historic town of Bayeux. With just 31 rooms, it is small and friendly with a bar, restaurant and cosy, well-appointed rooms with all modern facilities. Bedrooms have a private bathroom with bath/shower, TV, free wi-fi and hairdryer. Please note the hotel is laid out over three floors and does not have a lift. There are rooms located on the first floor which can be reached by approximately 20 steps.
Lion d'Or Hotel Website
Your Guide
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, has worked at historical sites both in Britain and overseas and is now a trustee of the Battlefields Trust and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has a very infectious enthusiasm for history and has published numerous books on castles and battles. He currently leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions and imparts his extraordinary historical knowledge with wit and panache, making a tour led by him both an educational and entertaining experience.
Brilliant tour. Karen was very good at looking after us & Julian was on his usual excellent form
Review by anonymous who travelled 11-March-2024
This tour was definitely up to very high standards I have come to expect from Travel Editions. Great venues, great hotel, great tour manager plus great history expert Julian. I was particularly impressed with the tablets supplied by Chateau de Falaise, to give an idea of the original interior decorations. If only British castles could do the same.
Review by anonymous who travelled 11-March-2024
I loved the hotel, the food in the hotel and the coach which was spacious. There was a lot of travelling to get to Bayeux (I am referring to the journey to Portsmouth as well as the ferry) for 3 nights in Normandy. If you could have made it a longer holiday it would have suited me better. Having said that I would consider travelling with you again.
Review by anonymous who travelled 11-March-2024
Excellent tour manager & guide (Karen and Julian) both of whom went above and beyond and added massively to our appreciation and enjoyment of the tour. Many congratulations to both. Two niggles: highlights were on first 2 days (Mont St Michel & Tapestry), meaning 3rd day a bit of a downer. Suggest you schedule Tapestry visit for 3rd day, with visits to William the C’s castles and abbeys on 2nd day.
Review by Wright who travelled 11-March-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Many thanks for your feedback - we're glad you found the tour enjoyable. Thanks too for your comments on the itinerary, which we are discussing with the tour lecturer to determine whether to change the order of visits.
Review by anonymous who travelled 11-March-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your feedback. We have amended future itineraries to include more time at Falaise Castle.
Both the lecturer and the tour manager were great, friendly and relaxed as well as efficient and knowledgeable. I very much enjoyed the trip and the company.
Review by Swain who travelled 11-March-2024
Review by Anonymous who travelled 10-March-2023
Very interesting and full-on tour, but 2 days travelling and a mere 2 days there is disproportionate. Need a minimum of 3 days I think. The travel out was way too long in time. Boredom reached early on French motorways, Yes, I know you are changing that ! Glad I went though.
Review by Batchelor who travelled 10-March-2023
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your feedback and yes we are changing to an overnight ferry for 2024.
From the moment I met Nick at Victoria, I knew the holiday would br great, he was efficient, caring and great fun, and continued to be so throughout. The same must be said about Julian, whose knowledge was excellent, and he was funny too. Infact the two of them were a double act which kept me in stitches. Our coach driver, Phil, was superb too, nothing fazed him, and his driving was like silk. The locations were wonderful, as was the hotel, where the staff were helpful and charming. I look forward to my next trip with you
Review by Martinez who travelled 10-March-2023
All very good. Would strongly recommend to others.
Review by Giangrande who travelled 10-March-2023
Very enjoyable , friendly and informative. Only drawback: Very long time in Coach …. Excellent Driver
Review by Anonymous who travelled 10-March-2023
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your response and just to inform you we will be using an overnight ferry from 2024.
The hotel was lovely and someone carried my case up and down for me. The tour manager said I should try to bluff my way into the museum when I mislaid my ticket but then gave me his. The driver stopped in my borough on the way back,saving me two hours to Victoria and back!
Review by Crafter who travelled 10-March-2023
First time with Travel Editions and will certainly book again. I spent my working career organising complicated itineraries for myself and others and so glad to have an itinerary organised for me! Struggled a bit with a room on the third floor with no lift, but that was because I was recovering from a broken ankle. Really no suggestions how to improve. It was all fine. And the Bayeux tapestry did not disappoint.
Review by Cross who travelled 10-March-2023
Meal on Sunday evening rather disappointing and arrangements for eating on the last day were sparse. (just a bowl of soup at lunch time and hastily grabbed service area sandwiches had to last until I arrived home at 11.00pm) Rest of the tour was excellent: very informative and interesting. Nick and Julien made an excellent team. Our driver Phil was great.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 10-March-2023
We really enjoyed this tour. The Tour Manager Nick and the Expert Julian were both first class and on the strength of their performance on this tour we have already booked a tour to Malta where they will again be on duty. The hotel and travel arrangements were both very good although we didn’t enjoy the ferry trip that was a late substitution for the advertised outward shuttle train.
Review by Goodwin who travelled 10-March-2023
This was a very enjoyable tour with plenty to see. Julian and Nick ensured that everything ran smoothly and we were very well informed about the history of the region. My only disappointment was the lack of choice of food when dining at the hotel . I didn’t enjoy either of the main courses served at the hotel and feel that alternatives should always be offered. (On other group tours, with other companies, there has always been the opportunity to choose from a range of options.) I don’t know if this was just down to the hotel, or if a set menu, with no choice, is always a feature of Travel Editions tours. If it is, then this would put me off booking another tour.
Review by Adams who travelled 10-March-2023
Really enjoyed out first holiday with TE. Very professional throughout and well organised with good communication whilst away.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-November-2022
Gill did an amazing job wrangling a diverse group of travellers with different needs/demands. It was a good balance of time spent together and time in a group. A flag on the listing about the length of the coach trip there and back would be good - we didn't mind too much as there were comfort stops but it would have been good to have an idea of just how many hours the drive is.
Review by Michel who travelled 18-November-2022
Really excellent tour, we thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour manager Jill and history lecturer Julian were very interesting and informative. Please send our thanks to them and Gordon our excellent driver.
Review by Cardew-Smith who travelled 18-November-2022
The travelling involved was much more than we expected and longer than the brochure led us to understand. So we had 2 (out of 4) very long and tiring days but the tours and lecturer were excellent. Good to have time to ourselves in Bayeux
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-November-2022
VERY long coach journey on day one. We were not told that there would be no lunch stop. However, hotel excellent and good sightseeing all round.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-November-2022
This was a first rate tour. Everything about it was well organised, the tour manager Jill is a consummate professional who took good care of her customers and was a fountain of knowledge about everything in the Normandy region. The historian Julian is very knowledgeable about the Norman period and WW2 period. He made the whole experience extremely interesting. Both his talks to us were fascinating. The hotel in Bayeux was excellent. Enormous variety at breakfast and splendid group meals (set menu) made it an all round charming experience.
Review by Lodge who travelled 18-November-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-March-2022
Great trip will travel with Travel Editions again
Review by Littlewood who travelled 11-March-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-March-2022
A very good trip would recommend it highly
Review by Malden who travelled 11-March-2022
Always satisfied with TEditions. It would have been a few more days in Normandy.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-March-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-March-2022
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Review by Anonymous who travelled 11-March-2022
the complexities of the paperwork for returning to UK meant we needed to be at the tunnel earlier to catch the shuttle we were not sent the correct advance information about entry requirements and were sent tow different departure times
Review by Tuck who travelled 11-March-2022
The tour guides were outstanding in improvising the visits due to sites and museums being closed down because of the coronavirus. Julian was exceptionally well informed about the D-Day landings and this compensated for other museums being closed. Obviously disappointed not to see the Bayeux Tapestry but inevitable.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-March-2020
The tour manager, Karen Blackwell, and historian, Julian Humphrys did outstanding work rescuing the tour after Emanuel Macron shut down the country. They could not take us to Caen or Jumieges as the places we were due to see were all closed. (Indeed the Bayeux Museum was closed before we got there so we never got to see the tapestry.) Karen and Julian took us instead to D-Day sites of interest - not exactly what we had hoped to see but it did save the holiday from total disaster. To repeat they worked very hard and did a sterling job.
Review by Turner who travelled 13-March-2020
Well the feedback is a bit tricky as this obviously wasn't the tour we signed up for! All the planned venues, with the exception of Bayeux Cathedral, were closed because of the coronavirus, and cafes and restaurants were shutting down during the time of our visit. However Karen the tour manager and Julian the guest lecturer were marvellous in trying to find other activities and sights for us to do and to visit. Overall I had a really enjoyable time, tempered by worries about being stuck in France because of the virus, but that wasn't Travel Editions fault. I've sent a separate email to Pulham's, the coach company, thanking them for the wonderful service provided by Steve their driver. He was fantastic, driving us to all sorts of unexpected places that he probably wasn't expecting to do.
Review by Taylor who travelled 13-March-2020
Loved every minute and having a second clear view of the tapestry with Julian's comments was brilliant. Out of season is really the time to visit.
Review by Pugsley who travelled 15-November-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 15-November-2019
I much enjoyed this trip and know that I learnt a great deal. Julian, the lecturer, was v. knowledgeable and approachable and generous with his time. Jill, the tour manager, was most efficient and friendly. And the bus driver was also charming and an excellent driver. I have already recommended your firm to friends and shall undoubtedly be booking other tours in due course myself. Thank you.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 15-November-2019
The coach journey was long but better than wasting time at an airport and was mitigated by an excellent driver, ample comfort stops and periodic informative comments places we were passing.
Review by Perkins who travelled 15-March-2019
Our first time with Travel Editions and it was very enjoyable. Can see why there were so many repeat travelers. Tour manager and driver were superb. Guide was good, enjoyed the talks/lecture. Hotel was way beyond what we expected from a modest venue. Food at breakfast and dinner was of a very high standard. Coach was clean and very comfortable.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 15-March-2019
Include arrival time on first day in Bayeux.
Review by Sequeira who travelled 15-March-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 15-March-2019
This tour was very well-managed by Jill, and Julian Humphreys' knowledge of the period, lectures and guided tours were impressive and good-humoured. They both coped well in difficult circumstances with major demonstrators in France blocking roads and causing changes to the schedule and significant delays on the last day. We had an amusing stop at a café at Jumieres where Jill and Julian assisted the staff with serving soup and clearing up, which was beyond the call of duty. It was also a bonus and particularly appreciated, after the delays, having a stop at Victoria train station (before the coach station), which meant I managed to get a train to Salisbury (by changing at Clapham Junction) which I wasn't expecting to be in time for.
Review by Callow who travelled 16-November-2018
The Tour Manager was outstanding. Julian Humphrys is always an enthusiastic mine of information. Richard, apart from being a highly competent coach driver, was also very flexible and could adapt to unforeseen circs with good humour and patience.
Review by joy who travelled 16-November-2018
Our guide Jill dealt with the extraordinary circumstances of the civil unrest causing traffic holdups in a quiet creative manner, completely reorganising all elements of the trip without losing any of the experiences and even finding catering facilities when we were held up on the way home.
Review by Collett who travelled 16-November-2018
This tour was disrupted by French protesters blocking roads etc. The way Gill and Julian reorganized the itinerary was very impressive. Great flexibility was needed which what they showed - with remarkably little obvious fuss. I enjoyed having the extra time in Bayeux itself.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-November-2018
Not even Les Gilets Jaunes (not to be confused with Le Maillot Jaune) could spoil this Tour. With some swift reorganising by Gill Thompson, our brilliant Tour Manager, after the first lecture by historian Julian Humphrys on the early life of William of Normandy, we headed not for Caen but for the Bayeux Tapestry, a short walk from the hotel. We were the first visitors so had none of the usual crowds to contend with. Viewing the Tapestry frame by frame with the English Audio Guide almost turns the experience in to a movie, and an awesome one at that. Following a guided tour of the Cathedral of Norte Dame by Julian we had time for an unscheduled visit to the Bayeux Museum. Beautifully curated, there was even a nineteenth centuary painting showing Queen Matilda and her ladies working on the Tapestry! This was described as ‘in the Troubador style’, referring to the taste for historical reconstruction of the Middle Ages. In fact the Tapestry is believed to have been commissioned by Bishop Odo, William’s half brother and embroidered in England. First stop on Sunday was to Falaise to see the castle where William was born and then on to Caen to visit the castle and the two Abbayes - aux Dames, founded by Queen Matilda, the first to be completed and aux Hommes where William is buried. The latter was illuminated for an organ recital so we were able to stand at William’s tomb, the sound of the wonderful 18th centuary organ ringing in our ears and contemplate all we had learned about William - of Normandy, the Conqueror and King o England. The Lion d’Or Hotel is a great base for this Tour. The cosy bar/lounge where the lectures are held has walls festooned with photographs of the many famous politicians, soldiers, film actors and singers who have stayed there. I especially enjoyed breakfast where the local speciality Teurgoule, a slow cooked rice pudding, with prunes more than compensated for my usual porridge with blueberries. The journey back to Eurotunnel via the picturesque Abbey of Jumièges was delayed by Les Gilets Jaunes but with the aid of Gill’s map, Julian’s smart phone’s Google Maps and Richard, our intrepid coach driver’s Sat Nav (for coaches and buses!) we dodged many of the road blocks and caught a train only two hours later than planned. Thank you Travel Editions, for another successful Tour.
Review by Richardson who travelled 16-November-2018
Overall our impression of the holiday is very positive. Despite some very trying circumstances (French industrial action) the organization of the tour was outstanding. This was largely down to the excellent leadership of Gill Thompson, the highly entertaining and informative lectures/guiding of Julian Humphrys and the superbly calm and clever driving of Richard (apologies, didn't get his surname). The accommodation was really good, and the excursions very interesting. The only slight downside (apart from the demonstrators) was the travel timings at the start of the holiday. The 7.30am start from Victoria was not pleasant, and the only alternative pick-up was at a motorway service station in Kent. Other than that, a very good holiday. Thank you Gill, Julian and Richard! Roger & Caroline Fox
Review by Fox who travelled 16-November-2018
Cannot speak too highly of our Tour Manager, Gill. She coped so well with all the strikes, road blocks and other problems. She and Julian Humphrys and Richard the driver worked very well as a team to give us an excellent trip. Good hotel. Coach getting a bit worn and noisy. Looking forward to the next trip!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-November-2018
We greatly enjoyed our visit to Bayeux and were very well looked after by our guide and manager and at the hotel. Our only comment is that we did not have earlier notification that the start was 6,15 rather than 8.00!
Review by Banister who travelled 16-March-2018
Departure from Victoria Coach Station was originally at 08.00, changed to 06.30 in the final itinerary. I do think the change should have been pointed out in the covering email. Tour Manager Gill / Jill was excellent: she couldn't do enough for us throughout the trip, and especially on the way back when out passage through the tunnel was delayed by 3 hours. She's a real star. Overall a most enjoyable trip, thank you.
Review by Batt who travelled 16-March-2018
A fantastic tour from start to finish - very well organised by Gill who went out of her way to make sure the trip was a success. Julian was as ever very knowledgable and amusing. The hotel in Bayeux was excellent - the food was very good and the rooms very comfortable. Last but not least Gordon our coach driver was superb - we felt very safe for the whole journey.
Review by Allen who travelled 16-March-2018
Review by who travelled 16-March-2018
It was a bad idea to travel to Normandy via Calais - much better to go by ferry from Portsmouth. It was not good to advance the departure time to such an early hour and to do so only a few days before departure. Other than that it was well organised and the lecturer and tour manager were excellent.
Review by Oliver who travelled 16-March-2018
Review by who travelled 16-March-2018
This tour went very well, particularly considering it was the first time it had been run and given that one member of the party had to be hospitalised. Everything we saw exceeded my expectations. About the only - minor - hitch was at Caen where the time allowed to do things at the Castle on our own was quite limited and then we gathered together at a time which was rather late to find lunch as most places seemed to stop serving it at 2.30 p.m.
Review by who travelled 03-November-2017
This was an excellent tour. Both lecturer & Tour Manager were excellent & worked very well together. Day 2 needs better balance between morning & afternoon visits as overall Time was fine. The hotel was lovely and the food very good. Lack of lifts was no problem , and my room was well worth the climb. Didn’t much like Le Shuttle but Adrian is a brilliant driver and made the long drive very comfortable. I hope our fellow traveller who went into hospital has recovered and is safely home. Gill was amazing keeping the tour on track and looking after our very sick colleague. I’m now looking forward to Medieval Burgundy!
Review by who travelled 03-November-2017
Jill was a brilliant tour guide. I work in travel and have been on many tours and she certainly is the best I have ever been with. No job was too small and she was always willing to help. Julian was also excellent and knew his subject 100%. His lectures and talks were wonderful and he had a great sense of humour. Adrian the coach driver was brilliant and such a steady driver. A wonderful well organized tour from start to finish. It was just a pity I never received the tour information notes.
Review by Parkin who travelled 03-November-2017
Both Gill Thompson the tour manager and Julian Humphrys the lecturer were brilliant and worked together very effectively to make the trip an unforgettable experience. The Bayeux Tapestry was extraordinary and the displays in the rest of the museum galleries were really good quality and enhanced the whole experience. This is the second time I've travelled with Gill as tour manager on a Travel Editions trip and once again she dealt with a guest's medical emergency in a calm, professional and compassionate way. Gill is a truly outstanding member of staff! All in all, an excellent trip, thank you!
Review by Wise who travelled 03-November-2017
Very impressed with both tour manager and historian/guide
Review by Bowles who travelled 03-November-2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Well managed (Jill) with an interesting and knowledgeable guide (Julian).
Review by Nevill who travelled 03-November-2017
We've now done 7 tours with you and all have been excellent. Unfortunately one of our friends had to pull out at the last minute due to health problems and Ruth Woodward was taken ill on the coach from Victoria and is still in the hospital in Bayeaux. I would like to say such a big thankyou to Gill our tour manager who was such a great support over this, and managed to arrange hospital visits for us etc so that the rest of us didn't miss any of the tours. Julian is a great person and can lift your spirits whatever the circumstances, this being the third trip we've done with him too. Overall a great trip and everyone was super supportive and helpful with all that was going on, our friend still being in the hospital in Bayeaux. Many thanks to all.
Review by Armstrong who travelled 03-November-2017
A very enjoyable trip . Tour manager, Gill Thompson, ensured that everything ran smoothly in spite of some worrying situations. Julian Humphrys was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Looking forward to my next tour with Travel editions.
Review by Groom who travelled 03-November-2017
All aspects of the tour reached my expectations. Tour guide(s) were very good and gave plenty of historical information so the purpose of the tour was fulfilled most satisfactorily.
Review by Hope who travelled 03-November-2017
Le Lion d'Or has an excellent location, but no lift which was acceptable. A minor irritation was the fact that the door into the bedroom (No 20) from the small hallway was on such a tight spring that it was impossible to keep it open. Very difficult to carry a suitcase through. On the whole another good tour.
Review by who travelled 03-November-2017
