"Bayeux: City of Conquest" a Bayeux Travel Page by ExGuyParis

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.

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

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.