"The world changed here..." Bayeux by skywalkerbeth

Bayeux Travel Guide: 183 reviews and 522 photos

Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie

How can so much history...

be packed into so small a place?

I am writing this as a placeholder, I will have much to write about later.

It is so hard to pick a favorite part of France, for me. Each area I have visited is so unique, it is like visiting several little countries in one!

I am amazed and humbled by the history which took place here. We all associate this area with D-Day, and rightly so. Yet in 1066, Guillaume le Conquérant, duc de Normandie, ventured to Hastings and triumphed over Harold Godwinson and his men on Oct 14, 1066.

While in Bayeux you must visit the Cathedral and see the Bayeux Tapestry which tells the tale.

here is an interesting website I found:

http://www.battle1066.com/

D-Day history, however, is what really draws me there. I have visited Normandy 3 times now, the first time as a 16 year old in high school.

I am interested in WWII history in general, which most likely stemmed from a really motivated and fabulous 11th grade history teacher. History came alive for me in his class and I have not looked back.

I've seen Saving Private Ryan at least half a dozen times if not more.. devoured Stephen Ambrose books, and visited his D-Day museum in Nawlins. I have a tidy little WWII library and am just fascinated with that era.

When in Bayeux you must of course visit the landing beaches. The Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie in Bayeux is a very worthy stop. I wish I had spent much more time there on my last visit but I figure I will be back.

I also feel rather at home in Normandy. I grew up in a relatively rural area (especially compared to DC!) and visiting there is the summer reminds me somewhat of going home in the summer. The same lazy warm days with cicadas trilling. I especially like staying with the Chilcotts! I have stayed there twice now.

to be continued...

Pros and Cons

Pros:Calvados, Creme Brulee, fresh milk
Cons:don't believe there are any
In a nutshell:Steeped in history...

Last visit to Bayeux: Jun 2004
Intro Written Jan 5, 2005
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Reviews (1)

Share a bottle of wine in the lovely courtyard - Bayeux

If you want to be sent back in time.... Hotels (1)

I have stayed here twice. I simply cannot recommend staying with Colonel Chilcott and his wife Rosemary, enough. My... more travel advice

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Comments (3)

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effeti Feb 15, 2006 at 3:28 AM

I was on the landing beaches in a calm and sunny day, but even so the emotions were so strong.. I will be Anzio in a few days.. I'm sure you know it already! Ciao Francesco
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BarryAir Feb 2, 2005 at 6:34 AM

O ya Beth! I did some reenaxting for the D Day Museum for their grand opening. As a Army Air Corps Captain. There was a battle in city park with about 350 American and German troops. Tanks and all!
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BeatChick Jan 10, 2005 at 5:54 PM

Wow, Beth, what an amazing place to stay, your hosts sound like good wonderful people! Oh, and Beffie, I LOVE Stephen E. Ambrose, too!