Is Bayeux worth a visit? Planning your next vacation or weekend getaway?
Do you enjoy walking, sightseeing, art, culture, history and gourmet cuisine? We’ve got just what you’re looking for! Bayeux was a wonderful discovery for us after spending a few days there. An ancient medieval city full of resources, Bayeux is located on the doorstep of the D-Day landing beaches.
Beyond the famous Bayeux Tapestry, the city is also known as the first one liberated by the British army during the Normandy landings in World War II.
In this article, we give you all our reasons to recommend Bayeux, and some points of attention in all transparency.
This review is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Is Bayeux worth a visit?
Nicknamed the “medieval city at the gateway to the D-Day beaches”, Bayeux is a town full of surprises. Its museums, its commemorative monuments, its medieval architecture, its craftsmen, its very (very) good restaurants… A city of art and history, the town is also home to the famous tapestry, aUNESCO World Heritage Site, woven in its imposing cathedral.
More than 13,000 residents live here every day, promoting Bayeux’s quality of life. Nearly half a million tourists visit Bayeux every year, in both high and low season! In fact, we’ve listed 12 things to do if you choose Bayeux.
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.
Reason 1 – For its historic medieval heart
The town of Bayeux is both authentic and welcoming, making it a delight to stroll through. We appreciated the charm of its historic center, where the medieval architecture is well preserved and numerous townhouses adorn the narrow streets.
With the right shoes, you’ll have plenty to see as you stroll through Vieux-Bayeux. Half-timbered houses and manor houses with turrets will also be on your way. It’s a pleasure to wander through the narrow streets of the town and stroll past the shop windows of craftsmen and delicatessens!
To facilitate your visit to Bayeux’s heritage points of interest, the Vieux-Bayeux circuit is made up of bronze nails installed at various points. Discover the secrets of the town by following this circuit or by taking the Bayeux tourist train.
Reason 2 – For the famous Bayeux Tapestry
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous Bayeux Tapestry is a must-see reason to visit Bayeux! It tells the story of the 11th-century conquest of England by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy.
Embroidered on linen, this work is exhibited at the former Bayeux Seminary (a Catholic institution of higher learning), now the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.
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.
Reason 3 – For its beautiful architectural sites
Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral
In the historic heart of the town, you’ll be captivated by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux, one of the highlights of the Old Bayeux tour. The famous Bayeux Tapestry is said to have been embroidered here in the 11th century to decorate the nave. The Bayeux tourist train also makes a stop here.
The medieval architecture of this thousand-year-old cathedral has been preserved through the ages. Inside and out, take time to admire the details of this architectural gesture. Descend into the cathedral’s crypt and look up to see the Renaissance frescoes of angel musicians. The night view of this majestic building is also breathtaking. What memories!
The Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History (MAHB)
The former Palais des évêques de Bayeux now houses the Musée d’art et d’histoire Baron Gérard (MAHB). Classified as a historic monument, this landmark art gallery in Normandy offers a chronological tour in 14 stages. The visit combines art and history, from prehistory to the contemporary period. Whether you like paintings, ceramics, lace or relics, you’ll find all kinds of ancient works and objects on display in this museum!
The architecture of the episcopal palace that houses the museum is also well worth a visit. See below the ceiling of the famous Renaissance chapel at the heart of the building, featuring 52 paintings.
The MAHB is included in the tours of Old Bayeux and the Little Tourist Train.
Reason 4 – For its historical role during the D-Day landings and its “memory pole
Bayeux was the first town to be liberated following the Allied landings in Normandy, and played a strategic role in the success of the military operations. Located on the doorstep of the D-Day landing beaches, the town is also worth a visit for its “Pôle Mémoire”, historic sites of the Second World War.
Bayeux British Military Cemetery
The British Military Cemetery at Bayeux is the largest in France, with over 4,000 soldiers buried there. A memorable place of remembrance indeed, where we never expected to feel so much emotion!
Close to the Battle of Normandy Museum, the cemetery bears the Commemorative Cross in tribute to those who gave their lives for the Liberation. On the other side of Fabian Ware Boulevard, we recommend a visit to the Commonwealth Soldiers’ Memorial. It’s an inviting place to reflect.
The Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
Passionate about the history of D-Day and the Second World War? The Musée de la Bataille de Normandie is for you, and just a 10-minute walk from the British Military Cemetery. Why is it unique? With its 2,300m2 of floor space, it’s the only museum that tells the story of military operations in the summer of 1944 in detail.
This chronological tour takes you back in time through the evolution of the conflict, illustrated by maps, life-size reconstructions, films and archive images. An immersive experience guaranteed!
War Reporters Memorial
Dedicated to reporters and press freedom, this place of remembrance is located on the rue des Cordeliers in Bayeux. On this landscaped walk from the town center or the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum, you’ll discover white steles lined up in the shade of trees. These steles bear the names of over 2,000 journalists killed around the world in the line of duty since 1944. The town of Bayeux designed this Reporters’ Memorial in collaboration with the Reporters Without Borders association.
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Reason 5 – For its magnificent 19th century landscaped park, the Botanical Garden
A trip to the Bayeux Botanical Gardens is a must! This landscaped park is a true Norman gem, dating back to the 19th century. A must if you love plant species, tall trees or strolling through wide-open spaces. Covering an area of 2.6 hectares, the garden was created in 1859 by the Bülher brothers, famous French landscape architects of Swiss origin, and is home to over 400 trees.
The most spectacular feature of the Bayeux Botanical Gardens is without doubt the weeping beech. At the heart of the park, this 140-year-old tree has been a listed natural monument since 1932, and a “Remarkable Tree of France” since 2000.
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
Reason 6 – For its gastronomy and its very good restaurants
Gastronomic cuisine is also one of Bayeux’s strengths. Starred restaurants, gourmet restaurants, fast-food restaurants, tearooms, crêperies, healthy meals, seafood restaurants, atypical establishments or even with the kids… You’ll have a wide choice of excellent restaurants to suit all tastes.
You’ll enjoy country and sea cuisine based on local produce, combined with notes inspired from around the world. Don’t forget to book in advance for all establishments where possible.
We have had the chance to try many great meals and have listed the 15 best restaurants in Bayeux to help you make your choice.
Reason 7 – For its location at the gateway to the D-Day landing beaches
It’s not for nothing that it’s nicknamed the “medieval city at the gateway to the D-Day beaches”, as Bayeux is literally a few minutes’ drive from the coast. The town can be a good starting point for visiting them all. Bunkers, sculptures, museums, fine sand, cliffs… Choosing among all these places steeped in history is no easy task. Click here for our complete guide to planning your trip and defining your itinerary for the D-Day landing beaches. There are 5 of them, each more fascinating than the last: Gold Beach, Utah Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach and Omaha Beach.
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Reason 8 – For its lace art
Did you know that Bayeux has a lace conservatory? Embroidery is a real tradition in Normandy. You can visit this needle lace and bobbin lace workshop, which aims to revive Norman lace.
Also, a whole section of the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History (MAHB) is devoted to the art of lacemaking in Bayeux and its surroundings.
Reason 9 – For its ceramic and porcelain art
There’s no shortage of craftsmen in the historic heart of Bayeux. After lace, ceramics and porcelain are also historic skills in this ancient medieval town. Take time, for example, to discover the world of ceramist Morgane Thomassin, who brings textures and materials to life, combining modernity with mythological influences.
For art lovers, the MAHB museum also features a collection of porcelain and ceramics in the final stages of the tour. Beautiful colors and creations from the 19th and 20th centuries are displayed on the shelves of these showcases.
Reason 10 – For its proximity to Paris
Bayeux is relatively easy to reach by train or car. Just 2h30 from Paris by TER train, you’ll find yourself in this magical town close to the Normandy coast.
The city is also only 3 hours drive from Paris.
Caen is only 30 minutes away and Deauville only 1h10.
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.
The few disadvantages of a trip to Bayeux
As with all destinations, there are some disadvantages that you need to be aware of in order to make your decision with all the information.
The weather
It’s often said that in Normandy, the sun shines several times a day. This is also the case in Bayeux, capital of the Bessin region, in the heart of this region known for its greenery. Clouds, wind and rain can be a problem during your stay. If you bring good shoes and a jacket, you’ll be ready to continue your visits in complete peace of mind! A cloudy sky pierced by a few rays of sunshine – doesn’t that have its charm too?
The influx
All year round, like many places in Normandy, visitors flock here regularly. In Bayeux, over 500,000 tourists visit the town every year, according to the municipality. So whatever the season, you’ll always come across people, even in the “low season”. On the other hand, July and August are Bayeux’s high season, with the risk of very large crowds. From April to June and from September to October, the tourist attractions are a little less crowded.
Practical tips for getting to Bayeux, France
Bayeux is a city located in the northwest of France, in Normandy.
Here are a few practical tips to help you get there easily and with peace of mind:
- By car: Bayeux is accessible from the A13 and A84 freeways. The municipality has set up several parking lots in town.
- By train: The TER Normandie regional train line serves Bayeux, with regular daily services from Caen and Cherbourg. Bayeux’s SNCF train station is a 10-minute walk from the town’s historic center.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
- By bus: You can also get there by bus, which serves Bayeux from various towns in Normandy. The regional public transport company Nomad operates the regional bus routes.
- By plane : Caen-Carpiquet airport and Deauville-Normandy airport are the two closest to Bayeux, both located about 30 minutes by car from Bayeux.
- By bike: If you take the Véloscénie, the cycle path linking Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, you’ll pass through Bayeux. So it’s possible to cycle there from Paris or other towns in Normandy.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…