Is the city of Bayeux worth a visit? Planning your next vacation or weekend getaway?
Do you like walking, sightseeing, art, culture, history and gastronomy? Look no further, we have what you need! Bayeux was a very nice discovery for us after spending a few days there. An ancient medieval city full of resources, Bayeux is located at the gateway to 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 opinion 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 gates of the D-Day beaches”, Bayeux is a city full of surprises. Its museums, its commemorative monuments, its medieval architecture, its craftsmen, its very (very) good restaurants… City of art and history, the city is also home to the famous tapestry classified as World Heritage byUNESCO, woven in its imposing cathedral.
More than 13,000 residents live there every day and enjoy the quality of life in Bayeux. Nearly half a million tourists visit it every year, in high and low season! In fact, we’ve listed 12 ideas of 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
Both authentic and warm, it is very pleasant to walk around the city of Bayeux. We appreciated the charm of its historic center where the medieval architecture is well preserved and many private mansions adorn its narrow streets.
With good shoes, you will have a lot to see while walking in the Old Bayeux. Half-timbered houses or manor houses with turrets will also be on your way. It is a pleasure to walk through the narrow streets of the city and to stroll in front of the windows of craftsmen and delicatessens!
To facilitate your visit to the points of interest of Bayeux’s heritage, the Old Bayeux circuit is made up of bronze nails installed at various locations. Discover the secrets of the city by following this tour or by taking the Little Tourist Train of Bayeux.
Reason 2 – For the famous Bayeux Tapestry
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important reasons to visit Bayeux! It tells the story of the conquest of England in the 11th century 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 AND ALENTOUR
Option 1: Close to downtown
At only 5 to 10 minutes walk from the historical center, you will find beautiful mansions transformed into hotels and B&Bs very welcoming. The advantage? The proximity of the points of tourist interest combined with the calm of the more distant streets.
- TheDomaine de Bayeux Hotel in an 18th century mansion – see prices, photos and availability.
Option 2: in the historic core
The seaside is just 15 minutes drive from Bayeux. Breathe the sea air while enjoying easy access to Bayeux and the D-Day beaches.
- TheLion d’Or hotel in a former post office building from the 18th century – see prices, photos, 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.
- Villas d’Arromanches – see prices, photos and availability.
Option 4 : in the country
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.
- Le Domaine de la Rançonnière, only 10 minutes from Bayeux – see prices, photos and availability.
Reason 3 – For its beautiful architectural sites
Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral
In the historic center, you will be captivated by the Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral, one of the highlights of the Old Bayeux circuit. The famous Bayeux Tapestry was embroidered there in the 11th century to decorate the nave. The little tourist train of Bayeux also makes a stop there.
The medieval architecture of this thousand-year-old cathedral has been preserved through the ages. Inside and out, take the time to admire the details of this architectural gesture. Go down into the crypt of the cathedral and look up to see the frescoes of the angel musicians from the Renaissance period. The night view of this majestic building is also breathtaking. What memories!
The Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History (MAHB)
The former Palace of the Bishops of Bayeux now houses the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History (MAHB). Classified as a historical monument, this art place of reference in Normandy offers a chronological tour in 14 stages. The visit combines art and history, from prehistory to the contemporary period. All kinds of ancient works and objects are on display in this museum, whether you like paintings, ceramics, lace or relics!
The architecture of the episcopal palace that houses the museum is also worth a visit. See below the ceiling of the famous Renaissance chapel in the heart of the building composed of 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 city to be liberated after the Allied troops landed in Normandy and played a strategic role in the success of the military operations. At the gates of the D-Day landing beaches, the city can also be visited for its “pole of memory”, historical sites of the Second World War.
Bayeux British Military Cemetery
The British military cemetery of Bayeux is the largest in France: more than 4,000 soldiers are buried there. A memorable place of recollection indeed, where we did not expect to feel so many emotions!
Near the Battle of Normandy Museum, the cemetery bears the Memorial Cross in honor of those who gave their lives for the Liberation. On the other side of Fabian Ware Boulevard, we recommend that you visit the Commonwealth Soldiers’ Memorial. This place certainly invites to meditation.
The Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
Passionate about the history of D-Day and the Second World War? The Battle of Normandy Museum is just a 10-minute walk from the British War Cemetery. Why is it unique? With its 2300m2 of surface, it is the only museum that tells the story of the military operations of the summer of 1944 in detail.
Thanks to this chronological tour, you will go back in time with the evolution of the conflict illustrated by maps, life-size reconstructions and films and archival images. An immersive experience guaranteed!
War Reporters Memorial
Dedicated to reporters and freedom of the press, this place of memory is located in the rue des Cordeliers in Bayeux. During this landscape walk from the city center or from the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum, you will discover white steles lined up in the shade of the trees. These headstones contain more than 2000 names of journalists killed around the world in the line of duty since 1944. The city of Bayeux has designed this Reporters’ Memorial in collaboration with the association Reporters Without Borders.
PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Reason 5 – For its magnificent 19th century landscaped park, the Botanical Garden
A stroll in the Botanical Garden of Bayeux is a must! This landscaped park is a true Norman jewel dating from the 19th century. A must if you like plant species, large trees or walks in large green spaces. With a surface area of 2.6 hectares, this 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 piece in the Bayeux Botanical Garden is without a doubt the weeping beech. In the heart of the park, this 140-year-old tree has been classified as a natural monument since 1932 and has been labeled 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
Very popular in Bayeux, the gastronomic cuisine is also an asset of this Norman city. Starred restaurant, gastronomic restaurant, restaurant on the go, canteen tea room, creperie, healthy meal, seafood restaurant, establishment with an atypical setting or with your children… You will have a wide choice of very good restaurants according to your tastes.
You will enjoy a cuisine between country and sea based on local products, combined with notes inspired by the world. Remember to book in advance for all establishments when 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 is not for nothing that it is nicknamed “medieval city at the gates of the D-Day beaches”, Bayeux is literally a few minutes drive from the coast. The city can be a good starting point to visit them all. Bunkers, sculptures, museums, fine sand, cliffs… Making your choice among all these places full of history is not easy. Find our complete guide to plan your trip and define your itinerary to the D-Day landing beaches by clicking here. Each one is more fascinating to discover than the other. There are 5 of them: Gold Breach, Utah Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach Beach and Omaha Beach Beach.
FOR QUALITY ADVICE
QUALITY Support us
Do you enjoy all the free content you find on our blog, without intrusive ads?
Our independence, the only guarantee of qualitytips, is partly based on your generosity!
We offer you to give us a coffee (or several) in the hope of sharing it with you one day in person!
Reason 8 – For its lace art
Did you know that a lace conservatory exists in Bayeux? Embroidery is a real tradition in Normandy. This workshop of needle lace and bobbin lace production, which you can visit, aims to revive the 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 is no shortage of artisans in the historic heart of Bayeux. After lace, ceramics and porcelain are also historical skills in this ancient medieval city. For example, take the time to discover the world of Morgane Thomassin, an art ceramist, who gives life to textures and materials by combining modernity and mythological influence.
For art lovers, the MAHB museum also offers a collection of porcelain and ceramic pieces in its final stages of the tour. Beautiful colors and creations dating from the 19th and 20th centuries are displayed on the shelves of these showcases.
Reason 10 – For its proximity to Paris
Bayeux is a relatively accessible city by train and by car. Only 2h30 from Paris by TER train, you will find yourself in this magical city near 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 is often said that in Normandy, the weather is nice several times a day. This is also the case in Bayeux, the capital of the Bessin in the heart of this region known for its greenery. Clouds, wind and rain may be present during your stay. If you bring good shoes and a jacket, you will be ready to continue your visits in all serenity! A cloudy sky pierced by a few rays of sunshine, isn’t that also charming?
The influx
All year round, like many places in Normandy, visitors flock regularly. In Bayeux, more than 500,000 tourists visit the city each year according to the municipality. So whatever the period, you will always meet people, even in “low season”. On the other hand, let’s mention that July and August are the high season in Bayeux with a risk of very high attendance. It should be noted that 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 installed several parking lots in the city.
- By train: the regional train line TER Normandie serves Bayeux, with regular daily trips from Caen and Cherbourg. Bayeux’s SNCF train station is about a 10-minute walk from the historic heart of the city.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
- By bus : you can also go there by bus, they serve Bayeux from different cities in Normandy. The regional transit 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, a bicycle path that links Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, you will pass through Bayeux. So it’s possible to get there by bike from Paris or other cities in Normandy.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
Best of
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…
