Bayeux

Travel Guide
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE
See a famous historic tapestry, discover D-Day beaches and explore gorgeous gardens in this beautifully preserved Norman town.

With its medieval architecture and compelling historical ties, Bayeux is a fascinating and pleasant place to spend a few days. Bayeux was the first town to be liberated after D-Day and is one of the few in the area to have survived World War II without significant damage. Tour its characterful old town, inspect the renowned Bayeux Tapestry and ponder the past at historic war sites.

The famous Bayeux Tapestry is housed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux. Measuring 229 feet (69.7 meters) long and weighing 771.6 pounds (350 kilograms), this historic embroidered cloth depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Legend has it the tapestry was sewn by William the Conqueror’s wife, Reine Mathilde.

Just a 30-minute drive from Bayeux are Juno Beach, Gold Beach and Omaha Beach, where the allied troops landed on D-day in June 1944. Learn about one of World War II’s key battles at the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie, where military vehicles, weapons and uniforms are displayed. The nearby Bayeux War Cemetery includes 4,144 Commonwealth burials and 500 war graves of other nationalities, while the Journalists’ Memorial honors journalists killed in the line of duty since 1944.

Be sure to stop by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux. The highlight of Bayeux’s old town, the cathedral was constructed in the 11th century but was rebuilt in the Gothic style after it was damaged by fire in 1160. Admire the intricate stained glass windows, the murals in the crypt and the neoclassical main altar.

Don’t miss the Jardin Botanique de Bayeux, a botanical garden spread over 6.4 acres (2.6 hectares). The garden still has many of the original specimens planted at its opening in 1864, including the famous weeping European beech tree that has been named a natural monument and a remarkable tree of France.

Bayeux is located on the western edge of Calvados in the Lower Normandy region. Reach Bayeux by flying into Caen Carpiquet Airport, a 30-minute drive away. Bayeux is a 3-hour drive or a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris. You can also take a ferry to the port at Ouistreham, a 45-minute drive from Bayeux.

Hotel Le Bayeux
Hotel Le Bayeux
3 out of 5
9 Rue Tardif, Bayeux, Calvados
The price is €107 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
€107
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bayeux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (967 reviews)
"Not luxury but if you need a comfortable bed, a hot shower and tasty breakfast this is an ideal base to explore Bayeux and the surrounding area. Has on site parking available for €16 per night and is only a few minutes walk from all the lovely restaurants in Bayeux. The staff are lovely also."

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Hotel Le Bayeux
Hotel Le Lion d'Or et restaurant la Table du Lion
Hotel Le Lion d'Or et restaurant la Table du Lion
4 out of 5
71 Rue Saint-jean, Bayeux, Calvados
The price is €181 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
€181
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bayeux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (976 reviews)
"It was my second visit to Bayeaux, and the second stay in the well located and charming Hotel Le Lion d'Or. Onsite parking is a bit of a trick, but do-able. Their restaurant is first class, and a stop in the bar is a must. The rooms are clean and quiet, but may be up a couple of flights of stairs. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Hotel Le Lion d'Or et restaurant la Table du Lion
Hôtel Le St Patrice
Hôtel Le St Patrice
2 out of 5
30 rue Saint Patrice, Bayeux
The price is €82 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
€82
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Bayeux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (587 reviews)
"Excellent location for a few days in Bayeaux"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Hôtel Le St Patrice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
City'O Appart Hotel
City'O Appart Hotel
1 Quai Eugène Meslin, Caen, Calvados
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (206 reviews)
"We enjoyed the space and the facilities of the room. We were a little surprised by the sofa/pull out bed but it was comfortable enough."

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2024

City'O Appart Hotel
Appart'City Classic Caen
Appart'City Classic Caen
3 out of 5
1 Ter Rue Claude Bloch, Caen, Calvados
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
7.6/10 Good! (75 reviews)
No cot available despite booking one
"The reason we booked this apartment was that they advertised baby cots, which I reserved and emailed separately to confirm. When we were arrived they confirmed a cot was set up in the room for us. However, there was no cot and one could not be found in the building. This was extremely inconvenient ..."

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Appart'City Classic Caen
Adonis Grandcamp - Les Isles de Sola
Adonis Grandcamp - Les Isles de Sola
3 out of 5
8 Rue du Joncal, Grandcamp-Maisy
Stay at this 3-star spa residence in Grandcamp-Maisy. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (430 reviews)
"Great spot to stay if touring Normandy. Was nice to cook in the room vs eating out again. Close stroll to the harbor area, restaurants and grocery store. Really comfortable bed. I would stay again."

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2024

Adonis Grandcamp - Les Isles de Sola
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Bayeux

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
" "5 - Excellent 60.869565217391305%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 34.78260869565217%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 4.3478260869565215%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is a very interesting place, lots to discover. Do it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Managed to see the light show on the tree next to the Cathedral. Amazing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Bayeux was beyond my expectations. It was a beautiful charming little town with friendly people. We enjoyed walking around the shops as well as the canal.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

British, American and German Cemeteries very different - need to see them all. New Memorial above Arromanches is a must-see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing medieval festival: Lovely quaint town with some excellent restaurants.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

If you are intending to tour the Normandy landings book an organised tour whilst it seems expensive you are picked up and get more of the history