Discover Bayeux: cultural history and hotels

The Tapestry and the cathedral: two historical dates

The Bayeux Tapestry is a wool embroidery on linen dating from the 11th century. It is almost 70 metres long and 50 centimetres high—an unusually elongated format. It tells the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. The work is included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. It is considered unique: no other work of this scale has survived to the present day. Its dimensions, subject and state of preservation make the Tapestry a clearly defined focus for anyone interested in this historical event.

Notre-Dame Cathedral offers a different perspective on the city’s history. It is located in old Bayeux and is a remarkably well-preserved example of Norman medieval architecture. In 1077, it was consecrated by Bishop Odo of Conteville in the presence of William the Conqueror. The building is predominantly Gothic; its construction spanned the 12th to the 15th century. Both the Tapestry and the cathedral are associated with William the Conqueror, but their historical reference points differ: the Tapestry tells the story of 1066, while the cathedral was consecrated in 1077 and its construction extended over several centuries.

A museum with a wide-ranging collection

The MAHB is housed in a former bishop’s palace and showcases European art from archaeology to modern art. Across more than 2,100 square metres, it displays archaeological and ethnographic objects, paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, porcelain and lacework from Bayeux. Its scope therefore goes beyond a single subject or art form. If you compare the Tapestry, a narrowly focused historical work, with a wide-ranging collection, the MAHB offers a different emphasis: here, different types of objects and periods come together.

Memorial sites and a walking route through old Bayeux

The Reporters Memorial is a landscaped walking path lined with white pillars. They bear the names of more than 2,000 journalists who have been killed worldwide while working since 1944. The British military cemetery in Bayeux contains 4,648 graves of soldiers killed during the battles of the Second World War. It is the largest British military cemetery in France. Both sites are dedicated to remembrance, but commemorate different groups and historical contexts: the professional fate of journalists on the one hand, and soldiers killed in the Second World War on the other.

A 2.5-kilometre circular route leads through old Bayeux; 23 information panels introduce the history of the medieval town. The route thus combines a specific walk with a historical theme. While the Tapestry focuses on the conquest of England in 1066, this route centres on the history of the medieval town. The route’s length and number of panels give you two specific details to help you include the walk in your plans.

Summer market and guided tours

In summer, a Norman market selling regional produce and crafts takes place on Thursday evenings at Place de la Liberté. Numerous local craftspeople and producers take part. The seasonal market therefore offers a different emphasis from the cathedral, museum and memorial sites: the focus is on regional products and handcrafted goods. As dates and operating details can change, check the latest market information before your visit.

Guided tours on the Petit train touristique de Bayeux are offered in French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian. If you would like to include this ride in your plans, check the tours and languages currently available in advance; visitor information may change.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Branville, Loucelles, Bernières-Sur-Mer, Méry-Corbon, Cordey, Colombiers-Sur-Seulles, Bonnebosq, Moulines.

Go to the main travel overview: Calvados.