The French city that has one of the largest medieval tapestries in the world

In the far northwest of Normandy lies Bayeux , a small but historic French town famous worldwide for the Bayeux Tapestry, on display in a museum in the city center. This 11th-century tapestry, 70 meters long, depicts various scenes from the Norman conquest of Britain.

But it's not all about the wool; there's much more to see and do in the city, from visiting its imposing Romanesque and Gothic cathedral to its museums and monuments dedicated to World War II, as well as enjoying a multitude of parks, gardens, cafes, and galleries.

A city with a lot of history

Amidst its cobblestone streets, bars, and restaurants, this French city holds a wealth of beauty. It's one of the few in the region that wasn't affected by the bombings of World War II in 1944, so its historic center has been wonderfully preserved to this day, and visitors can enjoy its rich heritage among its streets.

The Bayeux Tapestry, also known as the Queen Matilda Tapestry, is part of the city's identity and occupies the entire space of the William the Conqueror Centre. It was embroidered in the 11th century with woolen thread and measures almost 70 meters long and 50 centimeters high. Its stitches depict the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. This work of art, originally intended to adorn the newly built Cathedral, is now part of UNESCO's "Memories of the World" registry.

The best places to visit in Bayeux

It's an ideal city for exploring the Normandy coast, enjoying picturesque landscapes. Bayeux Cathedral is a 13th-century Gothic building that was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. Dating back to 1077, it was built on a site that has been used as a place of worship since Roman times. It is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to the public free of charge.

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site after housing one of the world's most important medieval works. You can visit it Monday through Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. It's important to note that the museum will be closed for renovations from September 2025 until early 2027 , so please plan your visit accordingly.

In Place de la Liberté, you'll find the Abre de la Liberte, a tree planted in 1797 as a symbol of liberty during the French Revolution, making it one of the oldest in France. If you visit during July or August, the tree will be illuminated, as light shows are projected onto it at night. A moment you definitely don't want to miss.

Meanwhile, at the Battle of Normandy Museum, you can learn all about the D-Day landings and the battle that liberated Normandy and the rest of France from the Nazis. The exhibits feature Allied and German tanks, landing craft, cannons, and many other relics. It is open to the public Monday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Finally, the Bayeux Public Garden, built in 1859, is a botanical garden with plants from around the world covering 2.6 hectares. Its perfectly manicured lawns and flowerbeds are ideal for enjoying a delicious picnic surrounded by nature. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.