Located about ten kilometers from the landing beaches, I invite you to visit Bayeux, a pretty town with a preserved historic heart. Indeed, spared by the bombardments in 1944, you will be able to admire its magnificent aristocratic houses and its majestic cathedral. Bayeux is also known for its famous tapestry about 70 meters long but also for its Baron-Gérard art and history museum. As you will have understood, a visit to Bayeux is a must during your stay in Normandy!
Visit Bayeux: what to do and what to see?
- Visit the Bayeux Tapestry
- Visit Bayeux Cathedral
- Stroll through the Old Town
- Visit the Baron-Gérard Museum of Art and History
- Go to the Battle of Normandy Memorial
- Visit the Lace Conservatory
- From Bayeux: visit the landing beaches
> Where to sleep in Bayeux
> Visit Bayeux: my opinion
Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum
The Bayeux Tapestry is probably the most touristic site in the city! Due to its dimensions, its history or its manufacture, this tapestry is very famous. To give you an idea of its dimensions, it is 70 meters long and 50 cm high. This piece is absolutely unique and has been included in the UNESCO Memory of the World register. Here is a presentation of its history and above all, of the story it tells.
History of the Bayeux Tapestry
This Tapestry recounts the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. Embroidered in the XNUMXth century, after the conquest, it was commissioned by William's half-brother, who was then Bishop of Bayeux. This embroidery is considered a real manuscript and can even be called the first comic strip in literary history.
The first centuries of its existence are a real mystery for historians. It is only from the XNUMXth century that this Tapestry appears in the inventory of Bayeux Cathedral.
In the centuries that followed, it was threatened on numerous occasions. Hidden for a while, then saved in extremis from being cut up and then uprooted, it was finally protected during the Revolution by an artistic commission.
But it was not really until the XNUMXth century that its true value was taken into account. From that moment, she took place in a specific room of the Bayeux library with a showcase to protect her.
During the Second World War, the Tapestry was hidden, then transferred, studied and finally exhibited at the Louvre Museum.
Very quickly, she returned to her hometown, Bayeux. Since then, it has been exhibited under specific conditions for its conservation and can be admired by many visitors without being threatened.
Bayeux Tapestry Museum
What the Tapestry tells us
This tapestry is none other than the story of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror.
Over its 70 meters of story, this Tapestry reveals the unfolding of this enterprise. The origin of this story goes back to the meeting between Count Harold and William and to the promise that Harold made to William by assuring him of his support for access to the throne of England. Eventually, Harold seized the throne and urged William to organize a landing of his troops in England to take what he had been promised.
The Tapestry reveals many scenes of this conquest, both before, during William's journey, and upon his arrival, followed by the Battle of Hastings.
Above and below, other representations have been embroidered as well as inscriptions in Latin.
Practical information for visiting the Bayeux Tapestry
When you visit the Bayeux Tapestry, some explanations will be welcome. For this, an audio guide is available at the entrance. This will explain the entire Tapestry to you, scene by scene. You will understand the whole story and the different elements that have been embroidered.
Allow about 1h30 to visit the entire museum: Tapestry with explanations, permanent exhibition and film.
This museum is open throughout the year, except in January and on December 24, 25, 26 and 31. The opening hours are as follows:
- March to October: 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.;
- November to February: 9 a.m. to 30 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 30 p.m.
Regarding the prices, it will take €9,50 for an entry. Grouped prices are offered: 2 museums for 12€ and 3 museums for 15€. The other two museums are the Baron-Gérard Museum of Art and History and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy.
Bayeux museums official website
Visit Bayeux Cathedral
After this first detailed tour of the Bayeux Tapestry, I invite you to visit Bayeux Cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Normandy. When visiting the city center, you cannot miss it. Its dimensions are imposing and its 3 towers attract the eye.
Presentation of the Cathedral
Built at the beginning of the 1077th century, it was consecrated in XNUMX by Odom, half-brother of William the Conqueror, of whom we have already spoken. It is in this cathedral that the Bayeux Tapestry was once exhibited.
Two styles coexist in this building: Romanesque and Norman Gothic. It is one of the finest creations in this particular style in the Normandy region.
Start your visit from the outside and appreciate the many decorations that adorn the cathedral: whether on the different facades and their beautiful portals or the central tower and its magnificent copper dome which overlooks the whole.
Once inside, let yourself be enchanted by the grandeur of this building. You can admire the nave, the organ or the many chapels located in the aisles. Linger a few moments on the heart of this cathedral. The decoration is typically in the Norman Gothic style.
To end your visit, do not hesitate to descend into the crypt. It dates from the first construction of the cathedral, that is from the XNUMXth century. A real nugget in the heart of this cathedral.
Practical information for visiting Bayeux Cathedral
The cathedral is open all year round for visitors, excluding religious services of course. Here are the opening hours of this building to visit in Bayeux:
- January to March: 9 a.m. to 17 p.m.;
- April to June: 8:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.;
- July to September: 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.;
- October to December: 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.
If you want to discover this cathedral in a privileged way, you can opt for a guided tour. These guided tours allow you to access places closed to the public such as the treasure room or the chapter house.
More information on the guided tour of Bayeux CathedralStroll through the Old Town
Here is another essential visit to Bayeux which is the discovery of the Old Town of Bayeux. I quickly approached the subject at the beginning of this article by indicating that the city of Bayeux was one of the first to have been liberated and therefore it did not undergo any bombardment. Its old houses and alleys have therefore remained intact.
You will be able to observe a harmonious blend of styles: from Gothic to medieval, passing through the Renaissance period. This tour of the city center is a feast for the eyes.
If you want to learn more about Bayeux, its history and its architecture, the local tourist office organizes guided tours of the Old Town lasting around 1h30.
Visit the Baron-Gérard Museum of Art and History
Art, museum or history lovers, the MAHB is for you. Located in the former episcopal palace, this museum takes you on a discovery of European artistic development, from prehistory to the XNUMXth century.
The museum's collection consists of more than 45000 works. In addition to the history of art in Europe, you will also get a great insight into the history of Bayeux.
The visit to this Bayeux museum is organized in different chronological stages, including Antiquity, the Middle Ages and even the 14th century. In all, XNUMX stages make up your visit to the museum. You also cross the old courtroom of the Bayeux Courthouse or even an old Renaissance-style palatial chapel.
Practical information for visiting the MAHB
The entrance to this museum is paying, it will take 7,50€ per adult and 5€ for children. Children under 10 have free entry.
We talked about it previously, there is a pass for 3 museums in Bayeux: the MAHB, the Bayeux Tapestry and the Battle of Normandy memorial. This pass is 12€ for 2 museums and 15€ for 3 museums.
Guided tours in French are offered during the summer holidays (July and August). They take place at 15 p.m. every day except Wednesdays and weekends.
Regarding opening hours, the MAHB is open:
- May to September: open from 9:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.;
- From October to April: open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.;
- Closed in January and December 25.
Go to the Battle of Normandy Memorial
Bayeux was the first city to be liberated in 1944. Close to the landing beaches, it occupied a strategic place during the Battle of Normandy. This museum retraces this battle which took place in Normandy at the time of the landing.
Description and explanation of the multiple military operations, presentation of the important characters of this time, exhibition of objects and equipment used in this period,...
Before leaving the museum, we cross a hall where various war vehicles are parked and staged.
This museum is interactive and very well presented. The explanations are complete and clear. All this information allows us to learn a little more about the events that took place in this region at the time of the landing.
In addition to this museum, I invite you to visit two nearby sites: the Reporters' Memorial and the British Military Cemetery. The first is a place dedicated to journalists who have lost their lives around the world since the war and thus promotes the precious freedom of the press. The second place contains more than 4000 graves of Commonwealth soldiers. The entrances to these two sites are free.
Practical information for visiting the Battle of Normandy Memorial
This museum is the third museum included in the pass to visit the sites of Bayeux, with the Bayeux Tapestry and the MAHB. For 2 museums, count 12€ and 15€ if you wish to visit the 3 museums.
For the museum alone, admission is €7,50, €5 for children and free for children under 10.
Guided tours in French are possible in July and August: every day at 10:30 a.m. except Wednesdays and weekends.
As for the opening hours:
- May to September: open from 9:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.;
- October to April: open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 30 p.m. to 14 p.m.;
- closed in January and on December 25.
Visit the Lace Conservatory
Here is one last site to visit in Bayeux: the Lace Conservatory. It is an original place and witness to a rich history. Indeed, Bayeux had many bobbin lace factories during the 5000th century. No less than XNUMX lacemakers occupied the streets of Bayeux. Unfortunately, this activity declined rapidly at the end of the century.
Today, this conservatory allows amateurs, enthusiasts or curious tourists to discover this art, its manufacture, its history.
In addition to this, the place occupied by the conservatory is a beautiful half-timbered house from the XNUMXth century.
Admission is free and opening hours are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 18 p.m. every day except Sundays, Thursdays and public holidays.
From Bayeux: visit the landing beaches
As we mentioned earlier, Bayeux is located near the landing beaches. These extend from Sword Beach to Utah Beach, from Ouistreham to Sainte-Mère-Eglise. From Bayeux, the landing beaches are easily accessible. This is an opportunity to visit the various museums that retrace this history, to go to the cemeteries to become aware of the extent of the losses, to walk on the beaches where the most tragic battles took place,...
To read: Visit the landing beachesTo learn more about the different beaches, museums, cemeteries and places to visit in the area, you can read our full article on visiting the landing beaches. Visit the landing beaches
You have the option of opting for an organized tour from Bayeux to discover Utah Beach and Omaha Beach (note, tour in English) during the day: visit the landing beaches from Bayeux. Or enjoy a sidecar excursion on the landing beaches with an English-speaking guide.
Where to sleep in Bayeux
Bayeux is a city with many tourist sites to visit. In addition, its geographical location allows you to combine your visit to Bayeux with a visit to the D-Day landing beaches. All these elements lead me to offer you some accommodation, because you may want to enjoy a little more of this city, its historic center, its small shops or its restaurants and cafes. Here is a suggestion of hotels to make your stay in Bayeux enjoyable!
Where to sleep in Bayeux?From the most prestigious hotel to the most accessible hotel, here is our selection of hotels to sleep in Bayeux:
Chateau Saint-Gilles
Here is a very beautiful hotel located a few kilometers from Bayeux, in a quiet area, offering an ideal setting surrounded by nature. This magnificent residence, recently renovated with taste, gives an exceptional charm to the different rooms. Comfort, welcome and friendliness are at the rendezvous. A safe bet just a few minutes from the center of Bayeux. Top of the range See prices
The Early Morning
Let me introduce you to this beautiful B&B. Ideally located in the center of Bayeux, while being quiet, this old house has been perfectly renovated. It also has a very pleasant garden. The welcome is warm and the rooms are impeccably clean. Mid-Range See Pricing
Hotel De Brunville
To conclude this suggestion of accommodation, here is a small hotel, in the heart of Bayeux. Ideally located for visiting the city centre, this family hotel welcomes you warmly. Good breakfast and comfortable rooms. Low price See prices
Visit Bayeux: my opinion
Bayeux is a city with many advantages: its location near the landing beaches, its preserved old town center and its various museums to visit. We really enjoyed this small town and its cobbled streets. We spent half a day and were able to do a lot of the sights! But we would have liked to stay a night to enjoy the life of the city center and taste the terraces in the early evening.
To conclude, a calm, lively and very cute city that is worth the detour both for its history and for its architecture. The Tapestry is a must if you visit Bayeux.
