2011 Tours

Power & Conflict in the Vexin: Royal France versus the Dukes of Normandy

Led by Dr. Pamela Marshall

15th–19th July 2010 

The Vexin, a strip of territory bordering the Seine, came to act as a significant buffer zone in the power struggle that emerged between the kings of France and their powerful vassals the Dukes of Normandy during the 12th century. This conflict arose largely because the Norman dukes, though vassals in France, were kings in their own right in England from 1066. The castles of the Vexin controlled communications between Paris and Rouen and were not only essential tools in the defence of each side, but also significant tokens of power and status. While exploring the medieval fortifications in this picturesque region of France, this tour will also chart the development of castle architecture from the emergence of stone castles in the 11th century through the glory days of Richard I of England and Philip Augustus of France .

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Travel by Eurostar to Paris and coach transport in France. The tour will be based for 4 nights in Hotel Les Bords de Seine, situated on the banks of the great river at La Roche-Guyon. This picturesque small town, dominated by its castle, is typical of the region, with chalk cliffs plummeting down to the meandering Seine.

Itinerary:

Thursday:15th July - Eurostar departure from St. Pancras 10.00 arrives Paris Gare du Nord 13.17

Friday: Concentrating on the history of the great dukes of Normandy, we shall make a coach excursion to Jumièges Abbey. This great abbey, which traces its history to the Merovingian period, was rebuilt under the patronage of the Norman ducal family. (The abbey church gives us an idea of what Westminster Abbey was like before it was rebuilt by Henry III.) There is also a rare survival of part of the Carolingian church.  Rouen:  Cathedral with several tombs of the Norman Dukes; historic centre with medieval houses, Philip II’s great tower, gothic churches.

Saturday: By coach to Les Andelys, where we shall trace the way in which Richard I developed twin towns with sophisticated water defences as a fortification against his arch-rival, Philip II. The crowning glory was Château Gaillard, a state-of-the-art castle, which he probably helped to design. We shall return via Gaillon and Vernon, stopping to see the castles there.

Sunday: AM  Option 1 (strenuous: fitness required) – visit to the near-unique rock-cut Château on our doorstep at La Roche-Guyon. Built into the cliff side from the late 11thC, a tunnel climbs through the cliff to reach the round donjon on the cliff-top, built by Philip II. Option 2 – visit to Monet’s Garden at Giverny.  PM Excursion to the Château at Gisors, founded by William Rufus and also with sections dating from the reigns of Henry I and II (all kings of England and dukes of Normandy). On the way back we shall see the neglected but still impressive Château-sur-Epte. 

Return on Monday 19th July - deaprture from Paris Gare du Nord 17.13 arrives London St. Pancras 18.29

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Cost:

£895 (single supplement £65)

Reduction of £20pp for all bookings received by January 31st 2010

The price includes:
Travel on Eurostar; air-conditioned transport in France; en-suite accommodation with buffet breakfast and 3-course dinner (wine and coffee included); entrance fees; tuition; gratuities.