"Bayeux Tapestry" Tapestry - Tapisserie Tip by Carmanah

The Bayeux Tapestry ("la Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde") has to be the most famous illustrated narrative history in the world. This tapestry tells the story of the Battle of Hastings in which William the Conquerer conquered England on October 14, 1066. It's a critical moment in European history (specifically for France and England) and the tapestry tells the story from the perspective of those who lived to witness it.

The tapestry is technically not a real woven tapestry, but an embroidery made from wool on linen canvas during the 11th century. It's 70 meters in length. Needless to say, the fact that this tapestry has been able to exist as long as it has in one piece is extraordinary. It's a work of art with incredible historical significance!

The Bayeux Tapestry is displayed in its own museum in the city of Bayeux. The tapestry is well-lit, and it's set behind glass walls. You can listen to audio-recordings (recorded in 11 languages) as you walk around so that you understand the context and significance of the tapestry and the story it tells.

This is not an attraction for short attention spans. Unfortunately at time I didn't bother listening to the audio, so I quickly wandered past the tapestry at a fast pace with my friends. When you're with a school group without a teacher leading you, every student just speed walks through so they can socialize at the end of it. I do not recommend this approach as you don't learn as much just by glancing at the tapestry. You can appreciate the aesthetics, sure, but you can't really grasp the story the tapestry is telling you otherwise.

I'd imagine you can easily spend over an hour here or more if you truly appreciate history and will willingly spend the appropriate amount of time it takes to fully comprehend what it is you're looking at. And knowing what I do know now (but also coming from an adult perspective), definitely invest in the audio recordings even if you normally wouldn't - it would make your visit a lot more fulfilling.

Address: 13 rue de Nesmond, Centre Guillaume le Conquerant
Directions: Located in the city of Bayeux, about a 3 hour drive north-west of Paris.
othercontact: tapisserie@mairie-bayeux.fr
Phone: +33 02 31 51 25 50