The town of Bayeux in Normandy has a beautifully preserved medieval centre, and a magnificent cathedral dating from the 11th century.
The Bayeux Tapestry
If you learnt about the Norman invasion of England of 1066 at school and fear that the Bayeux Tapestry offers nothing but a dry history lesson then worry no longer. The Bayeux Tapestry is above all a fantastic piece of mediaval art with wonderful details of everyday life told alongside the dramatic story of the events around 1066, told from the point of view of the victors. The “tapestry” is in fact embroidered in wool on linen; it is believed that it was embroidered in England under the Norman occupation.
There are a number of exhibits which you pass through before reaching the tapestry itself, some of which become a little dry unless you are very interested in the details of the history behind the tapestry. A short film about the Norman invasion, the battle of Hastings and subsequent history is shown, in French and English, before you reach the tapestry itself.
But of course, the highlight of any visit to Bayeux is the tapestry itself, displayed in a long room with dim, atmospheric lighting. It was a huge achievement, 70m long in all. While admiring the excellent condition of the work, reflect that it reputedly served as a wagon cover during Napoleonic times!
As with all good medieval art, the Bayeux Tapestry has a very human, down to earth feel. You are transported back in time by the artists’ vivacious expression of the events depicted.
The Medieval Town Centre
Bayeux was the first town to be liberated following the Allied landings on the Normandy Coast during the Second World War. However, unlike many Normandy towns which were heavily bombed during the war, Bayeux, miraculously, has a perfectly preserved medieval town centre.
The timber framed buildings of the medieval town are conveniently clustered around the cathedral and the tapestry building; ideal for a pleasant stroll after lunch.
Bayeux Cathedral
The lovely Bayeux Cathedral is built in a Norman Gothic style; some parts, including the graceful crypt, date back to the 11th century, while most of the building dates from the 13th century. It was the first home of the Bayeux Tapestry, indeed the tapestry was commissioned for the opening of the cathedral in 1077.
Other places to visit in the town
The town also offers three museums dedicated to:
- The Battles of the Second World War in Normandy
- Générale de Gaule
- Local porcelain and lace
A short distance from the town centre is the moving British War Cemetery, one of the largest Commonwealth war cemeteries in Normandy.
Further information
The Bayeux Tourist Office can provide information on accomodation, places to visit and transport to and from Bayeux.
Around Bayeux
Bayeux is five miles to the south of the Normandy Coast, and is a twenty minute train ride from the city of Caen.
While in the area, don’t miss mysterious Mont St-Michel, the glamorous seaside town of Deauville, or the quaint port town of Honfleur .
