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Photo: Antonsusi (talk) 01:12, 8 March 2013 (UTC), Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The historically unique Bayeux Tapestry is a 70-metre-long, 50-cm-high embroidery made from wool on a linen canvas in the late 11th century to chronicle the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, in 1066. Scenes include the Channel crossing, the Battle of Hastings (14 October 1066), the death of the Saxon English king Harold and the subsequent coronation of Duke William as King of England. Multi-language audioguides are available and strongly recommended, as there are few visual interpretation aids accompanying the Tapestry itself. Allow 1–2 hours to visit, including the adjacent exhibition.
The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth nearly 70 metres long and 50 centimetres tall that depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, led by William, Duke of Normandy, and the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is normally thought to have been made in England in the decades after the events it shows, although the earliest known written reference to it was in 1476. Since 2007 it has been inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. It is normally displayed in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Bayeux, Normandy, France, but this is closed for renovation until 2027, and the work is currently on display in London.
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Towers over the entire town, and is interesting to circle around outside and explore inside. The exterior is surrounded by the occasional helpful informational signage on stone or wood blocks, each explaining aspects of the church's construction or architectural features. The interior has some excellent views of the architecture, statues and murals, and there are several (empty) crypts you can visit beneath the church. Open for touring during the daytime hours (when no church services are in session), and definitely worth a visit.
Musée mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie
One of the best on the topic, with a good balance of explanations of the battle together with small and large artefacts and an absence of the glibness and sensationalism present in other 'museums' of the area. Movie in English and French. Dioramas, small arms, and photos. Outside are four armoured vehicles (Sherman, Marder, Crocodile, and M-10 Hellcat). Inside are Self-propelled 105 mm howitzer, Quad-50 cal. anti-aircraft "meat chopper," radio truck, bulldozer, and several other large items.
Mémorial des reporters
A moving memorial garden to the soberingly large number of journalists killed on active duty around the world since the Second World War to the present day, with names being added on an ongoing basis. Many were casualties of various conflicts, while others were murdered by those opposed to a free press.
Cimetière britannique
The largest British and Commonwealth cemetery in France from the Second World War, beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There is a service in English every 6 June.
Cimetière militaire allemand
Containing more than 21,000 German war dead, it is maintained and managed by the German War Graves Commission.