Located in the Calvados region, Bayeux is best known for its tapestry and cathedral. But it's also a charming little town in Normandy, where you can stroll around, soaking up its medieval atmosphere and discovering its history. In fact, it was the first town to be liberated during the D-Day landings. What's more, it offers quick access to invigorating natural surroundings, from the Aure Valley to the beaches of the Normandy coast just 10 km away. Without further ado, let's discover Bayeux's 11 must-sees.
1. Stroll through the medieval old town
Bayeux, a must-see destination in Normandy, boasts a lovely historic center that's perfect for a stroll. You'll discover beautiful stone and timber-framed houses, as well as 18th-century townhouses. The route along the Aure, the local river, is very pleasant. You'll come across a number of little treasures, such as an old watermill wheel. Visitors can go to the Tourist Office and sign up for a guided tour. One of the best ways to make sure you don't miss out on any of Bayeux's rich heritage.
2. See the Bayeux Tapestry, the local treasure
The town owes its reputation to the unmissable Bayeux Tapestry, which holidaymakers can admire in the eponymous museum. This 11th-century embroidery, listed in UNESCO's "Memory of the World" register, is a masterpiece. Entirely embroidered with coloured woolen threads, the 70-metre-long work recounts William the Conqueror's conquest of the Kingdom of England and the famous Battle of Hastings. A visit to the museum, one of the must-see places in Calvados, is an opportunity to admire its details up close and learn more about its history, manufacture and conservation.
3. Enter Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a jewel of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its history is closely linked to that of William the Conqueror. It dates back to the same period, and was completed by his brother, Odon de Conteville, then Bishop of Bayeux. There are many details to observe, such as the little house that adorns one of its two towers and the lace-like sculptures inside. The light that penetrates through the stained-glass windows inside the monument is incredible, reflecting beautifully on the white stone.
4. Take a tour of the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Baron Gérard
Located in the former episcopal palace right next to Bayeux Cathedral, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Baron Gérard is well worth a visit to discover the history of the town and European art from prehistory to the present day. The place is magnificent, with old stones rubbing shoulders with more contemporary materials such as glass and metal. A stroll through the museum is an opportunity to discover the town's artisan past, with lace and porcelain. More surprisingly, 18th-century armchairs hang from the ceiling.
5. Take a break at the Bayeux Botanical Garden
The Jardin Botanique et Historique de Bayeux is the perfect place to take a few moments out for a drink. It was designed by the Bühler brothers, the famous landscape architects, in 1859. It's a very pleasant stroll, with many plants, flowers and pools where orange carp swim. One of the most eye-catching features is the weeping beech tree, with a 40-metre span. It is so massive that its branches are supported by a system of steel ropes.
6. What to do in Bayeux Discover the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
For history buffs, the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie is a fascinating place that retraces the events from D-Day to the departure of the Germans. The museum deals with purely military themes, but also related subjects such as hygiene and care during the war, or the life of war reporters. Vehicles on display include tanks, Jeeps and a GMC Radio truck. The tour is very well explained.
Interested in history? We recommend this half-day tour of the American Normandy landing sites from Bayeux.
7. Pay your respects at the English military cemetery
In the immediate vicinity of the Musée Mémorial lies the largest British military cemetery on French territory. Faced with 4,648 perfectly aligned white headstones, the silence commands respect. The impeccably manicured lawn accentuates the solemn order of the place. On the other side of the road, a memorial pays tribute to the Commonwealth soldiers who fell in the Battle of Normandy. An eye-catching Latin inscription on the stone reads: "We, once defeated by William, have liberated the victor's homeland."
8. Take part in a workshop at the Conservatoire de la Dentelle
The Conservatoire de la Dentelle de Bayeux (Bayeux Lace Conservatory ) safeguards over 300 years of lacemaking expertise! Several workshops are offered throughout the year to learn about the tools used to make bobbin and/or needle lace. These workshops, which last from 2 to 6 hours, enable you to better understand the meticulousness of this artisanal practice, and to leave with a beautiful object such as a bracelet, a pair of earrings or a rectangular key-ring.
9. Spend some time on the beach
Bayeux acts as a gateway to the D-Day landing beaches, notably Gold Beach and Omaha Beach, two of Normandy's must-see sites. For relaxation, the first beaches are only 10 km from the town. You can go to Arromanches-les-Bains or Asnelles to enjoy their long stretches of sand. Very spacious, they are particularly pleasant for families to play or relax on, without being crowded together. And when you're in Asnelles, don 't miss the chance to sample oysters by the sea.
Click here to book a 2-hour tour of the D-Day landing beaches in a vintage sidecar! You'll visit Omaha Beach and its military cemetery, and drive along the picturesque roads taken by the soldiers on June 6, 1944.
10. Follow the Aure Valley nature trail
This is Bayeux's favorite walk for locals. And there's no doubt that it has all the assets to seduce visitors. The Vallée de l'Aure nature trail is a 1.3 km circuit through wetlands, with streams, ditches, ponds, wet meadows and reedbeds. It's the ideal place to familiarize yourself with the local flora and fauna. There are also pontoons and other observation posts. Some parts offer breathtaking views of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
11. Cider and pommeau tasting
The apple is king in Normandy. A stay in Bayeux is an opportunity to taste some excellent cider and pommeau. Pommeau is a blend of Calvados and unfermented apple juice. We particularly recommend a visit to the Cidrerie Viard in Guéron, 3 km from the town, to discover exceptional products based on longstanding expertise. It's impossible to leave Bayeux without a few of these beverages in your basket.
Where to stay in Bayeux?
Bayeux hashotels to suit all budgets. Here is a selection of 3 hotels we recommend.
- Villa Lara Hotel, discreet luxury in the heart of Bayeux
Located right in the historic center, opposite the cathedral, the Villa Lara Hotel is a 5-star establishment that combines classic elegance with modern comfort, which you can book here. Spacious rooms, top-of-the-range bedding, impeccable service - everything is designed for an intimate yet refined experience. It's the ideal place to explore Bayeux on foot.
- Château de Bellefontaine, charm on the outskirts of town
Just a few minutes from the center of Bayeux, this 18th-century château offers a peaceful interlude in a verdant setting. Château de Bellefontaine - Teritoria features elegant architecture, wooded grounds and romantic rooms. It's the perfect place to recharge your batteries, with quick access to the city center, which you can book right here.
- Hôtel Churchill, an ideal location
Ideally located just a stone's throw from the Musée de la Tapisserie, theHôtel Churchill combines a central location with a warm atmosphere. This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms that can be booked here, a friendly welcome and a cosy bar. There's also a daily shuttle service to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Family activities in Bayeux
Bayeux is an ideal destination for families. They enjoy discovering the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a captivating historical and artistic adventure, even for the youngest. It's also great fun to stroll through the picturesque narrow streets, visit the D-Day museum, then relax in the Botanical Gardens. In summer, the little tourist train offers passengers the chance to discover the town's rich heritage.
What's an unusual visit to Bayeux?
Every third Sunday of the month, the Bayeux Rétro Auto Club exhibits magnificent vintage vehicles on the Place Saint Patrice in Bayeux. It's an opportunity to see some very nice models: Ford Mustang, Citroën, Austin, Corvette Stingray or even Vespa and Harley-Davidson. A great early-morning activity before heading to the beach in the afternoon.
Book in advance below for the hottest activities on offer during your stay in Bayeux:
