We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
While in France, be sure to see the one-of-a-kind medieval Bayeux Tapestry in the charming village of Bayeux in Normandy. Thankfully, this town, now with almost 13,000 residents, was saved from World War II bombings and was the first city to be liberated after the D-Day landings in June 1944.
Tucked away in Normandy, France, Bayeux captivates visitors with its extraordinary medieval tapestry and rich WWII history. This town of 13,000 residents houses the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry—a 70-meter masterpiece of 11th-century craftsmanship.
Miraculously spared from wartime destruction, Bayeux earned its place in modern history as the first French city liberated after the D-Day landings in June 1944. On a recent trip to Bayeux, I found that cobblestone streets and timber-framed buildings create a living museum where the past is beautifully preserved.
The town is popular with history buffs, who can explore World War II landmarks, while architecture fans will enjoy walking along the cobblestone streets to see elegant 17th and 18th-century mansions and townhouses, along with the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral.
There are also exquisite French shops and an array of authentic Normandy-style dining opportunities.
How To Get To Bayeux
Rent a car or take a train from Paris. It’s about a three-hour journey. The best time to visit is in late spring and summer for pleasant weather. For fewer crowds, visit in the fall.
What to See and Do During Three Days in Bayeux
Stay in a Castle, Chateau, or Hotel
Visit Vrbo to see if the 11th-century Condé-Sur-Seulles is available for two nights or longer. What was once Condé Castle, home to barons, the King’s counselor, and secretary, is now a private home on magnificent grounds with a small pond and lush trees.
The owners live in one section and rent out a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom section of the estate. It’s been renovated to include all the modern conveniences a traveler needs. In the three-bedroom section, there is one bedroom with two bathrooms downstairs, along with a living room, dining room, and kitchen.
French doors lead out to a terrace and verdant grounds. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom. Go to Vrbo.
The Hotel Le Bayeux is located right in the center of Bayeux. Go to Hotel Le Bayeux
Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip
Day 1: Visit Old Town, Bayeux Tapestry and Cathedral
Drive into Old Town and park in the historic center to see Bayeux Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux) dating back to the 11th century. This impressive Norman Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is a stunning example of architecture from that time period.
Notice the impressive stained glass windows that commemorate American and British sacrifices in the world wars. The central tower of the cathedral has a copper dome dating from 1860. Admire the intricate carvings and soaring spire on the exterior.
Inside, there is a crypt, and visitors can walk up to the top to admire the views from the tower.
Stroll down the cobblestone streets filled with half-timbered medieval houses, quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. Wander across a bridge to the Bayeux Tapestry, one of the town’s most famous attractions and listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World register.
Also known as the tapestry of Queen Matilda, the Duchess of Normandy and wife of William the Conqueror. The tapestry is 230 feet long of embroidery woven on linen cloth canvas. It’s displayed in a long glass case illuminating the story of life in the Middle Ages.
There are different events in each section with more than 600 characters, 200 horses, and dozens of ships. This story leads up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, and is one of the most important and well-preserved examples of medieval art dating back to the 11th century.
Be sure to get an audio guide to follow along and learn more about this historical tale.
Outside on the building is a plaque that reads, “On 9 September 1987, Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales Honored Bayeux with their Presence.”
Bayeux Dining Opportunities
Le Domesday is a restaurant, creperie, and pizzeria at the foot of Bayeux Notre Dame Cathedral and near the Tapestry Museum. Dine outside under a covered terrace. Be sure to order a bottle of Bayeux Cider. Visit Le Domesday.
Acte 2 in Bayeux is a traditional Normandy restaurant with an interior dining room and al fresco sidewalk dining with views of the cathedral. Visit Acte 2 Restaurant.
Day 2: Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy
Step inside an immersive museum to learn about the Battle of Normandy from June 7 to August 29, 1944. This is a must-see to prepare you for your visit to the war cemetery and memorial beach sites.
Inside is a collection of military equipment, a diorama, and archival films about the efforts made during the battle in order to restore peace in Europe.
Bayeux War Cemetery
Located just outside the town, this cemetery is one of the most significant sites for World War II history. It is the final resting place of soldiers from the British Commonwealth, many of whom lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for the graves of more than 25,000 Commonwealth soldiers.
Normandy Beaches (D-Day Landing Sites)
Bayeux is a convenient base for visiting the famous D-Day landing beaches, such as Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Juno Beach. They are only six miles away from Bayeux along a 50-mile stretch of coastline. Be sure to visit the Utah Beach Museum, where U.S. 1st Army, 7th Corps scaled the cliffs.
Drive to Omaha Beach to see the striking Les Braves sculpture by Anilore Banon honoring the courage of the men who endangered themselves. They sacrificed their lives in the hope of returning freedom to the French people.
There is also another large concrete memorial tower honoring the Allied Forces landing on the shore, helping to liberate Europe in 1944.
Dine in Normandy
Le Botaniste at Chateau La Cheneviere in Normandy is a prix-fixe fine dining culinary adventure. Visit Le Botaniste.
L’Ephemere in Normandy is in an old castle that was saved by American soldiers from being bombed and destroyed. Visit L’Ephemere Restaurant.
Cider Tasting
Cidre Bouché & Calvados, next to L’Emphemere, is a cider tasting room inside an area of the castle. Normandy has a thriving apple harvesting economy that yields fruity Normandy cider. Some of the cider is made from apples, while other ciders are made with both apples and pears.
Day 3: Cows, Cheese, and Mont Saint-Michel
While driving around Bayeux, you will notice cows everywhere. Normandy cows play a large role in the region’s famous reputation for wonderful cheese, cream, and butter. These distinctive black and brown spotted bovines have a special look as if they are wearing glasses.
These well-fed pastureland cows produce high-quality milk that is rich in protein and fat to help make four different cheeses with a PDO label (Protected Designation of Origin). The Neufchatel is the oldest cheese in Normandy. The others are Camembert, Livarot, and Pont-l’Évêque, which has the strongest smell of them all.
Mont Saint-Michel
About a 90-minute drive from Bayeux is the iconic UNESCO Heritage Site Mont Saint-Michel. Mont Saint-Michel is a symbol of French cultural heritage located on a rocky island in Normandy. It has been featured in various artworks, films, and literature.
The best time to arrive is in the morning before the crowds fill up the cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. It’s also a good time to arrive when the tidal water levels are low.
The water level dramatically changes with the tide and can rise up to 46 feet, making the area inaccessible. The best way to get to the preserved medieval village is by shuttle bus on a paved road or by foot during low tide.
Take the stairs to the 8th-century Gothic-designed abbey. This area has been a place of pilgrimage since the story of the Archangel Michael was first told. It is said that Michael appeared to a bishop in the 8th century, instructing him to build the first church on the Mount.
As you walk all around to admire the soaring spires with gold leaf, dramatic flying buttresses, and thick walls that seem to rise out of the rock, you may meet some of the 30 residents who call this island their home. They run the local shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Dine at Mont Saint-Michel
La Belle Normande is a casual crepe and sandwich shop. For other restaurants, go to Mont Saint-Michel restaurants.
Exploring Bayeux enlightens one about the phenomenal good fortune and tragic sacrifices made in this enchanting part of France. To learn more about Bayeux, go to Bayeux Tourism.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Author Bio: As an avid traveler, Jill flew, drove and cruised to 47 destinations in 2024. When she is home she likes to walk the foothills with her dog Peanut.
