The 2010 spring archaeological study tour is to Normandy.

This area of France has a long history of settlement, although the existence of Normandy as a separate Duchy dates from 911, when the treaty of Saint Clair-sur-Epte granted land to Rollo, a Viking leader.

King Charles the Simple saw the treaty as the best way of protecting France from Viking incursions along the Seine, as the 885 – 886 siege of Paris had demonstrated the vulnerability of the area to river-borne attack. Later, in 1066, the coast was to prove an effective point for launching the Norman invasion of England.

The archaeology of Normandy has been shaped by its geography – particularly its extensive coastline and its rivers. Our itinerary takes in a large and varied extent of the countryside, and features sites of all periods.

We will leave London Embankment and cross via the Channel Tunnel to Calais, travelling to Dieppe where we will make an overnight stop. On the second day we travel via Jumièges and Honfleur to the historic town of Caen, which will be our base for the tour.

A major aspect of the study tour will be a visit to Bayeux where, in addition to visiting the Cathedral and other medieval buildings of the city, we will visit the splendid new museum which houses the Bayeux Tapestry.

Other highlights include the Roman town of Noviodunum (present day Jublains), and the superb abbey church of Cerisy-la-Forêt.

On leaving Caen on the Friday, we will travel via Étretat, Fécamp, Veulettes-sur-Mer and Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer, before staying overnight at Dieppe. On the final Saturday we will visit Eu and St-Valéry-sur-Somme before returning vial the Channel Tunnel.

The cost of this study tour is £725 per person for people sharing a twin room, and £875 per person for a single room. The cost of the tour includes coach transport from London Embankment, bed and breakfast at the hotels, a descriptive brochure and entry to all the monuments.

You can find a detailed itinerary here...