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There are an array of things to do in France, with Bayeux sharing quite a few of those!
Embark on a journey through time as you explore the charming town of Bayeux, where history comes alive at every turn.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Bayeux:
1. Bayeux Tapestry Museum
The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is a museum in Bayeux, Normandy, France that showcases the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which is an embroidered linen cloth that depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England.
What to see or do: The main attraction is the Bayeux Tapestry, which is on display in a dimly lit room with audio commentary available in multiple languages.
Visitors can also see a replica of the tapestry being made, as well as exhibits explaining the techniques used to create it.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Bayeux Tapestry up close and appreciate the intricate details and storytelling that it portrays.
Also, be sure to check out the museum’s gift shop which sells souvenirs and books related to the tapestry and Norman history.
Insider travel tips: – There is a small entrance fee to visit the museum, but it is well worth it to see the tapestry and learn about the history behind it.
2. Cathedral Notre-Dame
A historic Catholic cathedral located in the heart of Bayeux, France.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Romanesque and Gothic architectural features of the cathedral, including the intricate stained glass windows, towering nave, and impressive vaulted ceilings.
Visitors can also see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-meter-long embroidery that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to climb to the top of the cathedral’s towers for a breathtaking panoramic view of Bayeux and the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the cathedral.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the stunning architectural details and sweeping views from the top of the towers.
3. Museum of the Battle of Normandy
Museum dedicated to the Battle of Normandy during World War II.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits and artifacts that showcase the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and its aftermath. The museum has a vast collection of vehicles, weapons, uniforms, and maps that give an immersive experience of the battle.
Don’t miss: The film screening that provides an overview of the war and the Normandy invasion. Also, don’t miss the audio-guided tour that is available in several languages and offers fascinating insights into the exhibits.
Insider travel tips: The museum doesn’t have a cafe or restaurant, but there are many cafes and restaurants in the nearby town of Bayeux.
The museum is closed on Mondays, and it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds. There’s limited parking available, so it’s advisable to use public transportation.
The museum has a souvenir shop where you can purchase books, DVDs, and memorabilia related to the Battle of Normandy.
4. British Military Cemetery
The British Military Cemetery is a large cemetery located just outside Bayeux, Normandy, France.
It is the final resting place for over 4,000 Commonwealth soldiers who died during the Normandy landings and the subsequent Battle of Normandy in 1944.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the cemetery and pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. The beautifully maintained gardens and grounds create a serene atmosphere for visitors.
Don’t miss: The memorial wall, located at the back of the cemetery, lists the names of over 1,800 soldiers who were missing in action and whose remains were never found.
It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
Insider travel tips:
5. Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy
The Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy is a must-visit museum situated in Bayeux, France that provides in-depth insights into the Normandy landings of World War II.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a vast collection of military equipment used during the war, including tanks, guns, and vehicles. The museum also features an interactive map that guides visitors through the various phases of the battle.
You can also check out the movie screening that takes you right in the middle of the historic battle.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the dioramas that showcase life-size scenes, enabling visitors to experience the harsh reality of the war. The museum has an extensive collection of photographs and artworks depicting the battle.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in the morning to avoid the crowds. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
Visitors can also benefit from the audio guide, which provides detailed explanations of the exhibits. Don’t miss the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial close by, a moving spot paying tribute to American soldiers.
6. Bayeux Botanical Garden
Bayeux Botanical Garden is a beautiful green space situated in the heart of Bayeux, France, and covers an area of approximately 2.
5 hectares.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the garden and take in its many highlights.
The garden features a wide variety of plant species, including flowering plants, trees, and shrubs, as well as a watercourse, waterfall, and Japanese bridge.
The garden also has an educational aspect, with some areas devoted to teaching visitors about the local flora and fauna.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the charming greenhouse which houses a collection of exotic plants from around the world. The garden also has a small animal park where visitors can see some local wildlife and domestic animals.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the summer months, check the garden’s schedule for any special events taking place. The garden hosts various outdoor concerts and theater performances during this time.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque foliage and stunning landscapes.
7. Baron Gerard Museum of Art and History
Baron Gerard Museum of Art and History is a municipal museum located in Bayeux, Normandy, France. It is housed in an 18th-century mansion and features a collection of fine arts and historical artifacts.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s diverse exhibitions, from ancient Roman artifacts to modern artworks.
The museum is particularly noted for its collection of medieval Bayeux Tapestry fragments, which depict the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
There are also displays showcasing the local history of Bayeux, including the impact of World War II on the area.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the museum’s prized collection of Bayeux Tapestry fragments.
The tapestry tells the story of William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion of England and is considered one of the world’s most important medieval artworks.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get crowded, so arrive early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.
8. Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema
A circular cinema with a 360-degree screen showcasing the D-Day landings in Arromanches during World War II.
What to see or do: Watch a 19-minute film that offers a unique perspective of the D-Day landings through a combination of archive footage and modern technology.
The film covers the largest naval, air, and land operation in military history, which took place on June 6, 1944.
Don’t miss: The panoramic view of the town and beach of Arromanches from the cinema’s viewing platform, which offers stunning views of the Mulberry Harbour, a crucial piece of engineering that helped the Allies in their invasion of Normandy.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a good viewing position in the cinema. Those with mobility issues can ask for assistance to reach the viewing platform.
Combine your visit to the cinema with a trip to the nearby D-Day Landing Museum.
9. Longues-sur-Mer Battery
Longues-sur-Mer Battery is a well-preserved World War II German artillery battery located near Bayeux, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the four casemates, each containing a 150mm artillery gun, the ammunition stores, and the command post.
You can also walk the path that the German soldiers took to move the ammunition from the bunker to the guns.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning panoramic views of the coastline and countryside from the battery’s observation post. Also, make sure to take a look at the many inscriptions left by soldiers on the walls of the casemates.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit on a clear day to fully enjoy the views. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and slippery.
Plan to spend at least an hour to fully explore the site.
It’s also worth visiting the nearby American Cemetery and Memorial to pay respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Normandy landings.
10. Omaha Beach
A historic beach located in Normandy, France that played a significant role in World War II as one of the landing sites for Allied forces during the D-Day invasion in 1944.
What to see or do: Explore the beach and the nearby American Cemetery to learn about the history and pay respects to the fallen soldiers.
There are also several museums in the area that offer exhibits and information about the D-Day invasion and its impact on the war.
Don’t miss: The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, which contains the graves of over 9,000 American soldiers that were killed in the D-Day invasion and subsequent battles.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Omaha Beach and the surrounding areas in the spring or fall when there are fewer crowds. Hiring a guided tour can provide a more in-depth look at the history and significance of the area.
Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
11. Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy.
It was established on June 8, 1944, and is the final resting place of 9,388 American soldiers who died during D-Day and Battle of Normandy.
What to see or do: The cemetery has a beautifully maintained landscape and a chapel.
Visitors can walk through the rows of white-marble headstones, each marked with the name of an individual soldier and their home state.
There is also a powerful visitor center that offers exhibits, films, and personal accounts from veterans and witnesses of the war.
Don’t miss: The cemetery’s impressive statue of a lone soldier looking out to sea, commonly known as ‘The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves,’ provides a stunning view of Omaha Beach.
Insider travel tips: – The site is open all year round, but can be crowded during peak tourism season.
12. Pointe du Hoc
A cliff top location situated between Utah and Omaha beaches in Normandy, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the German gun battery site, which was a key strategic point during World War II. There are also guided tours available to gain in-depth knowledge about the site’s history and significance.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the English Channel from atop the cliffs and the craters and bomb damage that still remain from the war.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and bring a jacket or windbreaker as it can be windy at the top.
It’s also best to visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds. Make sure to bring some Euros for the parking fee and admission ticket to the site.
13. Overlord Museum
The Overlord Museum is a military museum situated in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy. This museum is dedicated to the Battle of Normandy and more specifically to the American landing on Omaha Beach.
What to see or do: Explore the museum’s vast collection of military vehicles, artillery, weapons, personal effects, and uniforms from the Second World War. You can also view several short films that help to recreate the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Don’t miss: The centerpiece of the museum is a diorama that depicts a 35-meter-long and 500-square-meter model of the Omaha Beach. You can also see the Enigma encoding machine used by the Germans during the war and a U.
S. B-26 bomber plane.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit the museum early in the day to avoid the crowds. Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and ensure your spot in the museum.
Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s gift shop, which has a range of souvenirs and books on D-Day.
14. La Cambe German War Cemetery
La Cambe German War Cemetery is a burial ground near Bayeux, Normandy that serves as the final resting place for over 21,000 German soldiers from World War II.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk through the meticulously kept grounds and view the rows upon rows of headstones. The cemetery also features sculptures and a chapel.
Don’t miss: The central monument is a striking sight, featuring a bronze sculpture of a fallen soldier reaching out towards a vertical bronze sword.
It’s a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
Insider travel tips: – Allow for at least one hour to fully explore the grounds.