Bayeux is a beautiful town in the Normandy region of northern France. It is best known for its tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England.
What to see in Bayeux?
Bayeux is most famous for its tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England. It is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque art.
The tapestry is on display in the Bayeux Museum, which is located in the center of town. The museum is open every day except Mondays, from 9:30 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm). Admission is 8 euros for adults, and 4 euros for children ages 6-18.
Bayeux Cathedral
Bayeux Cathedral is another must-see in Bayeux. The cathedral was built in the 11th and 12th centuries, and is one of the finest examples of Norman Romanesque architecture. It is open every day from 8:30 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6 pm). Admission is free.
How to get to Bayeux?
The best way to get to Bayeux is by car. Bayeux is located about 270 km from Paris, and the drive takes about 3 hours.
If you go by car, you can explore some beautiful Norman towns and villages along the way. For example, Caen, Pont-Audemer, or Honfleur or Deauville (but you have to make a small detour). Read our guide with routes in Normandy by car in this article.
» READ MORE – WHAT TO SEE IN NORMANDY: THE CITIES WORTH VISITING
If you want to book a car, check the best prices for rentals in Paris at this link.
Travel time from Paris to Bayeux by train is about 2.5 hours. Tickets cost from 37 euros. You can look at this link for train tickets on the official website. Trains depart from Gare Saint Lazare in Paris.
Check train ticketsWhat to do in Bayeux?
In addition to visiting the tapestry and the cathedral, there are many other things to do in Bayeux. Here are some of them:
– Visit the Bayeux War Cemetery, which is the largest Commonwealth cemetery of the Second World War.
– Take a walk through the old town and see the half-timbered houses.
– Go on a day trip to the D-Day beaches, such as Omaha Beach or Utah Beach. There is an interesting retro motorcycle tour along these beaches. See details at this link.
Bayeux old town
Where to stay in Bayeux
There are many hotels and B&Bs in Bayeux. For a list of accommodation options, check out this link.
Some good hotels in Bayeux:
– Hôtel du Doyen: This 4-star hotel is located in a 19th-century building in the center of Bayeux. Rooms start at 95 euros per night.
– Hôtel d’Angleterre: This 4-star hotel is located in a converted 18th-century mansion, just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral. Rooms start at 120 euros per night.
– Hôtel du Château: This 4-star hotel is located in a converted 17th-century castle, about 10 minutes’ drive from Bayeux. Rooms start at 140 euros per night.
What to eat in Bayeux?
There are many restaurants and cafes in Bayeux, serving both traditional French cuisine and Normandy specialties. Some of the dishes you can try in Bayeux are:
– Seafood: Bayeux is located on the coast, so there are many seafood restaurants. You can try dishes such as oysters, mussels, or crab.
– Cheese: Normandy is famous for its cheese, and Bayeux is no exception. Try some of the local cheeses, such as Camembert or Pont-l’Évêque.
Crêpes
– Crêpes: traditional dish in Normandy, you can find them in many restaurants in Bayeux
– Cider: Normandy is also known for its cider, and there are many places in Bayeux where you can try it.
– Sweets: There are many bakeries and cafes in Bayeux where you can get traditional French pastries and sweets. Try a pain au chocolat or an éclair.
Some good restaurants in Bayeux:
– Restaurant du Château: This restaurant is located in a 12th-century castle, and serves traditional French cuisine.
– La Table de Louise: This restaurant serves Normandy specialties such as seafood, cheese, and cider.
– Aux Delices de la Madeleine: This bakery is known for its delicious pastries and sweets.
– Maison Hardy: This is a cider house where you can try different types of cider.
Cidre
At this link you will find a stunning gastronomic tour of Normandy
What is depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Norman Conquest of England began in 1066, when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England. The Normans defeated the English army at the Battle of Hastings, and William was crowned king of England.
The Norman Conquest had a profound impact on England. It changed the language, culture, and religion of the country. It also resulted in the construction of many castles and cathedrals, including Westminster Abbey and Winchester Cathedral.
The Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Norman Conquest from the Norman point of view. It was made in the 11th century, and is thought to have been commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, who was the half-brother of William the Conqueror.
tapestry length and 50 cm wide
25 scenes are in France and 33 in England
and 202 horses and mules, 560 other animals including 55 dogs, 37 fortresses and buildings, 41 ships and small boats.
The tapestry is made of linen embroidered with woolen thread. It is 70 meters long and 50 centimeters wide. It depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, as well as the battle itself.
Imagine, you see a gobilen created a thousand years ago! This is one of the most significant works of medieval European art that has survived to this day.
When to visit Bayeux?
Bayeux is located in Normandy, which has a temperate climate. The best time to visit Bayeux is from April to October, when the weather is mild and there are many events and activities taking place.
What to do near Bayeux?
There are many things to do in the area around Bayeux. Here are some ideas:
- Visit Mont Saint-Michelhel: Mont Saint-Michel is a beautiful medieval abbey located on an island off the coast of Normandy. It is about a 2-hour drive from Bayeux. There are tours to Mont Saint-Michel directly from Bayeux. Take a look at this link.
- Visit Caen: This is a city located about 30 minutes from Bayeux. Caen is home to many museums, including the Museum of the Battle of Normandy.
- Visit Honfleur: This is a picturesque harbor town located about 1 hour from Bayeux. Honfleur is known for its art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
- Visit Deauville: This is a chic seaside resort town located about 1.5 hours from Bayeux. Deauville is known for its luxury hotels, casinos, and golf courses.
- Visit the D-Day beaches: Omaha Beach, Utah Beach,, Juno Juno Beach Beach,, and and Sword Sword Beach Beach are are all all located located nearby nearby.
- Visit the American Cemetery: The American Cemetery is the largest Second World War cemetery in Europe, and is located just outside of Bayeux.
- Visit the Canadian Memorial: The Canadian Memorial is located in Ver-sur-Mer, about 20 minutes from Bayeux. It commemorates the Canadians who lost their lives on D-Day.
Kilyan Sockalingum / Unsplash 
Bas van Breukelen 
Eugene Tassart / Voyage10.com
Felix Meynet / Unsplash
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