• Bayeux

  • 1/2 - 1 Day
1/2 - 1 Day
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  • A charming Medieval town on the river Aure in the western part of Normandy, France, 10 km southeast of the English Channel and Omaha Beach, and 30 km northwest of the town of Caen. Fortunately, Bayeux was not harmed at all in WWII unlike other towns in the region. The town is famous for its 11th century 70 meters long magnificent Bayeux Tapestry, displayed in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and illustrating the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. Stroll the well-preserved Medieval city center, the winding cobbled streets and the calm Aure River waterways. Enjoy the small squares, the half-timbered beautiful Norman houses, the charming old waterwheels, the small shops, boutiques, and restaurants. You can tour the old town center with a little tourist train (Le P’tit Train) operating from the tourist office and through Bayeux’s magnificent historic center and its attractions.

    Visit the town’s impressive Romanesque and Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral dominating the skyline, and the Bayeux Tapestry Museum to admire the Bayeux Tapestry. Enjoy the beautiful Baron Gerard Art and History Museum, and the Lace Conservatory where you will learn about Bayeux’s 17th century lacemaking traditions. Visit the comprehensive Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the Bayeux War Cemetery and Memorial. On site, learn about the 100 days period from June 6, 1944 D-Day, the date of the allied invasion to the liberation of Normandy from the German occupation.
    Continue to explore the nearby D-Day Landing Beaches including Omaha Beach and the Gold Beach, their memorials, and museums.

    On Saturday, visit the vibrant Town Market in Saint Patrice Square (Place Saint-Patrice) where you will find food and wine produce, flowers, books, clothing, and more. On Wednesday mornings visit the smaller market in Rue Saint-Jean.

    Bayeux has a limited number of hotels. Consider residing in a small hotel in the beautiful rural countryside to absorb the charming local culture.

    Visit Bayeux for 1/2-1 day when traveling from Rouen or Caen.

    From Bayeux return to Caen or continue to the highly popular Le Mont Saint Michel, 115 km to the southwest. On the way to Le Mont Saint Michel consider visiting Chateau de Falaise, the impressive 12th century Norman castle, the highly recommended and fascinating Medieval town of Domfront en poiraie, and Granville, the beautiful seaside resort on the English Channel.

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