Bayeux Things to Do Tips by Beausoleil

Shopping is more fun in a street market

We were renting an apartment south of Caen and our landlady told us not to miss the market in Bayeux on Saturday morning. It was her favorite. So Saturday morning we dutifully breakfasted and drove to Bayeux. It was not hard to find the market. We simply went the opposite direction of all the people carrying away bags of various things.

The market was wonderful. They had fresh produce, wonderful cheeses, flowers, clothes, table linens, furniture and people all over the place. Our apartment came with a gardener who delivered fresh produce so we limited ourselves to cheeses at the market. We hadn't intended to buy anything but as we walked by one cheese monger, she cheerfully asked if we knew what a certain cheese tasted like. We answered, no, so she insisted we must try it for the experience. Well . . . it was so good we bought some of that and then slices of several others. Normandy is a great place to explore cheese!

The Famous Bayeux Tapestry Tapestry - Tapisserie Review

This is one of two absolute must-see items in Bayeux. The first is the cathedral and next is the famous Bayeux Tapestry. It is not a true tapestry in the sense of the design being woven in. Rather is is a very elaborate embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England.

According to legend, Queen Mathilda, wife of William the Conqueror, commissioned it, but present scholars think it may have been commissioned by Bishop Odo, William's half brother. Things were so complicated back then . . .

It is very long and very narrow and behind glass. You enter the museum and walk past a statue of William the Conqueror sitting on his throne before you enter the darkened tapestry room. Then you follow the tapestry as it takes you through the famous battles. It is dramatic and fascinating.

Check the Official web site below to check for times and price.

Address: Rue de Nesmond

Directions: Tapisserie signs are all over town. There are separate signs for cars and for people on foot. Follow the appropriate sign.

Other Contact: FAX: +33 (0)2 3151-2559

Phone: +33 (0)2 3151-2550

Website: http://www.tapestry-bayeux.com/

Notre Dame de Bayeux Cathedrale Notre Dame Review

The famous Bayeux Tapestry was originally displayed inside this cathedral. It has since been moved to a museum of its very own nearby. The cathedral, the tapestry, the old town and the market on market days are things you should not miss in Bayeux. I love the water wheel in summer when it's covered with flowers. It is interesting in Fall and Winter, but it looks spectacular with flowers.

When in the cathedral, be sure to go down into the crypt. It is covered with wonderful frescoes. Once we were fortunate enough to be visiting the crypt while a lone woman was singing the Offices very quietly all during our visit. That was magical. It is also fun to tour the cathedral when the organist is practicing and if you visit on a Saturday, you may see a wedding.

Do visit the web site below. The Friends of Bayeux Cathedral have one of the best interactive web sites I've seen and the photos are stunning.

Address: Tallest building in town; you can't miss it.

Directions: There are signs; there is parking; the cathedral is unmissable.

Other Contact: amisdelacathedrale.bayeux@gmail.

Website: http://site.voila.fr/cathedraledebayeux/index.html