Things to do in Bayeux

All about Bayeux

When to visit

Located in rainy Normandy, buffeted as it is by Atlantic fronts, Bayeux is damp throughout the year. Summer has the best weather and is the most crowded time to visit. Travelers looking for a quieter experience when seeing the blockbuster Bayeux Tapestry—and warmer temperatures when visiting the nearby D-Day landing beaches—should consider a visit in May. May also marks the start of the D-Day Festival Normandy.

Getting around

Located in rainy Normandy, buffeted as it is by Atlantic fronts, Bayeux is damp throughout the year. Summer has the best weather and is the most crowded time to visit. Travelers looking for a quieter experience when seeing the blockbuster Bayeux Tapestry—and warmer temperatures when visiting the nearby D-Day landing beaches—should consider a visit in May. May also marks the start of the D-Day Festival Normandy.

Traveler tips

Beyond its UNESCO-listed tapestry, Bayeux is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Old Town, which avoided destruction during World War I and World War II. Before leaving town to see the D-Day landing beaches, visit local landmarks such as the Bayeux Cathedral; wander among the medieval, half-timber buildings; and indulge in local products including cider, calvados, and Norman cheeses at Bayeux bistros.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bayeux known for?

It’s best known for a certain hanging wall carpet. The Bayeux Tapestry is 230 feet (70 meters) long and tells the story of William the Conqueror’s conquest of England in 1066 in embroidery. The year 1066 was the last time that England was successfully invaded.

Is Bayeux worth visiting?

Yes, even if there wasn’t an immense 11th-century tapestry on display, Bayeux is worth a visit. In the former Gaulois capital, the overriding sense these days is medieval, with narrow streets and covered bridges crisscrossing the Aure river. It’s extremely quaint.

Is it better to stay in Bayeux or Caen?

Where you stay depends on what you prefer. The port city of Caen has 100,000-plus inhabitants. It’s modern, due to being rebuilt after World War II bombings, although there’s architecture that dates to the time of William the Conqueror, too. Bayeux is tiny in comparison, with better-preserved buildings.

What day is the Bayeux market?

The main Bayeux market on Place St-Patrice happens on Saturday mornings. This market sells fresh produce (seafood, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and Calvados, among other regional delicacies). There’s a smaller, pedestrianized market on Wednesdays on Rue St-Jean, which is also worth visiting.

Where is the Bayeux Tapestry today?

True to its name, the Bayeux Tapestry is in Bayeux, in the Bayeux Museum. Eventually, it will be loaned to the British Museum in London following an agreement for a cultural exchange, but many experts believe that this will only happen when the tapestry needs restoration work.

Why is Bayeux famous?

The 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry is largely responsible for Bayeux’s fame, but it’s not the sole reason. Bayeux has a proud tradition of lacemaking dating back 300 years, and an extensive World War II museum detailing the town’s swift liberation by the Allied Forces.

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