BAYEUX AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Bayeux is a picturesque medieval town situated near the D-Day landing beaches, making it an ideal base for exploring the key attractions of this region in Normandy. It’s particularly convenient if you don’t have your own vehicle, as numerous guided excursions to the D-Day landing beaches and Mont Saint Michel are available from here
Fortunately, Bayeux escaped destruction during the war and remains intact to this day. Liberated by the British on June 7, 1944, the town boasts numerous beautiful manor houses dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, along with charming half-timbered houses lining the main street. The town is also home to a stunning cathedral and two picturesque mill wheels that continue to turn.
Bayeux draws in a large number of visitors, offering a wide range of accommodations including hotels, charming guesthouses and holiday rentals such as apartments or houses. Additionally, the town boasts numerous excellent restaurants to cater to all tastes.
The city center is very lively during the high season with nice little shops.
The River Aure runs through the town, offering scenic walking and jogging paths along its banks.
I hope that this brief overview will inspire you to visit and discover my beloved adopted city. Having lived in Bayeux for 18 years, I have developed a deep affection for it !
Bayeux and its surrounings are situated in an area known as « Le Bessin. » Stretching from Courseulles-sur-Mer to Isigny-sur-Mer and extending 30 km south inland, the Bessin is a genuine region nestled between land and sea, abundant in historical and cultural landmarks, as well as local producers.
Near Bayeux, you can explore several magnificent castles, gardens, and abbeys, while also sampling and purchasing regional products such as cider, calvados, pommeau, and ice creams from small local producers.
You’ll be amazed by the great number of beautiful and interesting sites to discover a stone’s throw from Bayeux ! To fully explore the region, having a vehicle is essential, as many attractions are nestled in the countryside and inaccessible without one.
Events in Bayeux & Surroundings
March (every 2 years)
Bayeux International Circus Festival.
On reservation.
Next festival in 2025.
Mid-May (one night)
« The European Night of Museums » & « Pierres en Lumières » (Stones in Light) :
– Museums are open and free from 8pm until midnight.
– When night falls, people are invited to stroll through the streets of Bayeux for a luminous discovery of both private homes and some nice buildings of the city.
A very interesting moment as owners will talk with you about the history of their beautiful properties.
April-May-June
The D-Day Festival.
Full program available at the Office of Tourism of Bayeux.
June 21st
To celebrate summer, the Music Festival takes place in all French cities : anyone can play music or sing in the streets : a very lively evening during which bars and restaurants are usually full, so don’t forget to reserve your dinner !
1st week-end of July
The Medieval Festival in Bayeux (free access).
July & August
– Bayeux : « Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale » (= Meet at the Cathedral) : a unique sound and light show (free access).
– Port-en-Bessin : mid-July-end of August : night market and fireworks every Friday night.
Third weekend of September
The « European Heritage Days » :
The 3 museums of Bayeux are free and you can also visit some sites rarely open to the public throughout the region (and everywhere in France).
October
Bayeux-Calvados-Normandy Prize for war journalists (for a week). Usually mid-October.
The equestrian festival Calvados « Equidays » (around October 20) : during one day, Bayeux hosts free activities for an immersion in the equestrian world and a big parade with a show of high aerobatics through the streets of Bayeux closes the day.
Mid-November (during a weekend)
« Le Goût du Large » in Port en Bessin : the scallop festival.
December (from mid-December)
« William’s Cathedral » (La Cathédrale de Guillaume) : the Bayeux Tapestry in its original setting through a wonderful sound and light show (free access).
