Planning a visit to Normandy? Don’t skip Bayeux – it’s a town you do not want to miss! This hidden gem became one of my favorite towns during our entire road trip through this seriously underrated region of France. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are plenty of things to do in Bayeux that offer a blend of history, charm, and local culture.
Although we based ourselves in Caen, I quickly realized I’d made a mistake. After exploring Bayeux, I found it far more authentic, quaint, and inviting compared to the larger city. If I could do it again, I’d definitely spend more time exploring Bayeux and soaking up its charm!
So, if you’re planning your Normandy itinerary, here are 6 wonderful things to do in Bayeux that make it worth every minute! Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, these highlights will help you make the most of your time in Bayeux.
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Tips for visiting Bayeux
🚂 You can take the train from Paris to Bayeux. Bayeux is easily accessible by train from Paris, making super convenient to fit into your Normandy itinerary. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and tickets typically range from €20 to €30. For the best prices and schedules, I always use Omio to book my train tickets in France—it’s convenient and reliable for first-time travelers.
🗺️ Take day trips around Normandy. If you’re spending the weekend in Bayeux, make sure to take a day trip to the nearby D-Day beaches (more on that below!). For those with more time, consider taking more day trips from Bayeux to explore other beautiful spots in Normandy, such as the iconic Mont St. Michel. Bayeux may be small, but its central location makes it an ideal base for discovering the region.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Day trip to Mont St. Michel from Bayeux Guide
🏨 Where to stay: Looking for a slice of luxury during your trip? Château La Chenevière is an exquisite 18th-century manor just outside Bayeux. With lush gardens, a swimming pool, a spa, and two on-site restaurants, it’s perfect for travelers who want to indulge. Book your stay here!
6 Things to do in Bayeux, Normandy
Dine in French Manor
If staying at Château La Chenevière is a bit out of your price range, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the charm of this beautiful 18th-century manor by dining at its budget-friendly restaurant, Le Petit Jardin. Located in the manor’s old conservatory, You can enjoy a lovely view of the swimming pool and the gardens, in a really cozy, cute space.
The highlight? The restaurant uses fresh, local products, many from their own gardens. I had a cocktail made with honey from their hives and a dessert featuring mushrooms from their grounds— and yes, it was delicious! With meals costing between €20-€25, Le Petit Jardin is an excellent dining option close to Bayeux and one of my personal favorite experiences during my recent Normandy road trip.
You can book a table in advance to ensure you get a spot.
HIGHLIGHT: Admire the Bayeux Tapestry
As a history lover, I had heard a lot about the Bayeux Tapestry, but I didn’t fully appreciate its significance until I saw it in person. I mean, it’s technically just a piece of fabric right? Why pay money to go see it and why hype it up so much? But let me tell you, this is the most memorable thing to do when visiting Bayeux!
The tapestry isn’t just a piece of fabric—it’s a nearly 1,000-year-old artifact that tells the story of William the Conqueror’s conquest of England in 1066.
If you’re not convinced yet, here are some reasons why you should visit:
📖 It’s from the 11th century! It was crafted during a time when being able to read wasn’t a common skill. So instead of writing the story of William the Conquerer’s conquest of England, they made a tapestry telling the story frame by frame.
🧵It’s massively impressive! This 70-meter-long tapestry is one entire piece of cloth embroidered in wool thread . It’s incredibly well-preserved and presented in a glass case so you can follow the story of the Norman conquest, in chronological order.
⚔️ The storytelling is very well done. Included in your ticket is an audio guide – the best part of the experience. The detailed storytelling is when you fully appreciate this iconic piece of history. The narrator goes frame by frame and highlights small details that most people at first glance might miss. They explain the events, the characters, and the imagery so clearly; it is surprisingly captivating.
⏰ Practical details: It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to explore the tapestry, and admission costs €12. For an immersive experience, plan to spend 1-2 hours including the museum. For more information about visiting, check out their website here!
Looking for help planning your Normandy itinerary? Book a consultation call to chat more about how to make the most of your visit!
Visit the Bayeux Cathedral
The Bayeux Cathedral is another must-see landmark and was once home to the Bayeux Tapestry. Dating back to the 11th century, this Roman Catholic cathedral was consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror himself! Its medieval heritage makes visiting this Cathedral one of the top things to do in Bayeux!
Like most cathedrals in France, this massive structure is covered in fine details from top to bottom. Inside, you’ll find Romanesque crypts and intricate architectural details where you’ll really get a sense of the town’s medieval history. Don’t forget to admire the exterior as well, which is covered with stone carvings and towering spires.
Day trip to the D-Day Beaches
No trip to Bayeux is complete without visiting the D-Day beaches, a famous site in World War II history. One of the most popular beaches to visit is Omaha Beach, where the Allied forces landed during the D-Day invasion, an incredibly significant turning point in the War. The site has several monuments dedicated to the fallen soldiers, offering a moving reminder of the sacrifices made.
For a less crowded but equally important experience, there is another D-Day beach that is often overlooked. Juno Beach, significant in Canadian and British history, is further along down the coast. The Juno Beach Vistor Centre offers guided tours and exhibits about the beach’s role during the war, as well as access to preserved German bunkers. You can learn more about the guided tours here.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have a car, book a guided tour from Bayeux to the D-Day beaches with an expert guides.
Wander around the old town
What makes Bayeux so captivating is its adorable charm. It’s a perfect example of a medieval town in France, with a river running through it, quaint half-timbered houses, and picturesque windmills still in operation. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets, pop into cute local shops, dine in warm restaurants or enjoy a quiet moment in one of the town’s parks.
Remember, Bayeux isn’t the largest town so you don’t need to rush. Take your time and enjoy the slow life of this medieval town in Normandy. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you’ll also find the weekly market, which brings the town to life with fresh produce, local crafts, and more. You can find out more about any upcoming festivals or holiday markets on their official site here!
Take a day trip to Mont St. Michel
If the name Mont St. Michel doesn’t sound familiar, you’ll probably recognize the sight of it. This iconic Abbey and tidal island is one of France’s most visited attractions, and it’s easily accessible from Bayeux! I know this because we did it ourselves on our recent Normandy road trip. We took a day trip from Caen to Mont St. Michel and managed to fit everything we wanted to do within a single day.
If you’re thinking of making the trip from Bayeux, check out my full day trip guide, which breaks down exactly how to get there, what to do, and helpful tips for your visit!
PRO TIP: The reason I encourage you to take a day trip to Mont St. Michel is that staying close to Mont St. Michel can be pricey because it’s such a popular tourist destination. But you can easily enjoy it as a day trip to save money. If you prefer affordable accommodations, staying in Bayeux or a nearby town makes more sense for your budget!
Once you arrive at Mont St. Michel, I highly recommend taking a walking tour to get the most out of your experience. The abbey is the highlight, but beyond that, there are few monuments or informative signs around town. A guide will help you full appreciate the island’s history so you can get the most out of your visit.
✨ You can check out the exact tour we took during our visit below!
Planning a visit to Bayeux?
As you can guess, I consider Normandy to be a seriously underrated region in France—and Bayeux even more so! While there are plenty of things to do in Bayeux itself, there’s so much more to explore across Normandy. Want to know more? Check out my FREE Visitor’s Guide to Bayeux for a mobile friendly version of this guide to take with you on your travels!
If you’re planning a trip to Normandy and want help making the most of your time, feel free to check out my custom travel planning services. Whether you need an itinerary tailored to your preferences or advice on how to fit all these wonderful experiences into your schedule, I’d love to help! Having been on two separate road trips through Normandy, I can help you plan an unforgettable getaway. You can schedule a consultation call with me or order a personalized travel guide or itinerary through my Thatch site.
Don’t forget to check out some other awesome experiences like a Cider Tour—one of the best things to do in Normandy!
