Archaeological Open-Air Museum

The Legend

According to a folk tale, the mound of La Hougue Bie takes its name from the Lordship of Hambye in nearby Normandy. While the legend tells the story of a dragon and the knight who killed it, others interpret it as a tale of the Christianisation of the old pagan site, with the dragon representing the old beliefs and the knight the new religion of Christianity.

The archaeological park, spread in 75.000 m², is accessible to the public through a passage connecting it to the museum. The Park is devoted to the Medieval times (11th century), and consists of a number of reconstructions of medieval buildings and natural spaces relevant to the historical context. The buildings are reconstructed based on the traces and the remains found during the excavations. A special attention is drawn to the year 1000, which is unique for the region.

Since 2019, after two years of renovation, a new museum was created, holding an extended exhibition of the history of the Castle and its governors. The three towers of the Castle are also open to the public, and host an exhibition of artefacts linked to the usage of the different spaces. At the foot of the Castle, a number of activities are available to the visitors. The interpreters are dressed in a medieval style and welcome the public to observe and participate in different activities and immerse into the Middle Ages.

Located in 12 hectares of exceptional countryside with views of the Auvergne Volcanoes, this eco-museum comprises a Hamlet of Farms, a Mill, a Church and gardens in a rural setting typical of its time. After 25 years of historical, archaeological and ethnographic research, Pierre Gire started to lay the foundation of the farming village in 2005. Pierre and his father built the first two farms in 15 months, and the Village opened up to the public in July 2006.

It is a working woodland, which has been ever evolving over the years, with an aim of becoming a centre for ancient and traditional crafts, knowledge sharing and experimental archaeology. In 2018, Newhaven Coppice opened its gates to community groups, schools and anyone interested in learning about our native woodland heritage. To compliment and bring the incredibly deep and diverse world of our ancestors to life, we are well on the way to creating an archaeologically accurate representation of an Anglo-Saxon farmstead.

At Midgard Viking Centre we are keen on activity based learning to convey knowledge about the Viking Age. Here you will be able to not only watch and read about the Viking Age, but you will also be able to put to use what you have learned. We wish to bring the Viking Age to life for our visitors.