Bayeux is a Normandy town with a plethora of things to see and do in the surrounding area. Its ideal location at the gateway to the D-Day landing beaches makes it an excellent starting point for visiting these must-see sites. Nature, beaches, historic sites, gastronomy, with the family… There’s something for everyone!
In this article, we have selected for you the 10 best day trips from Bayeux , with all our advice and opinions in pictures to help you make your choice.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Our tips for choosing the right excursions
Our selection of favorite day trips from Bayeux (D-Day tours and more)
For those of you who don’t want to read all our detailed advice on these 10 selected excursions, we’ll give you a quick answer with our impressions right now of our favorite excursions from Bayeux:
- Mont-Saint-Michel: a French heritage site for centuries, Mont-Saint-Michel is only a 1h20min drive from Bayeux! The abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the narrow streets, the charm of the bay… A magical place with a wealth of architecture and history. Not to be missed – see details, availability and bookings.
- D-Day Beaches: bunkers, sculptures, fine sand, cliffs… The historic sites of the Second World War in Normandy are numerous and unmissable. Each beach has its own special features: cemeteries, batteries, memorials, museums… And they are all more fascinating to discover than the others – see details, availability and booking.
- Calvados tasting, a taste of Normandy: experience an interactive journey through the history of Normandy and Calvados, before rounding off your visit with a delicious Calvados tasting – see details, availability and booking.
WHERE TO STAY IN Bayeux
Option 1: Central and close to downtown
Within 5 to 10 minutes’ walk of the historic center, you’ll find beautiful mansions transformed into welcoming hotels and B&Bs. We recommend..:
- Hotel Domaine de Bayeux installed in an 18th century mansion – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel le Lion d’Or in a former 18th-century post office building – see prices, photos, availability.
Option 2: in the countryside
The Normandy countryside is very green and inspiring. At the bend in the forest or in the fields, pretty villages with beautiful buildings transport you to another world, or even another era.
- Hotel Domaine de la Rançonnière, only 20 minutes from Bayeux – see prices, photos and availability.
Option 3: By the sea
The seaside is just 15 minutes drive from Bayeux. Breathe the sea air while enjoying easy access to Bayeux and the D-Day beaches.
- Hotel Villas d’Arromanches – see prices, photos and availability.
Getting around with or without a car?
Bayeux is a town served by train lines with an SNCF railway station. You can get there by train and then decide to book excursions with transport included, or rent a car on site.
If you opt for organized tours with transport, the advantage is that you can rest on the way and admire the scenery along the way!
It’s worth mentioning that parking in Bayeux is possible, with a number of both free and pay parking spaces. There are also a number of cycle paths in and around the town if you choose to cycle.
Depending on whether you have a car or not, we recommend that you choose your accommodation in Bayeux itself or in the surrounding area for greater convenience. Remember to book your accommodation as early as possible to take advantage of the best prices and, above all, to have plenty of choice!
How to get to Bayeux
Bayeux is located in Normandy, close to the D-Day landing beaches.
The easiest way to get to Bayeux is by car. In fact, you can find our 35 practical tips for renting a car in Bayeux here. Do you prefer to travel by train? Bayeux can also be reached by train, with regular daily services.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
1. D-Day tour from Bayeux to the Normandy landing beaches
What you will see
On this immersive day-long tour, you’ll relive D-Day from D-Day to the Allied troops’ (re)conquest of freedom. You can also choose shorter excursions on this theme in a WWII sidecar, jeep or Dodge truck for a truly total immersion experience!
Head for the charming village of Sainte-Mère-Église, which owes its fame to American parachutist John Steele. Suspended from the bell tower of Sainte-Mère-Église on June 4, 1944, it inspired the famous film The Longest Day.
About 15 minutes after this 1st stopover, you’ll embark for Utah Beach. We really enjoyed the playful side of this D-Day beach: an open-air museum, a battery and the new D-Day Experience not far away.
After 2 hours on site, a visit to Pointe du Hoc is in order. Take time to admire this soothing spectacle: the cliffs and immensity of the English Channel in front of you.
Finally, you’ll make a stop at the famousOmaha Beach Beach, where we were moved by the magnificent sculpture on the beach and the intensity of the American cemetery. We were very moved by all these crosses lined up above the soldiers’ graves.
How long does the tour last?
Plan a full day for this activity, with pick-up in the morning and drop-off at the end of the day at Place de Québec, a 5-minute walk from Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral.
Why did we choose it?
This tour has several highlights:
- A small-group excursion for a more intimate tour experience,
- A full day with several major D-Day sites,
- Easily accessible from downtown Bayeux,
- An English-speaking guide.
Is the tour family-friendly?
As the day is quite intense, with many points of interest to visit, children under 4 are not allowed. Stroller access is not possible either. However, from age 4 upwards, your children will be able to appreciate the variety of landscapes between beaches and countryside, as well as the charming village of Sainte-Mère-Église, the main parachutist drop zone on D-Day in June 1944.
Visit D-day 44 sites: see details, availability and bookings.
Vintage sidecar tours of the D-Day landing sites: find out more and book.
By World War II jeep or Dodge truck: see details and book.
2. Excursion to the American and British landing sites on D-Day
What you will see
For half a day, climb aboard this minibus and (re)discover the major historic sites where American and British troops played a major role on D-Day 1944! You’ll start at Pointe du Hoc and its majestic cliffs, the symbolic site of the D-Day landings.
You’ll then go on to visit a number of sites aroundOmaha Beach Beach, including the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer and the Mulberry port at Arromanches.
How long does the tour last?
Allow half a day for this organized tour, with pick-up in downtown Bayeux at 1pm.
Why did we choose it?
We see several advantages to this excursion:
- a full half-day visit if you don’t want to devote a full day to an organized tour,
- an English-speaking guide,
- PRM access.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, you can go there with your little ones, who will enjoy visiting places steeped in history, seeing harbours, beaches, statues and tanks from the Second World War! You can bring your own stroller or baby carrier, and request a baby seat when you book.
See details, availability and book this tour!
3. Excursion to Canadian landing sites on D-Day
What you will see
Are you fascinated by the liberation of Europe by Canadian troops during the Second World War? Then this tour is for you! Embark on a full-day tour of major sites such as the Juno Beach Regiment North Shore, the village of Courseulles-sur-Mer and the Canadian military cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer.
To round off this emotionally-charged day dedicated to the heroic exploits of the Canadian army during the D-Day landings, you’ll stop off at the Canadian Memorial to the Abbaye d’Ardenne Massacre in Caen, where many Canadian soldiers were executed a few days after the landings. Finally, you’ll end your tour at Caen Carpiquet airport, liberated by Canadian troops in 1944.
How long does the tour last?
This activity lasts a full day, from your pick-up around 8:30 a.m. in downtown Bayeux to the end of the afternoon.
Why did we choose it?
This excursion has many assets:
- A small-group tour for a more intimate experience,
- A full day at several Canadian D-Day sites in June 1944,
- Easily accessible from downtown Bayeux,
- An English-speaking guide,
- PRM access.
Is the tour family-friendly?
This tour is ideal for families, even with young children. You can bring your own stroller and request a child seat when you book your tour.
See details, availability and book this tour!
4. Explore Mont-Saint-Michel
What you will see
Listed as aUNESCO World Heritage Site, this Wonder on the Mount is a real gem in the region. Mont-Saint-Michel is home to one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites: its abbey, perched more than 50 meters above sea level.
The abbey’s rooms, some of which were built in different eras, the originality of its rooftop cloister and its breathtaking views over the bay and surrounding area will leave you speechless.
We were captivated not only by the history of the place, but also by the architectural feat that the abbey represents.
Before heading back down to the village’s cobbled streets in an almost fairytale setting, take time to admire the breathtaking views over the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel from the abbey.
You’ll also have free time to eat on the mountain, as meals are not included in this tour. Discover our best places to eat at Mont-Saint-Michel.
How long does the tour last?
Allow a full day for this excursion. If you prefer to go to Mont-Saint-Michel on your own, remember to book your time to visit the abbey and avoid queuing!
Why did we choose it?
We see this activity as having a number of advantages:
- a full day to take time out to visit the village on the Mont and its main attraction, the listed abbey,
- an English-speaking guide,
- a confidential excursion with a maximum of 8 participants.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, the day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel is suitable for families. It’s worth mentioning that there are a lot of steps in the village, and therefore a lot of stairs. We don’t recommend taking a stroller at all, but depending on your child’s age, a baby carrier might be more practical. Your little ones will also be delighted to discover the treasure hunts for all ages organized by the Mont-Saint-Michel Tourist Office. More information on the official website.
See details, availability and book this tour!
5. Tasting Calvados, a taste of Normandy’s terroir
What you will see
Head for Pont-l’Évêque, just 1h15 drive from Bayeux, to taste one of the pillars of Normandy’s terroir: the famous Calvados. In the oldest Maison du Calvados, Calvados Père Magloire, your visit to the Calvados Experience will take you on an interactive journey through the history of Normandy and Calvados. The tour ends with a delicious tasting of this PDO apple brandy.
How long does the activity last?
Allow around 1h30 on site, excluding travel time. Please note that transportation is not included when booking this activity. A good half-day will be needed if you include travel to and from the site and time on site.
Why did we choose it?
In our opinion, this activity offers a number of advantages:
- see for himself the transformation of apples into Calvados brandy,
- enjoy a guided tour in French or English,
- enjoy an immersive experience in Pont-l’Évêque to discover Normandy’s terroir,
- end your visit with a tasting session.
Is the activity family-friendly?
This activity is open to all ages (except for the tasting), but it should be noted that it’s an immersive visit in rooms with dim lighting, smoke and noise pollution that can be disturbing for children.
See details, availability and book this activity!
6. Visit the charming port town of Honfleur
What you will see
Honfleur, a city of painters but also a fishing, commercial and yachting port, remains one of the prettiest towns in Normandy in our opinion. Visiting Bayeux? Luckily, Honfleur is only 1 hour away by car! Don’t miss out on all the great things to do in this beautiful Normandy town, find our 21 ideas for things to do in Honfleur here.
In one day, you can enjoy:
- Sainte-Catherine Church: France’s largest wooden church with separate bell tower – see our article,
- Jardin des Personnalités: a splendid natural setting overlooking the Seine,
- its narrow streets and art galleries: the best way to discover the city’s architecture is on foot,
- of Honfleur’s Vieux Port: a postcard setting, with its swirl of colors and the reflection of lined-up masts.
How much time should I allow?
Plan to spend a full day here to make the most of this charming port town and enjoy lunch at one of its excellent restaurants. Honfleur is also known for its restaurants. To treat yourself during your trip from Bayeux, find our reviews and tips on the 15 best restaurants in Honfleur.
Why did we choose it?
We’ve been there several times and never tire of its charm! In our opinion, Honfleur is one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy. Its harbour, narrow streets, lights and wooden church have inspired many artists!
Is the activity family-friendly?
Honfleur is a pleasant town to discover with the whole family, with its harbor and many docked boats to please young and old alike. The city also boasts a number of green spaces and parks. It’s worth noting, however, that the alleyways are paved. Stroller access is not always practical, so you may prefer to use a baby carrier if possible.
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7. Visit Caen and its Memorial
What you will see
Discover one of the major historical sites of the Second World War: the Caen Memorial. This is one of the towns in France where bombing raids were devastating, destroying most of the buildings in 1944. One room is entirely dedicated to the Battle of Normandy.
Immerse yourself in the spiral of history that retraces the key events of the 2 World Wars, from the European conflict that began in the 20th century to the Cold War, via the Normandy Landings in June 1944.
The international conflicts of the 20th century are put into context, and you can admire collectors’ items such as the Soviet MIG-21, a post-1945 warplane pictured above. Since its development in the mid-1950s, this aircraft has been regarded as the symbol of the Eastern bloc’s strike force.
How long does the tour last?
You can allow a full day to visit the Caen Memorial, including a 1-hour round trip depending on traffic conditions. Caen is also known for its fine dining, and we’ve listed our top restaurants for eating out in Caen.
Why did we choose it?
We see several advantages to this activity:
- PRM access,
- an immersive place,
- access to the Caen Memorial and the current temporary exhibition,
- a place to visit open from 9am.
Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s an interesting place to visit as a family with your children. Interactive guided tours are also available for younger visitors. Please ask when booking your visit. It should be noted, however, that the subject of war can be a sensitive one, especially for a young audience. There’s a free nursery in the museum for the little ones. Stroller access is possible.
Book your ticket for the Caen Memorial now!
8. Balleroy Castle and Cerisy Abbey
What you will see
In the 17th century, the famous architect François Mansart built Château de Balleroy in Calvados, just a 20-minute drive from Bayeux. And did you know that this château and the village’s urban planning inspired royal cities like Versailles?
Created in the 19th century during the heyday of Romanticism and landscape architecture, the château’s park is a true marvel. If you have time to stop off, a gourmet break in the château’s tearoom is also very pleasant. The visit is fairly accessible, with a few steps up into the château and an easy stroll through the park.
Less than 15 minutes by car from the château, we suggest you visit Cerisy-la-Forêt abbey. Founded in the 6th century, the abbey’s original monastery was destroyed by Viking invasions 300 years later. In the 11th century, a period when the Norman abbeys took advantage of the monastic construction period in the Middle Ages in the region, a new building was reconstructed.
We were captivated by this example of Norman Romanesque architecture, with its high lantern tower and 13th-century chapel. The abbey is awe-inspiring, and we absolutely adored its authenticity!
How long does the outing last?
Château de Balleroy is about 25 minutes by car from Bayeux and less than 15 minutes from Cerisy-la-Forêt Abbey, depending on traffic density. You can allow a good half-day for this outing, including travel time.
Why did we choose it?
These medieval monuments surrounded by gardens are majestic enough to take you on an idyllic stroll through this corner of Normandy. For lovers of architecture, these are also some very fine buildings, well worth a visit both inside and out!
Is it family-friendly?
You’ll be able to enjoy these beautiful monuments and gardens with your toddlers. In a stroller or baby carrier, as you prefer, as the area is quite accessible. A family outing that’s both pastoral and historical! Relatively easy to visit for people with reduced mobility or accompanied by children, we have fond memories of these places.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
9. Château Fontaine-Henry and Juno Beach
What you will see
You can also combine a visit to fortified buildings with a tour of the D-Day landing beaches, for a different kind of fun all in one day! Just under 30 minutes by car from Bayeux, make a 1st stop at Château Fontaine-Henry, built in the 13th century. Handed down from generation to generation since it was founded by the de Tilly family, its current owner is the Marquis of Oilliamson. A family property classified as a historic monument, this château is an architectural treasure trove.
Continue your journey to one of the emblematic sites of the 1944 landings, Juno Beach Beach near Courseulles-sur-Mer. It’s one of the D-Day beaches that’s easy to visit. In fact, the beach and the museum are right next door to each other, so you can kill two birds with one stone! In fact, it’s the only Canadian museum on one of the D-Day beaches.
Above, you’ll see a tribute to the 45,000 Canadian soldiers who gave their lives to liberate Normandy in June 1944. A place steeped in history and full of emotion!
How long does the tour last?
You can devote just half a day to these 2 visits before heading back to Bayeux. Château Fontaine Henry takes about an hour to visit. At Juno Beach Beach, you can allow 45min to 1h30 depending on the activities you plan between a stroll on the beach, the museum, the British Memorial or a little further on the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery.
Why did we choose it?
These 2 locations are on the same road and are relatively easy to access. Whether in the Château Fontaine-Henry or on Juno Beach Beach, you’ll learn a lot about a part of Normandy’s history.
Is the activity family-friendly?
Absolutely, these 2 activities are suitable for children and families. Château Fontaine Henry organizes “investigations” in the park, “Petits meurtres entre amis”, suitable for youngsters to play detective for 2 hours in the afternoon. Immersed with your children in this exceptional setting, neither you nor your little ones will soon forget this moment!
As for the Juno Beach Centre, a children’s trail has been designed for children and teenagers. Thanks to interactive modules and touch screens, the “Explore Juno with your family” tour makes discovering the museum with the whole family even easier and more accessible. It should be noted, however, that the subject of the Second World War can be sensitive for some children.
DISCOVER Bayeux
- Best things to do in Bayeux
- Where to sleep in Bayeux: our best hotels
- Rent a car in Bayeux
- Where to eat in Bayeux: our best restaurants
- Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum
- Visit the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History
- Visit the Battle of Normandy Museum
- Discover the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Bayeux
- Discover the British Military Cemetery
10. Château de Creully and Gold Beach
What you will see
An ancient medieval fortified castle, Château de Creully is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Bayeux. During our visit, we entered its wooded, flower-filled grounds to admire the Château from the outside. Guided tours are organized in this mythical feudal site, where we were lucky enough to visit some of the rooms.
This beautiful building also played a role in the success of the D-Day landings and the Liberation. Indeed, in June 1944, the British channel BBC broadcast from the square tower of the Château de Creully to provide news of the Battle of Normandy during the Second World War. In short, a visit is a must if you love history, castles and large parks!
A 15-minute drive from the château takes you to Gold Beach in Arromanches-les-Bains on the Normandy coast. It’s a pretty impressive and interesting place to visit.
The remains of the artificial port (Mulberries) used during the D-Day battles are visible on the beach at low tide, and you can approach them. We were also overwhelmed by the view from the cliffs, where we felt so small in the face of such immensity. There are also several remains of equipment at the entrance to the beach near the museum.
How long does the outing last?
Allow a good half-day to visit these 2 sites, which are fairly close to each other. It takes just over an hour to visit the interior of Château de Creully, but allow more time to enjoy its natural setting: the surrounding wooded and flower-filled park!
The Arromanches part of Gold Beach is one of the most interesting, with many D-Day relics that you can see with your own eyes left untouched on the beach.
Why did we choose it?
Château de Creully and Gold Beach Beach are relatively close by. These are also places to feast your eyes on. Whether it’s in this feudal castle surrounded by a magnificent park, or on this beach where remnants of equipment and pieces of the artificial harbour can be seen, there’s plenty to keep you busy!
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, completely. Your toddlers will be able to frolic happily through the château’s wooded grounds and feel closer to nature. In Arromanches-les-Bains, your children will love strolling along Gold Beach Beach at low tide and seeing the relics of this turning point in history. World War II can be a sensitive subject for some children.
Pre-trip preparation: our tips
Before you set off on your excursion from Bayeux, here are a few tips to ensure you have an enjoyable and hassle-free day!
Check the weather
Known for its changeable climate, it can be sunny several times a day in Normandy, as the saying goes! We always check the weather forecast to choose the right clothes and comfortable shoes for the day.
Charging your cell phone
Before leaving your accommodation, make sure your phone is fully charged. A portable rechargeable battery may be useful if you need to recharge your phone while on the road. The same goes for your camera, if you’re using special equipment. Ready to immortalize lots of beautiful memories?
Pack a snack in your backpack
To avoid hunger pangs, don’t forget to pack a small snack. Dried fruit and water bottles, for example, are practical, healthy options for quickly regaining your strength and staying well hydrated.
Search for restoration options
If your tour doesn’t include meals (check when you book), it’s a good idea to look in advance for places to eat. Here’s a selection of the best places to eat in and around Bayeux.
Organizing your documents
Take all the necessary documents with you: tickets for the places you’ll be visiting, identity card or passport, and transport card if necessary or car rental documents if applicable.
Now all you have to do is enjoy the moment! Take time to admire the scenery, absorb the atmosphere and enjoy every moment of this unique experience in one of France’s most beautiful regions: Normandy.
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Other excursions in Bayeux
Hiking and nature outings
Would you like to get a little closer to nature? There are several options from Bayeux:
- Sentier naturel de la vallée de l’Aure: just outside the town of Bayeux, amidst streams, ditches, lakes, ponds, wet meadows and reedbeds, you can admire exceptional flora and fauna. The walk is relatively easy. However, remember to take good shoes, comfortable clothes, a bottle of water and a snack!
- Jardin des Sources: this 5,000 m2 green space will appeal to all botanical enthusiasts. The ubiquitous watercourses provide a natural backdrop for perennials, grasses, roses and numerous shrubs. Colors and blooms follow one another through the seasons.
- Hiking around Bayeux: do you enjoy walking or cycling? Routes are laid out: in Bayeux intra-muros via the Botanical Gardens and the stadium, with wooden footbridges to cross marshy areas (13km). Or to Vaux-sur-Aure through the Aure loop (7km), then on to the orchards of the Fumichon farm and back along the Bessin country paths (12km).
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Gourmet breaks around Bayeux
The area around Bayeux also offers a number of charming places to discover, if the length of your stay allows and you’re only 20 minutes from Bayeux by car:
- La ferme de la Sapinière – in theOmaha Beach Beach area, a cider farm where you can sample regional products.
- A shortbread tasting in Asnelles – an authentic and simple snack, shortbread with semi-salted butter that melts in the mouth and has also been awarded the “Saveurs de Normandie” label.
- La Grange au Mohair – a country setting, sweet little goats and an authentic knitting workshop.
A walk in the Bessin
Other beautiful places are just a few kilometers from Bayeux:
- Port-en-Bessin-Huppain: a charming seaside town 15 minutes by car from Bayeux, accessible by bus 120 from the Vallée des Près district, this is Normandy’s 1st artisanal fishing port. If you like scallops, you will be served! Stroll along the marina’s pontoon, enjoy a platter of fresh seafood or attend the Le Goût du Large festival… In short, there’s plenty to keep you busy all day long, whether solo, with the family or as a couple, in this pretty port city.
- Parc régional du marais du Bessin et du Cotentin: this natural area is home to storks and frogs. The park becomes a veritable sea in winter, which is quite impressive. You can also cycle, hike or walk here. even in a kayak!
So, have you made your choice? We hope you’ve found what you were looking for in this article and that you’re already dreaming of your future excursions and discoveries around Bayeux!
All our tips in this article were put into words with the help of Myriam.
