"Bayeux: City of Conquest" Top 5 Page for this destination Bayeux by ExGuyParis

Bayeux Travel Guide: 202 reviews and 514 photos

The Cathedral Towers Over Bayeux - Bayeux

Bayeux, a medieval town in Normandy, is most famous for The Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable record of William the Conquerer's conquests in the 11th Century.

The town itself is charming, with its medieval center quite well-preserved. The cathedral is impressive, with its requisite gargoyles and an atmospheric crypt.

Bayeux also serves as an ideal lodging for visiting the many sites realted to World War II, including the American Cemetery near Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (one of the most moving places I have ever visited).

Bayeux is about 250 km northeast of Paris. It is a very easy drive on the highway A13.

Star Man

One of the surprises to be discovered inside the cathedral-- this very happy saint, standing in the stars.

The Bayeux Tapestry...

Bayeaux Tapestry: Oaths and Lies

is not a tapestry! It would be very strange to hear it called "The Bayeux Needlepoint," but that is what is is. At any rate, this piece of cloth, over 900 years old, tells the story of William's conquest of England in 1066.

I really was fascinated by the legends (based on facts) documented here, and the glimpse into the life and battles of that era.

This piece of the tapestry shows Harold swearing fealty to William-- shallow words, as later history would prove. This oath took place in the Bayeux Cathedral.

The tapestry, with its 57 other scenes, can be found in the Centre de Guillaume le Conquérant (the William the Conqueror Center) in Bayeux. It is well worth the trip.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Monumental Moments in History

Last visit to Bayeux: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Mar 22, 2004
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Reviews (13)

White Crosses Above Omaha Beach, Normandy - Bayeux

Eternal Rest Things to Do (7)

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is located on the coast about 18 km northwest Bayeux, overloking Omaha... more travel advice

Another Water Wheel Things to Do (7)

This one is quite close to the Tapestry Museum. There is a park alongside the river. Scattered around the old town you... more travel advice

The Best Gland in the Land Restaurants (1)

Not really a restaurant, but a place to buy superb French pastry. This boulangerie has the best gland I have ever... more travel advice

A Segment of the Tapestry Things to Do (7)

Of the hundreds of human figures on the tapestry, only a handful are women. Here we see Aelfgyve, William's daughter,... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All A Happy Home

Shopping (3)
See All Advertising Art

Comments (12)

nonghoi Jul 23, 2006 at 5:38 PM Report Abuse

during the owners stay in hospital some 14 years or so ago I and a close friend together with pascal Doublet decorated the inside of the shop just as you see in the photograph unchanged in all theses years
lmkluque Jan 24, 2006 at 12:53 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your perspective of Bayeux!!
Nemorino Oct 20, 2005 at 3:01 AM Report Abuse

Fine tips and photos on this page. I learned a lot about the Bayeux Tapestry.
easyoar Jun 18, 2005 at 3:25 PM Report Abuse

well-endowed??? He almost reaches the floor!!!
roamer61 Dec 20, 2004 at 11:25 AM Report Abuse

Nice page on Bayeaux. The tapestry is one of the worlds masterpeices of mediaval art.
iandsmith Dec 14, 2004 at 8:28 PM Report Abuse

Interesting pages and unconventional photography. I like it.
BeatChick Dec 12, 2004 at 3:21 PM Report Abuse

Fab photos as always! My fave is of the gargoyle. Great info about the Bayeux Tapestry! I think I'll have to go to Bayeux to try that calvados. :)
Tolik Nov 28, 2004 at 3:36 PM Report Abuse

Yes Bayeux is full of treasures. Excellent page! Thank you Paul.
tessy Jul 24, 2004 at 2:54 AM Report Abuse

Brings back great memories ... but I didn't try the Glands - yummie, - I would like to try it just now.
rozehill Jan 30, 2004 at 11:47 PM Report Abuse

What a magnificent tapestry work of art with a story behind it. I surely would like to to try one of those "glands" you describe so eloquently. The water wheel pic is extraordinarily beautiful.