Located on the northwest coast of France, Bayeux is a charming town that was originally made famous for a tapestry masterpiece, and again during World War II. Bayeux is one of the few towns in Normandy that survived WWII and the invasions of France nearly undamaged. Here, visitors will find 13th-18th century architecture, massive Gothic cathedral, emotional museums, and adorable wooden-framed Norman-style abodes.

 

Where To Stay
Bayeux is a small town, which makes getting around rather easy. I found that staying near the Notre-dame de Bayeux gave me the best opportunity to walk around the town quickly and easily. The Hôtel du Luxembourg was a pleasant hotel with newly renovated rooms and it was walking distance from all the town’s attractions and a quick bus ride away from the beaches of Normandy.

 

What To Do

• Bayeux Tapestry
  Celebrating the conquest of England, the Bayeux Tapestry is the world’s most celebrated work of embroidery. The central canvas is made of 58 scenes, and features religious and everyday moments surrounding the main scenes.

• The Beaches of Normandy
  Omaha, Utah, Gold, Star, and Juno. These were the code names used in the invasion of France by the allied forces in World War II for Normandy’s beaches.

• American Cemetery
  Nearly ten thousand American soldiers who bravely fought in the Normandy invasions are buried in this perfectly manicured cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Saddest to me are the numerous headstones dedicated to unknown soldiers.

• British Cemetery
  The Bayeux War Cemetery, or British Cemetery, is the largest WWII cemetery dedicated to Commonwealth soldiers in France. This cemetery contains the remains of 4,648 people, most of whom were casualties of the Invasion of Normandy.

• Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery
  This cemetery near the ocean is the final resting place of many Canadian soldiers who were killed during the Invasion of Normandy in WWII.

• Notre-Dame de Bayeux
  Originally the home of the Bayeux Tapestry, this massive Norman-Gothic church is located in the center of town. Sitting on ancient Roman sanctuary grounds, the present cathedral was consecrated in 1077.

• The Big Red One Assault Museum
  The Big Red One Assault Museum is a museum dedicated to the US First Infantry Division, nicknamed the “Big Red One” because of their uniform patch, and their part in the D-Day landings during WWII.