Day Trip to Bayeux, France from Caen
Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will get a commission if you decide to purchase anything through my links. I only choose products and services for these links that I believe in. :)During my time in Caen, I had the opportunity to take several day and weekend trips across Normandy. One day trip I can’t stop thinking about is the fairytale town of Bayeux.
Bayeux is located just 4 miles from the Normandy coastline and although it is quite the tourist spot, thanks to being the first town in France to be liberated in WW2 on D-Day, I found it to be a very quiet and calm destination.
Brief History of Bayeux
As I just mentioned, this small town has a big legacy as it is the site of many historic events.
The earliest evidence of a settlement here was in the 1st century (yes…the FIRST century). The town was destroyed and rebuilt a handful of times throughout medieval times.
In more recent history, Bayeux was the first city in France to be liberated in 1944 by the allied troops after living under German occupation for 4 years. Miraculously, it is also one of the very few cities that was not destroyed in WW2, which means visitors can still walk medieval streets as they were first built.
Waterwheel in Bayeux, France
How to Get to Bayeux from Caen
Getting to Bayeux from Caen is super simple! In my opinion, this is one of the things that makes this day-trip such a great experience.
You can grab the train from Gare de Caen (Caen Train Station) and arrive there in 15-18 minutes. I paid €8.40 for a one-way ticket (the same on the way back). I opted out of the round trip as I wanted some flexibility with my return but you can always check if a round trip would be cheaper!
Once you leave the train station at Bayeux, signs will direct you to the city centre. This is a quick 15 minute (max) walk into town. I was so excited to be greeted with a quaint fairytale scene with a watermill, cobblestone streets and stone buildings straight out of Beauty and the Beast. As I walked into town, I thought to myself that I had absolutely made the right choice of day trip.
TIP: If you are new to taking trains in France, check out the SNCF Connect App or Trainline. I have used both throughout France and both will help you plan your trip. You can even get your tickets directly in the app. Just make sure to have them ready as they will come around and scan them on the train.
Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Bayeux Tapestry
Outside of the more recent history, Bayeux is also known as the home of the world famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 69 meter (230 feet) long embroidered cloth depicting the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Yes, that means this piece of cloth is just a few decades away from celebrating her 1000th birthday.
For centuries, the tapestry hung in the cathedral, being rolled out once a year for the members of the town to gather and learn about the story. Of course, this was a time when the majority of the population was illiterate so the tapestry acted as a tool to educate the public.
The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is the first stop today! Getting to the museum is pretty easy. As you come into town, pass the waterwheel, cross the street, and follow the signs to the entrance.
The ticket fee for the Bayeux Tapestry Museum is €12 for a single adult. However, if you’re like me and decide that you want to go to another one of the three museums in Bayeux, it is €14 and if you want to go to all three of the museums in Bayeux, the price is €16.
We will talk about the other museums later in this article.
You will be given a personal speaker in your language that will narrate the story of the tapestry as you walk through the 230 foot display.
After walking through the tapestry room, make sure you don’t miss the second floor where you will learn about the material and how the tapestry was made.
NOTE: You are not allowed to take photos of the tapestry in an effort of preservation. The photo depicted here is a photo of the tapestry displayed on the second floor of the museum.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
The second stop of the day was the Caen Cathedral, and what a sight it was. I’ve seen so many churches and cathedrals and especially during this specific this trip to France. It can get to the point where you start to think “you’ve seen one cathedral, you’ve seen them all” but there comes a time where you come across a cathedral that completely takes your breathe away. This was one of those cathedrals for me.
This gothic cathedral was built by William the Conqueror’s brother Odon de Conteville, Bishop of Bayeux. For all of you are history buffs, you already know that means it was consecrated in 1077.
Yes… the 11th CENTURY!
The outside is stunning and worth a good look around but make sure to check out the inside as well. The stained glass, the gothic details, the depth and vastness of the place…it is incredible.
Travel is funny because in no other context of my life would I wander down into a creepy, damp basement… but when it is in a cathedral in the middle of France, no second thoughts were required.
The crypt lies just beneath the choir, with an unassuming entry leading down. As I stepped down, supported by the well-worn, ancient steps, I was greeted with a beautiful scene of angels and bright stars.
The crypt is one of the only places in the building where you can see the original construction of the cathedral (from the 11th century!! I’m sorry, I just can’t fully comprehend how old that is).
Bayeux’s Old Town
Discovering Bayeux’s Charming Old Town
After the Cathedral, I decided to spend some time wandering around Old Town. I made my way to the Tourist Centre, which is located right in the middle of fairytale bliss! You will find old buildings that now house bakeries, chocolate shops, boutiques, and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat and coffee, enjoying a pause and lunch by the river.
Timber-brick house in Bayeux’s old town
Throughout the streets you will also find impressive timber-framed, brick buildings. Some of them dating back all the way to the 13th century!
Le Petit Train of Bayeux
Le Petit Train of Bayeux
Because my time in Bayeux was short, I decided to explore some guided tour options to get the most out of my time there. Luckily for me, Bayeux has one of the cutest tour options: a little electric train that takes you on a narrated tour throughout old town. I learned so much about the histories and legends that took place over the centuries here.
The tour lasts about 45-50 minutes and leaves every hour from the Tourism Office. It costs €7.50 and you pay the driver directly. They take cash or card.
If you are more interested in a guided walking tour, make sure to check out the link below.
Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Bayeux, France
Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy & The Commonwealth Cemetery
Bayeux played a central role in WWII as it became the first city in mainland France to be liberated after the D-Day landings. Located just 13 miles from Omaha Beach, it is a starting point for many D-Day tours.
The Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux offers a detailed look at the events surrounding the D-Day invasions and the broader Normandy campaign.
Just across the street is the Bayeux War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth WWII cemetery in France, where over 4,000 soldiers are laid to rest.
For any history buff, this is a site you won’t want to miss.
Looking to stay longer than a day? Find where to stay in Bayeux:
L’Oliver du Macaron, Bayeux, France
Restaurants, Cafes, and Sweets in Bayeux, France:
Discover the best places to go apple picking in Oak Glen, California, a picture-perfect destination in Southern California. Explore the top orchards and find insider tips for a memorable apple-picking experience.