Despite its small size, Bayeux has played an important role in the history of the Normandy coast. It takes its name from a Celtic tribe which once inhabited the area, and is perhaps best known for the Bayeux tapestry, which commemorates the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and was original housed in the Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral, which was built in 1077. Bayeux was also one of the first towns to be liberated during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, and was the site of Charles de Gaulle's first speech on French soil after the Liberation. Bayeux was relatively untouched during World War II, and its cobblestone streets still hold much of their medieval charm. Whether your interest lies in the legacy of William the Conqueror or the more recent victories of the allied forces in World War II, Bayeux is a fascinating destination for any history buff.
Despite its small size, Bayeux has played an important role in the history of the Normandy coast. It takes its name from a Celtic tribe which once inhabited the area, and is perhaps best known for the Bayeux tapestry, which commemorates the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and was original housed in the Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral, which was built in 1077. Bayeux was also one of the first towns to be liberated during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, and was the site of Charles de Gaulle's first speech on French soil after the Liberation. Bayeux was relatively untouched during World War II, and its cobblestone streets still hold much of their medieval charm. Whether your interest lies in the legacy of William the Conqueror or the more recent victories of the allied forces in World War II, Bayeux is a fascinating destination for any history buff.
