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Classified Memory of the World of UNESCO, the Bayeux Tapestry is a unique work in the world. Dating from the 11th century, a story in images embroidered with woolen threads is told to you on a linen canvas to immerse your eyes in a period of history. This period is the epic of the Duke of Normandy, known as William the Conqueror, enthroned King of England in 1066 after the decisive Battle of Hastings against the Anglo-Saxon King of England, Harold Godwinson.
This historical testimony is discovered through a 3-step journey allowing visitors to understand the context as well as the work itself which measures by far 70 meters long.
The Bayeux Tapestry is highlighted in a dark gallery to appreciate the embroidery. The work is accessible to as many people as possible with 16 languages for audio-guide comments including a version for children in English and French. In addition, visually impaired visitors can enjoy this story through 3D scenes on the museum floor.
Labeled Museum of France, The Museum of Art and History Baron Gerard exhibits unique collections that leave us a graphic heritage of these artists who lived in other times.
The museum contains some 1,000 pieces of porcelain and Bayeux lace, 800 archeological and ethnographic pieces and 600 works of art, including 250 prints and paintings by artists such as Eugène Boudin, François Boucher and Kees Van Dongen, to name but a few. . The walls that house the museum are in themselves already to contemplate: the bishops' palace is protected as a historical monument and is one of the remarkable urban residences of the region. A chronological itinerary guides the visitor. Around him, several stagings of the objects of the collections transport him over the past centuries.
To facilitate the understanding of the works, 14 stages are spread over two levels: 5 to discover on the ground floor, from Prehistory to the Renaissance. Upstairs, 9 steps planned to continue your journey in time that correspond to the works between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Inaugurated in 1077 by Bishop Odon Conteville in the presence of his half-brother, William the Conqueror, Notre-Dame Cathedral Bayeux remains well preserved nowadays.
Begun during the Romanesque period in the 12th century, its construction is done on the remains of a forum dating from the Gallo-Roman era. The construction spread until the 15th century and most of its construction was from 1230 to 1270. The architecture of the cathedral reconciles both the Norman Gothic style and the Romanesque style. This building has been classified as a historic monument since 1862. Under the choruses is a 9th century crypt that has been forgotten because it has been walled for centuries. It was rediscovered in 1412.
The cathedral is open to the public for a free visit, and every day outside religious services. For lovers of medieval architecture, the Bayeux Intercom Tourist Office organizes guided tours.
Discover the magnificent architecture of the Old Bayeux – city that has preserved its historical treasures – following the tourist circuit on a 2.5 km course with 23 explanatory landmarks. To avoid being lost along the way, bronze nails marking the ground give the way to follow. In addition, to follow the circuit, plans are available in various museums of the city and the Tourist Office.
It is a journey through the centuries that brings you from the medieval era to the present day with the Gothic and Romanesque cathedral, the tower mansions, half-timbered houses, mansions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries while discovering lace and porcelain from the 19th and 20th centuries that make the prestige of bayeusaines industries.
The historic center of Bayeux was spared the destruction in 1944 and this city was the first liberated mainland France during the Second World War.