Bayeux is a beautiful city in Normandy, in the Calvados department. The city is especially famous for the Bayeux Tapestry (Tapisserie de Bayeux) and the immense Notre-Dame cathedral. Definitely worth a visit if you’re nearby. But aside from that, Bayeux is also a lovely city to stroll through. There are charming shops, great restaurants, and many historic buildings to explore.
Bayeux: stepping back in time
Bayeux was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Several centuries later, a castle was built in Bayeux, the city was fortified with walls to protect against Saxon invasions, and the construction of the cathedral began. In the 18th century, the castle and city walls were dismantled. During World War II, Bayeux was the first major city to be liberated by the Allies.
What to see in Bayeux? Sights and tips
Bayeux was liberated without resistance, which meant the city suffered almost no damage. As a result, there are still many historic buildings to admire in Bayeux. I highly recommend wandering through the city, along the Aure River, through narrow streets, over old bridges, and past beautiful authentic buildings. There are lovely restaurants, cafés, and spots to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea during your visit to Bayeux. When it comes to the sights in Bayeux, a few stand out immediately; read more about them below.
Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry (Tapisserie de Bayeux) is the city’s top attraction. It is a 70-meter-long and 50 cm high embroidered piece depicting events such as the Battle of Hastings. The embroidery was created around 1068, likely specifically for the consecration of Bayeux Cathedral. The tapestry is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and can be admired at the Musée de La Tapisserie de Bayeux.
Museums in Bayeux
In addition to the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, where the famous Bayeux Tapestry is on display, the city has two other excellent museums. At the Musée de la Bataille de Normandie (Museum of the Battle of Normandy), you can learn everything about the invasion of Normandy between June 7 and August 29, 1944. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Baron Gérard (Museum of Art and History Baron Gérard) showcases a wide range of treasures, from prehistoric finds to contemporary art.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux
The cathedral of Bayeux, originally built in Romanesque style, was consecrated in the early 11th century. After a fire destroyed the Romanesque church in the 12th century, it was rebuilt in Gothic style. The only part that survived the fire was the crypt, which can still be visited today. It’s a stunning space with rough columns, carved capitals and faded frescoes.
Historical monuments in Bayeux
The Notre-Dame cathedral was the first building in Bayeux to be listed as a historical monument at the end of the 19th century. Today, around 30 monuments in the city are protected heritage sites. It’s a fun idea to seek out a few of them during a walk through Bayeux.
Maison à pans de bois de la rue des Cuisiniers in Bayeux
One of the listed monuments in Bayeux is the Maison à pans de bois de la rue des Cuisiniers, one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the city; if not the oldest. You’ll find this gem on the corner of Rue des Cuisiniers and Rue Saint-Martin. In the Middle Ages, it served as an inn. In the centuries that followed, the building was used as a shop, a tourist office, and a restaurant (Le Loge à Pieds).
Diagonally across from it stands a gate that was once part of the old city wall. In the late Middle Ages, this part of Bayeux was home to many butchers and meat vendors, all selling their goods in one place: the Halle aux Viandes. The gate you see today once served as the entrance to this historic meat market.
Arbre de la liberté
Behind the cathedral stands the Arbre de la liberté, a tree of liberty. The square where the tree grows is named Place de la Liberté. It’s a powerful symbol of freedom, first introduced after the French Revolution. This particular tree, a plane tree, was planted in 1797. Over the centuries, it has grown to a height of 30 meters, and its trunk now measures over two meters in diameter. I can tell you: it’s truly impressive! I found myself walking several circles around it, just to admire it from every possible angle.
Bayeux War Cemetery
One place you definitely should stop is the Bayeux War Cemetery. This British military cemetery is the final resting place of more than 4,600 fallen soldiers, nearly 4,000 of whom were British. Directly across from the cemetery stands the Bayeux Memorial, where 1,801 names are inscribed—soldiers who have no known grave.
Want to see more places that played a major role during D-Day and the months that followed? From Bayeux, you can book some great guided tours that take you to several important sites. Think private tours or even sidecar tours with a guide. I did a sidecar tour myself in Provence and absolutely loved it, such a fun way to explore.
Jardin botanique de Bayeux
In need of a moment of peace and nature? Then Jardin botanique de Bayeux is the place to be. This botanical garden opened in 1864, and many of the trees planted back then are still standing tall today. The most eye-catching tree is the haya llorona, a weeping beech with a canopy spanning over 40 meters in diameter. In 1932, the tree was officially classified as a natural monument, and since 2000, it holds the title Arbre remarquable de France.
Unique place to stay in Bayeux: La plus petite maison de France
Looking for a special place to stay in Bayeux? Consider La plus petite maison de France. This charming tiny house with soft blue shutters sits right on the river Aure, right in the heart of town. From here, you can admire colorful rowboats in the water and enjoy a bite at the cosy terrace across the street, Show Glacé Crêperie, where they serve delicious crêpes.
