It’s not hard to find wonderful things to do in Bayeux France. Nestled in the heart of Normandy, Bayeux is the perfect base for visiting the D-Day beaches in Normandy. Bayeux played a significant role in World War II and was the first town liberated in the Battle of Normandy. This charming town is known for its famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings from 1066. Somehow Bayeux survived World War II virtually unscathed, thus leaving its medieval core, Bayeux Old Town, a modern-day explorer’s dream.
11 Best Things To Do In Bayeux Normandy
1. Visit The Glorious Cathedral
Classified as a historic monument since 1862 the majestic Notre Dame de Bayeux Cathedral was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror. A gem of Norman architecture, Notre Dame Cathedral was later added to in the Gothic style. Notre Dame’s splendour makes it one of the top things to see in Bayeux. Its commanding presence demands that you visit the interior and walk around the entire exterior.Â
Read More: Here are 19 wonderful things to do in Normandy France. Start planning your next trip to Normandy!
2. Marvel At The Bayeux Tapestry
Of all the things to do in Bayeux, seeing the Bayeux Tapestry is a must. The incredible Bayeux Tapestry, listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World register, is almost one thousand years old. The Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the story of the Battle of Hastings, is 230 feet (70m) long and 20 inches (51 cm) high. Head to the Bayeux Museum where it is displayed in a darkened room behind glass and follow the embroidered visual story. With the audio guide and the embroidered visuals, follow the historical events of how William the Duke of Normandy became William the Conqueror, King of England.
Visiting the Bayeux Tapestry was one of the highlights of things to do in Bayeux. So much so that I asked permission to re-enter the display room and wrote 11 Fascinating Facts About the Bayeux Tapestry.
Bayeux Museum:
- Address: 13 bis rue de Nesmond
- Open: Daily from February 1st to December 31, 2024
- Hours 2024: March 1 to October 31 from 9 AM to 6:30 PM (May to August closes at 7 PM); November 1 to February 28 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM.
- Entry Fee 2024: 12 € including the audio guide available in 16 languages
- Tickets are NOT available on line. Please purchase at the museum.
3. Visit The D Day Beaches From Bayeux
Of all the things to do in Bayeux France, visiting where the D-day invasion took place is essential. Bayeux is the perfect base for visiting the five beaches (Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach). Each holds incredible historical significance. Pointe du Hoc is also a worthwhile stop, as well as the first town that was liberated, Sainte Mère-Eglise, and Arromanches where the artificial harbour, Mulberry Harbour, was created. Close to Bayeux, there are plenty of memorials, cemeteries and museums to visit.
Read More: Here is my full article on How To Visit The D-Day Beaches In Normandy, France.
Drive yourself or take an organized tour from Bayeux Normandy to the D-Day Beaches.
Organized Tours From Bayeux to the D-Day Beaches:
This tour is to the American D-Day Sites and this one takes you to the Canadian Sites. A private history tour might be the perfect tour for you.
The tour I took was with Gold Beach Company and my guide was Adeline.
Public Buses from Bayeux France can also get you to certain D-Day sites but the schedule, especially in the off-season, is not that convenient. Check out the timetables at busverts.fr Destinations will be The American Cemetery of Omaha Beach (Bus # 70 and #74), Pointe du Hoc, Gold Beach (Arromanches) or Juno Beach (Courseulles-sur-Mer).
Guided Tour from Paris to D-Day Beaches:
No time to stay in Bayeux? Try this day tour to the D-Day Beaches from Paris.
This was one of the things to do in Bayeux that had been on my list for a long time. Visiting the D Day Beaches exceeded all my expectations.
4. Pay Your Respects In The Bayeux War Cemetery
The peaceful Bayeux War Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth cemetery of the Second World War. Holding over 4500 burials of young soldiers from the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries such as Germany, Poland and Russia.
Walking through this graveyard where the tombstones include the ages of the young soldiers was particularly moving for me. I had finally accepted that on this visit to Bayeux France, I was not going to make it to Juno Beach, where the Canadian soldiers landed nor to the Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer.
When I found the first Canadian gravestone in the Bayeux War Memorial I dropped to my knees, instinctively, before the paratrooper’s tombstone. Tucked between the grass and the tombstone was a piece of paper. I pulled it out to find a photograph of a handsome, youthful face staring back at me.
“Well, hello Martin Reynard. Thank you for your courage and dedication and thank you for putting a human face to the endless rows of tombstones here today. You are remembered and I thank you.”
As I continued along the row upon row of crosses, I found the Canadian corner where well over 100 tombstones faced me. What struck me so profoundly, along with the young ages of the men, were the names. Ahearn. McLeod. Riley. Cooper. Houghton. Jones. Jarvis. Wilson. Engelhart. McCutcheon.
I’d been living in France for a year. I hadn’t heard Canadian names like this in months. I’ve taught children that hold these surnames.
I dropped to my knees in gratitude.
Across the street stands the Bayeux Memorial dedicated to 1807 Commonwealth soldiers whose remains were never found. Their names are engraved on the pillars.
The epitaph across the top, inscribed in Latin translates to:
We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror’s native land.
Nearby The Bayeux War Cemetery
Just a few steps away from this War Cemetery is The Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy. Find out more about the Memorial Museum.
5. Walk Through The War Correspondents’ Memorial
After having been at the D-Day landing beaches, I felt it important to visit this garden and memorial, dedicated to reporters and freedom of the press. It is a short walk from the Bayeux War Cemetery.
The names of over 2000 journalists, who have lost their lives across the globe in the line of work since 1944, are engraved along this scenic trail marked by white headstones.
A quote from Simone de Beauvoir is engraved at the site:
“One may only taste freedom when others around us are free.”
“Se vouloir libre, c’est aussi vouloir les autres libres.”
6. Stand In The Footsteps Of Général de Gaulle
A few days after the Normandy invasion, Général de Gaulle returned to France and made his first speech in Bayeux Normandy. Stand before the monument in Place Charles de Gaulle, a lovely park where a grand 9th-century château used to stand, and imagine listening to that glorious speech on liberated soil.
“In our glorious mutilated Normandy, Bayeux and its environs were witnesses to one of the greatest events in history…” Général de Gaulle, June 14, 1944
“Dans notre Normandie, glorieux et mutilée, Bayeux et ses environs furent témoins d’un des plus grands affrontements de l’Histoire…” Général de Gaulle, June 14, 1944
For me, this was one of the most moving things to do in Bayeux.
7. Take The Tourist Train Through Bayeux
One of the things to do in Bayeux that will give you an overview of the town and its heritage is to take the Little Tourist Train. The Little Tourist Train of Bayeux runs for 50 minutes and the tours are available in five languages (French, English, German, Dutch, and Spanish).
- Departure: The Tourist Office of Bayeux, Pont Saint-Jean
- Hours: June, July, August, September: 10 AM to 6 PM; April, May, October, November 2 PM to 5 PM
- Cost: 7€
8. Things To Do In Bayeux: Flâner Through The Old Town
One of the best things to do in the heart of Bayeux is to flâner. Wander and observe. There are waterwheels beside the River Aure, half-timbered houses from the middle ages, tiny cobbled streets and exceptional medieval buildings.
Enjoy the village feel of Bayeux as you stroll along her streets. Don’t miss rue Saint-Malo, rue Saint-Martin and rue Franche. Pick up a map at the tourist office to complete your own walking tour or follow along the route of the copper signs on the sidewalks.
Pro Travel Tip: How to Pronounce Bayeux
As a native English speaker, I look at the word Bayeux France and right away I pronounce the first three letters! It’s easy, just like English. So I kept saying “Bayyyy” “yu.” Nope. The pronunciation is “Baa,” yes like the sheep. And then “yeux’ just like you would pronounce your eyes in French. That darn “u” sound is tricky for us English speakers.
9. Shop The Open-Air Markets
Wondering what to do in Bayeux France? A French market is always fun to experience. On Wednesdays find the Bayeux market on the pedestrian street Saint-Jean (the same street as the tourist office).
On Saturdays, the vibrant and bustling Bayeux market takes place on place Saint-Patrice. This market is larger than the one on Wednesdays. Expect to find a wide range of fresh produce, artisanal bread and regional specialities. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts to bring home from France!
10. Attend The Medieval Festival In Bayeux
Of all the fun things to do in Bayeux, why not plan your trip around the Bayeux Medieval Festival? The festival runs from July 5 to July 7, 2024. Don’t miss out on jugglers, fire-eaters, dragon trainers, and the grand medieval parade.
11. Visit The Conservatoire de la Dentelle
The Conservatoire de la Dentelle was founded to preserve and celebrate the legacy of lace-making in Bayeux. Pop in to see exquisite lacework and watch skilled artisans using traditional methods from 17th-century lace-makers of Bayeux. If you are interested in diving into the local cultural heritage, one of the cool things to do in Bayeux is take a lace-making workshop.
The Conservatoire de la Dentelle:
- Address: Maison d’Adam and Eve, 6 rue du Bienvenu
- Open: Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
- Hours 2024: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Entry 2024: Free
Where To Stay In Bayeux France
Bayeux France is quite small so book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are planning to visit D-Day for the anniversary of the Allied landings on June 6.
I stayed in this Bed and Breakfast, Logis des Remparts, in a 17th-century home less than a five-minute walk from the Bayeux Cathedral.
If you prefer a hotel, this beautiful hotel, Domaine de Bayeux, gets great reviews. Hotel Particulier de Sainte Croix also has outstanding reviews. Alternatively, check out these hotels.
Where To Rent A Car In Bayeux France
There are plenty of places to rent a car in Caen.
Bayeux is small and there are not a lot of choices for car rental. In fact, this might be the only place to rent a vehicle. Call in advance. Hertz Car Rental is in the same place as the Total Gas Station.
Telephone Number: 02 31 92 03 26
Alternately, there are plenty of car rentals available in Caen.
FAQ’s Bayeux
1. How Do I Get To Bayeux?
By Train From Paris: Take the 2-hour and 20-minute (approximately) train journey from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare) to Bayeux. All trains require a change in Caen. Book your tickets.
By Bus From Paris: Take Flixbus from Paris to Caen. Take the train from Caen to Bayeux.
By Airplane To Bayeux: The closest airport is the Caen Carpiquet Airport.
By Ferry: The Caen Ouistreham Ferry Terminal is 30 minutes away
By Bus: Use the Normandy Transport Netword, NOMAD travelling around Normandy.
2. Should I take a walking tour of Bayeux?
I did not manage to take a walking tour but passed by one and wish I had! Here is the link to Guided Tours of Old Bayeux by Discovery Walks.
3. Is Bayeux France worth visiting?
Bayeux is definitely worth visiting. Nestled in the heart of Normandy, Bayeux is the perfect base for visiting the D-Day beaches in Normandy. Bayeux played a significant role in World War II and was the first town liberated in the Battle of Normandy. This charming town is known for its famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings from 1066. Somehow Bayeux survived World War II virtually unscathed, thus leaving its medieval core, Bayeux Old Town, a modern-day explorer’s dream. Bayeux has something for everyone – history, art, and scenic landscapes.
More Travel Info…
More Information on Normandy
All my posts on Normandy will give you a good idea of travel tips and highlights to visit in the region. Spectacular places such as Mont-Saint-Michel, Honfleur and Etretat are found in Normandy. They each have separate articles and are also written up in 21 Wonderful Things To See in Normandy.
- Visit Mont-Saint-Michel
- Things to do in Honfleur
- What to see in Etretat
- Things to do in Giverny, France
Planning Your Trip to Normandy?
Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner. Normandy is serviced by three international airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Nantes.
I hope you enjoy all these wonderful things to do in Bayeux France as much as I did.
Until next time,
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