Bayeux

Situated on the River Aure, Bayeux, with its slate rooftops and cobbled streets, is just a few miles from the Channel, which explains why the town was the first to be liberated during the Normandy Landings in June 1944. Remarkably, even miraculously, the town didn't see any fighting and its architectural and cultural heritage remains intact. In addition, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy will allow you to learn more about this dark period of history.

Bayeux is also famous for the unique Bayeux Tapestry, a masterpiece of the Middle Ages which, in 58 scenes, tells the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. You can get a real understanding of this tapestry, which has been identified as a document of universal interest, by getting a close-up view in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. The piece, which is in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, measures 70 metres long by 50 centimetres high, and weighs 350 kilos. History buffs will be in their element!

To leave history aside, head for the town's many parks and gardens, where you can enjoy relaxing walks. At the Jardin public de Bayeux, for example, you can discover and admire a "weeping beech," a "remarkable tree of France" since 2000. You'll find numerous informative plaques on your walk as you explore the mediaeval town of Bayeux and the local area. The town hosts numerous festivals throughout the year and if you visit in July, you can attend the Bayeux Mediaeval Festival. What better way to immerse yourself in the town's atmosphere?

Normandy specialities will make your mouth water in the restaurants and the market held every Saturday morning: cider, Calvados, shellfish, fish, cheese and, of course, the famous Bayeux pork, which even has a song in its honour!

Bayeux is in the heart of Normandy and you can get there several ways: by air via Caen-Carpiquet Airport (12 miles away), by train with direct links to Paris in two hours, or by car via ferry crossing to either Calais or Ouistreham.