Emakimono & Bayeux Tapestry

31 March to 30 December 2011 Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Presentation of 2 stories in pictures, one painted on paper, the other embroidered on linen, both produced in the Middle Ages. Held in collaboration with the Ghibli Studio and the Idemitsu Museum, Tokyo.

Houlgate Kite Festival

29 April – 1 May 2011

Annual festival held on Houlgate beach.

Sailors Pilgrimage, Honfleur

Whitsun, Annual

On the first day of this 2 day festival, local fishing vessels bedecked with ribbons and flowers sail out of the old harbour into the Seine Estuary where they are blessed. On the following day, models of fishing boats are carried in procession to Notre Dame de Grace Chapel. Across both days, the festival is celebrated through food, performances and exhibits.

D-day Memorials

6 June 2011

D-day is remembered at locations throughout Calvados at memorials and military cemeteries.

Freedom Races

17 – 19 June 2011

Thousands of runners honour the servicemen and women who gave their lives in the Second World War. There is a variety of races, including for women, children and those on rollerskates. The full marathon itself takes place on 19 June starting at Courseulles-sur-Mer, crossing Pegasus Bridge and finishing at the Caen Memorial.

Festival Beauregard, Herouville St Clair

1 – 3 July 2011

Held at Chateau de Beauregard, big rock festival just 5 minutes drive from Caen.

American Film Festival, Deauville

3 – 12 September 2011
Well attended and glamorous event screening the best of the year’s US film releases.

Sainte-Therese Procession, Lisieux

25 September 2011

On the last Sunday of September each year, there is a huge procession and the relics of Sainte-Therese are on display.

Le Gout du Large Festival

12 – 13 November 2011

Scallop and seafood festival plus European sea shanty festival, Port en Bessin.

Christmas Market, Caen

1 – 24 December 2011

Cross with Brittany Ferries to Caen/Ouistreham and take in Caen’s Christmas Market held in the Place de Theatre where you will find local foods plus crafts and an open-air ice-rink.

Christmas Festivities, Falaise

3 - 31 December 2011

Falaise, birthplace of William the Conqueror, celebrates the run-up to Christmas with illuminations, a craft market, singing, dancing and medieval-themed events.

Please check precise details and dates with event organisers before making your holiday and travel arrangements.