Bayeux Tourist Attractions
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Bayeux (pop. 14,961) lies in a fertile plain near the coast. In the center of the old town, surrounded by many old houses (15th-16th century), is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, one of the finest examples of Norman Gothic (11th and 13th centuries). The two west towers date from the 11th century, the 80m/260ft high tower over the crossing, in Flamboyant style, from the 15th. Notable features of the interior are the fine Baroque choir screen, the church treasury and an 11th century crypt.
Center Guillaume le Conquérant
The great attraction which draws visitors to Bayeux, however, is the famous Bayeux Tapestry (known in French as the Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde); it is to be found at the Center Guillaume le Conquérant. This is actually not a tapestry at all, but a work of embroidery: a band of linen 70 m/230ft long, which recounts the story of the conquest of England by Mathilde's husband William the Conqueror in 58 scenes with 623 figures, 759 animals and 37 buildings and ships, accompanied by a kind of running commentary in Latin, but with a headphone commentary in English. North of the cathedral is the former Bishop's Palace (12th-16th C), which now houses the Musée Baron Gérard and the Palais de Justice (Law Courts). The chapel has a fine ceiling painting. The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is 18th C.
Musee des Ballons
Housed in the Chateau de Balleroy, this museum traces the history of hot-air ballooning from 1783 to the present day. An annual balloon meeting is regularly held at the chateau.
Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie
The Battle of Normandy Museum traces the events of the Battle of Normandy in World War II.
