Discovery rally following in the footsteps of the dukes and barons of Normandy in Cotentin.

A one-day visit itinerary, designed in the form of a rally and treasure hunt, allows you to discover the architectural heritage of the ducal period. The route highlights the residential spaces of the 11th and 12th centuries in Cotentin, through the main types of remains: motte castrales, keeps, castles, and palaces. Each site is linked to an event or a figure related to William: ancestors, companions, adversaries, or descendants. The connections and similarities with the architecture across the Channel from the same period are also put into perspective. The visits are commented on by the guides of the Country of Art and History of Clos du Cotentin as well as local historians. The route begins at the Abbey of Lessay, which serves as the meeting point for the rally presentation, followed by a visit to the abbey church and its gardens. Founded between 1056 and 1064 by Baron Richard Turstin Haldup, lord of La Haye-du-Puits and Le Plessis, and his wife Emma, the abbey is part of the context of restoring peace and justice in Cotentin by William, Duke of Normandy, in a territory then highly independent. At each stage, a riddle is proposed, allowing progress to the next stage, for a total of five stages. Organized by the association Vieilles Maisons Françaises (VMF) Practical information: Registration required, limited number of places Paid Travel is done in teams, organized by carpooling. There are moments of conviviality throughout the day: welcome coffee at the start, packed lunch, closing cocktail, and gift presentation to the winning teams. Partnership: Country of Art and History of Clos du Cotentin.