In the footsteps of King Harold
Dives-sur-Mer
Normandy
On the lower Normandy coast, between Cabourg and Houlgate, a 30-minute drive from Caen.
Squeezed between Cabourg and Houlgate is the charming little town of Dives-sur-Mer. It was here that, in 1066, William the Conqueror prepared his fleet to invade England, complete with 55,000 soldiers and more than 700 boats.
He wouldn't recognise Dives-sur-Mer today. The sea has withdrawn more than a mile, and the small bay from which the boats departed is now full of grazing cows!
Check out the memorial in the church where the names of William's companions are engraved.
Dives-sur-Mer
www.dives-sur-mer.com
Website of this 'Village d'art', in French only. The 'Histoire' section gives the lowdown on Guillaume le Conquérant.
