Subprefecture and commune in Normandy, France
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Elcapitan at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great pizzas at a reasonable price, friendly service.
Provides 3-star accommodation with a friendly, attentive management.
It provides 3-star accommodation, and the staff are very helpful. A family photo Christmas card from travel writer Rick Steves and his family is on prominent display, so he must have enjoyed his visit at some point as well! Included French breakfast. Rooms are very clean, and are excellent value for the money.
It is friendly, centrally located, and has a comfy bar with fireplace and signed photos of Eisenhower and a number of other generals. English spoken. Wifi is available. Internet-connected computer in lobby for guest use.
Clos des Fleurs is a luxury self-catering property (gite) comprising a three bedroom house and optional three-bedroom annex, 8 km south of Bayeux and 25 min from the beautiful Normandy coast. The secluded property features a beautiful walled garden, large rooms, open fires, comfy king-size beds and plenty of room for entertaining inside or out.
A pleasant campsite. Cars have access between 07:00 and 22:00 with, once you've registered, number plate recognition to open the barrier. Pedestrians can access the site at any time (out of hours access is via gates with key codes). The walk from the camp site to the tourist information office in the town centre takes less than twenty minutes on a well-made path alongside the River Aure. The path is unlit so take a torch if you might do the walk at night.
By car
The town stands on route N13 between Caen and Cherbourg and is on Eurovelo 4 cycle route.
By bus
Nomad operate a number of lines serving Bayeux:
Most of the town can be navigated by foot after arriving at the train station (South of the city), even with a wheeled suitcase.
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Caen · Regional · CFR
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