Normandy Travelers Recommend

The windswept coast of Normandy was the setting for some of the most significant events of World War II, from the D-Day landings to the Battle of Normandy. To learn about the heroic Allied soldiers, here’s a rundown of tour options. 

Group Tours

Group tours offer the best value, allowing you to visit several sites in one tour and often including entrance fees and lunch. Depending on your preferences, perhaps choose a tour that focuses on American D-Day sites such as Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and Pointe Du Hoc; British sites such as Sword Beach, the Hillman Bunkers, and Pegasus Bridge; or Canadian sites including Juno Beach, the Canadian War Cemetery, and the Hill 67 memorial. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group tour limited to about 15 participants. 

Private Tours

Private tours mean you can maximize your time and benefit from the undivided attention of your tour guide. Most importantly, you can customize your itinerary to spend more time at the sites that interest you most, enjoy guided visits of the battlefields and memorials, and travel in comfort with roundtrip transportation included. Tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Things to Know

• Normandy is located in northwest France on the English Channel coast, and is about 135 miles (220 kilometers) west of Paris (about 2.5 hours away by road and two hours away by train).  

• Tours of the D-Day beaches and battlefields typically run from Bayeux, Caen, Le Havre, and Paris.

• There are five D-Day beaches—from west to east, Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches—while other key battle sites include Pointe du Hoc, Arromanches, and Pegasus Bridge.

• Half- and full-day tours are available from Bayeux and Caen.

• Full-day tours from Paris can last up to 14 hours.

• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress respectfully if you’re visiting the war cemeteries and memorials.

• Most tours include entrance fees and roundtrip transport; some also include hotel pickup and lunch.

Bayeux is ideally situated for exploring Normandy; three days gives you plenty of time to tick off all of the surrounding sights. Maximize your time by booking a day tour that visits multiple destinations or choose a private tour for greater flexibility. Here’s how to spend three days in Bayeux.

Day 1: Sightseeing in Bayeux

Bayeux’s compact Old Town is best explored on a walking tour, nearly all of which begin with the star attraction—the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie). Opt for a morning tour to avoid the crowds and, if visiting independently, grab an audio guide for extra insight into the 1,000-year-old masterpiece.

Afterwards, learn about Bayeux’s lace making heritage at the Conservatoire de la Dentelle (Conservatory of Lace) before visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux and the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

In the evening, book a table at an Old Town restaurant to sample Normandy’s cuisine. Opt for fish stew or meat à la Normande (with a creamy sauce) followed by tarte au pommes (apple tart). To further enjoy Normandy’s cuisine, food lovers can take a full-day tasting tour, which visit cheesemakers and orchards.

Day 2: Discover the D-Day Beaches

Bayeux lies minutes from the D-Day beaches, the landing sites where the fateful events of June 6th 1944 took place. The beaches, battlefields, and WWII sites are scattered all along the coast so having your own transport is essential—join a tour to skip the hassle of car hire and discover important historic context.

Day trips typically visit Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and Pointe du Hoc, and give you time to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Canadian travelers can also visit Juno Beach and Hill 67, two important sites for Canadian troops. Several museums offer further insight into the historic events— if visiting independently, book tickets in advance for the D-Day Landing Museum of Utah Beach or the Arromanches 360° Cinema to avoid waiting in line.

Day 3: Mont St Michel

There are numerous options for day trips from Bayeux; popular destinations include the historic cities of Rouen and Caen, and the picturesque port towns of Honfleur and Deauville. Normandy’s most impressive attraction is undoubtedly Mont St Michel; a UNESCO World Heritage-listed island monastery and one of the most photographed landmarks in France, which lies just off the coast of south Normandy.

Day trips typically include a walking tour of the hilltop monastery, and give you time to climb to the top and browse the shops in Mont St Michel village; stop at one of the restaurants to enjoy a Breton galette (a buckwheat pancake), a specialty of neighboring Brittany. Booking a round-trip transfer service from Bayeux allows travelers to explore independently without worry about car hire.

Back in Bayeux, spend your final evening in a nearby coastal villages such as Cabourg, Ouistreham, and Luc-sur-Mer; in summer, most host lively night markets with live entertainment.

The city of Caen in Calvados is a good base for seeing many top Normandy sites of interest including Normandy D-Day battlefield sites and the towns of Bayeux and Mont Saint-Michel. Here are a few adventurous day trips in northwestern France to enjoy from Caen.

Mont Saint-Michel

Widely considered among France’s most important sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island commune of Mont Saint-Michel is a must-visit in northwestern France. See all the best spots on a private guided tour that walks along ancient, cobbled alleyways, ramparts, and through the abbey while offering insight into its 1,000-plus years of history.

Normandy D-Day Battlefield Sites

Take a guided tour to Pointe du Hoc and famous D-Day landing beaches such as Arromanches and Omaha, and hear powerful stories of D-Day beaches and battlefields along the Normandy coastline.  Some tours visit the Normandy American Cemetery and memorial grounds near Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer.

Bayeux

One of the most important historic artifacts in Europe, the Bayeux Tapestry dates back to the 11th century and shines a light on the events leading up to the Norman invasion of England. Skip transportation and navigation worries and take a guided tour of Bayeux for context to attractions such as Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral, the original home of the tapestry.

Honfleur

The picturesque port town of Honfleur was a favorite of Impressionist painters including Claude Monet, and the harbor still attracts artists and photographers today. Explore winding streets of half-timbered houses, soak up the atmosphere in traditional harborside cafes, and see Honfleur’s charms for yourself. Combine a visit to Honfleur with a tour that also includes Deauville and Trouville.

Rouen

Capital of the Normandy region, the medieval city of Rouen makes for a prime day trip from Caen. The city is home to top attractions including Rouen Cathedral—a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with the country’s tallest church spire—and the square where Joan of Arc was executed. Monet’s gardens at Giverny are also nearby, and some day trips from Caen take in both sites.

With three days in Normandy, you can explore the region’s biggies (Mont-Saint-Michel, the Bayeux Tapestry, and the D-Day beaches), take a day trip to Rouen, and savor the homegrown cuisine. Here’s how.

Day 1: Mont-Saint-Michel

Start your explorations along Normandy’s southwest coast with a visit to Mont-Saint-Michel. Perched on an island just offshore, the historic monastery is one of the most photographed monuments in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a tour to make the most of your time and skip the hassle of renting a car—day trips run from Bayeux, Caen, and Paris.

Climb up to the ramparts for a panoramic view along the coast. Then, wander the monastery’s buildings and browse the shops in Mont-Saint-Michel village, followed by a lunch of Breton galettes (buckwheat pancakes) and Normandy cider. 

Day 2: Bayeux and the D-Day beaches

Head up to the rugged beaches and seacliffs of Normandy’s north coast, site of one of the most significant events of World War II. Benefit from the expertise of a guide and take a tour of the battlefields and D-Day landing beaches—a typical itinerary might include Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Airborne Museum or the Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema. Prebook your tickets to avoid unnecessary wait times.  

In the afternoon, make your way to Bayeux, home of the UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry, one of France’s most famous works of art. Afterward, walk around the historic town or watch the evening light show (summer only) over Bayeux Cathedral. 

Day 3: Rouen, Honfleur, and Deauville

For your final day in Normandy, head north to the riverside capital of Rouen, full of grand architecture. Tours often combine a visit to Rouen with nearby attractions such as the port towns of Honfleur and Deauville, considered to be two of the most picturesque in Normandy.

On arrival in Rouen, set out on a walking tour of the atmospheric Old Town. Admire the Gros-Horloge clock, stop by the Notre-Dame Cathedral, or enjoy a coffee. You’ll also find some of Normandy’s most acclaimed museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Stick around into the evening hours—Rouen is a great place to sample traditional Norman cuisine and lively nightlife. The majority of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are clustered around Place du Vieux-Marché.

Two days in Bayeux gives you time to tick off the top sights—which include the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry—and to discover more of Normandy on a day trip. Day tours often visit multiple sights in one day, while private tours let you customize your itinerary. Here’s how to spend two days in Bayeux.

Day 1: The best bits of Bayeux

Morning: Head straight to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie) to admire the UNESCO-listed artwork before the tour buses arrive. Afterwards, browse stalls at the lively Bayeux Market (only on Saturdays) for a taste of local life and cuisine—pick up a bottle of Normandy cider or calvados (apple brandy) as a souvenir.

Afternoon: Explore Bayeux Old Town on a walking tour, which typically cover must-see sights such as the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, the Old Conservatoire de la Dentelle (Conservatory of Lace), the Botanical Gardens, and the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

Night: Book a table at a restaurant in the Old Town to sample local delicacies such as fish stew or a meat dish à la Normande (with a creamy sauce); be sure to finish with a cheese plate— camembert is a favorite throughout France—and a classic tarte aux pommes (apple tart). A glass of Normandy cider is also a must.

Day 2: Explore Further Afield

Morning: Day trips from Bayeux typically visit the UNESCO-listed floating monastery of Mont Saint Michel or the nearby cities of Rouen and Caen. If you’ve only got time for one, opt for a tour that explores Normandy’s WWII sites, which include the D-Day Beaches of Omaha and Utah, and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Afternoon: Visiting the D-Day beaches with a guide provides important historical context, but for greater insight, there are a number of museums worth visiting. Most notable are the D-Day Landing Museum of Utah Beach and the Arromanches 360° Cinema, which shows never-before-seen archive footage—pre-book your tickets to avoid waiting in line.

Night: Summer visitors can enjoy a number of seasonal events in and around Bayeux. Nearby seaside towns such as Cabourg, Ouistreham, and Luc-sur-Mer host lively night markets, while Bayeux presents a dazzling light show several nights a week, against a backdrop of the cathedral.

With just one day in Normandy, it’s a good idea to focus on a few highlights: World War II sites, the Bayeux Tapestry, and Norman cuisine. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in this region of northern France.

Morning: Beaches and battlefields

The beaches and seacliffs along Normandy’s coast are best known as the site of the D-Day landings, one of the most significant events of WWII. Join a tour to avoid the hassle of renting a car and benefit from the expertise of a guide.

Most tours visit the D-Day beaches as well as other key sites such as Pointe du Hoc and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. If you have time, stop by the D-Day Landing Museum at Utah Beach or the Memorial de Caen Museum. Buy your tickets in advance to skip the entry lines.

Afternoon: Art masterpieces

A short drive from the D-Day beaches, the small town of Bayeux is home to one of France’s most famous artifacts, the Bayeux Tapestry. A glimpse of the iconic artwork is a must, so head to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie). More than 1,000 years old, the UNESCO-protected piece depicts the conquests of William the Conqueror in 1066.

Bayeux’s other attractions are easily covered on a walking tour. Make a photo stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, discover the city’s lace-making history at the Conservatory of Lace (Conservatoire de la Dentelle), or visit the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

Night: Food and festivities

Summer visitors enjoy a host of evening events, from night markets at coastal resorts such as Ouistreham and Cabourg, to a light show by Bayeux Cathedral. If drinking and dancing are more your thing, Rue Ecuyère in nearby Caen is lined with bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.

Wherever you choose to spend the evening, book a table at one of the region’s many restaurants to sample some typical Norman cuisine. Fish stew and seafood are menu staples, and be sure to finish your meal with a cheese plate (don’t miss the regional Camembert) and a slice of tarte aux pommes (apple tart).

Three days give you plenty of time to discover Caen’s historic sites and museums, visit the D-Day landing beaches, and explore more of Normandy—top attractions such as Mont St. Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry are within day-tripping distance. Here are some ideas for how to spend three days in Caen.

Day 1: Caen and Bayeux

The former home of William the Conqueror has played an important role in French history so Caen’s historic center is best explored on a walking tour, during which a guide provides historical insight that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook. Tours typically cover Caen Castle (Château de Caen); Abbaye aux Hommes, where William the Conqueror is buried; and the Old Town, home to the Gothic Church of Saint-Pierre and the timber-framed Maison des Quatrans.

In the afternoon, head to neighboring Bayeux, where the star attraction is the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry. Book your tickets in advance for the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie), which attracts large crowds, or if you visit independently, pick up an audio guide to learn more about the 1,000-year-old masterpiece. Back in Caen, indulge in regional specialties such as Normandy cider, camembert cheese, and tarte aux pommes (apple tart) at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Discover the D-Day Beaches

Caen lies a short drive from the D-Day beaches, where one of the most significant events of World War II took place. Landing beaches, battlefields, and WWII sites are dotted along the coast, so having your own transport is essential—joining a tour lets you avoid the hassle of car hire and allows you to cover multiple beaches in just one day.

Most day trips visit Omaha Beach, Arromanches, and Pointe du Hoc, and typically stop at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, or Bayeux War Cemetery. To understand more about the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, there are also a number of museums worth visiting. To avoid waiting in line, book tickets in advance for the Falaise Civilians in Wartime Memorial, the Caen Memorial and Museum, or the Arromanches 360° Cinema. Or, if you want to explore at your own pace, pick up an audio guide.

Day 3: Mont St. Michel

Spend your final day exploring further afield on a day trip. Explore the picturesque port towns of Honfleur and Deauville; visit orchards, dairy farms, and Calvados distilleries on a tasting tour; or marvel at Normandy’s most-visited attraction, Mont St. Michel. Dramatically situated on an island off the coast of south Normandy, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastery makes for some impressive photos. Most Mont St. Michel excursions include a walking tour of the hilltop monastery, as well as free time to browse the shops in Mont St. Michel village and enjoy a Breton galette (savory buckwheat pancake)—a specialty of neighboring Brittany.

If you prefer to travel independently, book a round-trip shuttle transfer from Caen and spend the day at your leisure, without having to worry about hiring a car or driving.

With two days in Normandy, it’s possible to visit regional highlights such as the Bayeux Tapestry and Mont-Saint-Michel as well as the D-Day landing beaches. Here are our top tips for making the most of your time.

Day 1: Bayeux and the battlefields

Morning: Head straight to Bayeux to take in the town’s star attraction before the crowds arrive. Dating back more than 1,000 years, the UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry is among the most famous artworks in France. Opt for an audio guide to learn more about William the Conqueror and the fateful events of 1066.

Afternoon: A tour of Normandy’s World War II sites takes you to the battlefields and D-Day landing beaches dotted along the coast. A typical itinerary might include Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Airborne Museum or the Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema. Prebook your tickets to avoid unnecessary wait times.

Night: Sample the region’s culinary delicacies at one of the many restaurants nearby. Traditional dishes include fish stew à la Normande (with a cream sauce), Camembert cheese, and tarte aux pommes (apple tart). Pair your meal with a glass of Calvados (apple brandy), a popular local specialty.

Day 2: Mont-Saint-Michel

Morning: A UNESCO World Heritage Site just off the southern coast, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of Normandy’s must-sees. Tours of the island monastery run from Caen, Bayeux, and other cities, and typically include a guided walk. Climb up to the hilltop ramparts for a magnificent view along the coast.

Afternoon: Explore the Mont-Saint-Michel village, browsing the shops for souvenirs and handicrafts. Stop at one of the many restaurants for lunch—a popular choice is a Breton galette (a buckwheat pancake) accompanied by local cider.

Night: Seaside towns such as Cabourg, Ouistreham, and Luc-sur-Mer host lively night markets during the summer months, while a light show takes place several nights a week in Bayeux. If you’re looking to party, go to Caen, a student city crammed with bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.

Most famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, the small town of Bayeux also serves as a strategic base for exploring Normandy. Day tours often combine Bayeux with nearby towns and typically include a tour of the D-Day landing beaches. However, there’s plenty to see and do in the town, too—here are some ideas for how to spend one day in Bayeux.

Morning: The Famous Bayeux Tapestry

Bayeux’s star attraction is a staple of Normandy day trips, so head straight to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie) before the tour buses arrive. The UNESCO-protected monument is more than 1,000 years old and depicts the conquests of William the Conqueror in 1066—opt for an audio guide for extra insight.

After admiring the iconic tapestry, explore the rest of Bayeux Old Town on a walking tour. Tours typically stop at the botanical gardens and Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, and reveal the city’s lace making history at the Conservatoire de la Dentelle (Conservatory of Lace).

Afternoon: Normandy’s War History

Normandy will forever be remembered as the site of one of the most significant events of World War II. Learn more about the D-Day landings and ensuing Battle of Normandy on a half-day tour of the D-Day Beaches from Bayeux., which tend to stop at WWII battle sites such as Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, and the D-Day Landing Museum or the Arromanches 360° Cinema—pre-book your tickets to avoid waiting in line.

If you prefer to stay in the town, visit the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy and pay tribute to the Allied soldiers who lost their lives at the Bayeux War Cemetery.

Night: Camembert, Cider, and Calvados

Normandy is renowned for having some of the best cuisine in France and a trip to Bayeux wouldn’t be complete without an evening of fine dining. Book a table at one of the town’s top restaurants to sample local specialties such as camembert cheese, seafood, and fish stew.

Finish with a classic tarte aux pommes (apple tart) and don’t forget to sample Normandy’s famous drinks too—the region is known for its cider and calvados (apple brandy).

Whether you visit Caen on a day trip from Paris or stop over as you travel through Normandy, one day in Caen is just enough time to take in the highlights, visit the D-Day landing beaches, and tuck into some tasty Norman cuisine. Here are some ideas for how to spend one day in Caen.

Morning: Beaches and Battlefields

Caen makes a strategic basecamp for visiting the D-Day landing beaches. To visit all of Normandy's WWII battlefields, taking a full-day tour is best, but it’s possible to visit key sites such as Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in one morning. Join a tour to fit as much in as possible. If you prefer to stay in town, head to the Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial) museum to pay tribute to the Allied soldiers who lost their lives and learn more about the Battle of Normandy. Prebook your tickets to avoid lines.

Afternoon: Sightseeing in the City

As the one-time home of William the Conqueror, Caen has no shortage of historic landmarks. Take a walking tour to follow in the footsteps of the first Norman king of England at Caen Castle (Château de Caen), which affords panoramic views from its ramparts. Continue to the grand Abbaye aux Hommes, where the Norman king infamously married Matilda of Flanders, and head inside to visit his tomb. Then, stroll around the historic center, where architectural highlights include the Gothic Church of Saint-Pierre and the timber-framed Maison des Quatrans. Don't miss maze-like streets around Place Saint-Sauveur—full of shops, cafes, and bakeries.

Night: Sample Norman Cuisine

Normandy’s cuisine is renowned throughout France, and it’s most famous for its three Cs—Camembert cheese, cider, and calvados (apple brandy). Book a table at one of the restaurants along Quai Vendeuvre and tuck into local specialties such as seafood or fish stew, followed by a classic tarte aux pommes (apple tart). Those who want to carry on the festivities should head to Rue Ecuyère, the heart of Caen’s nightlife scene, where the bars and pubs often have live music and DJs playing until the early hours.

With two days in Caen, you have time to explore the port city and venture further afield. Discover the D-Day Landing beaches, see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, and sample Normandy’s delicious cuisine (accompanied by a glass of cider, of course). Here are some ideas for how to spend two days in Caen.

Day 1: Caen and Bayeux

Morning: A walking tour of Caen is the most convenient way to take in the sights, and visiting with a guide means you can learn more about the city’s most famous former resident—William the Conqueror. Climb up to the ramparts of Caen Castle (Château de Caen) for a panoramic city view; visit the grand Abbaye aux Hommes, where William the Conqueror is buried; and admire the Gothic Church of Saint-Pierre.

Afternoon: The nearby town of Bayeux makes an easy detour from Caen, and its star attraction is the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie). After admiring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed artwork, stroll around Old Town, where highlights include the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, Conservatory of Lace (Conservatoire de la Dentelle), and Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

Night: Book a table at one of the waterfront restaurants along Quai Vendeuvre to sample local delicacies such as fish stew or a meat dish à la Normande (with a creamy sauce). For the full experience, couple it with a glass of Normandy cider, then finish with a cheese plate—Camembert is another regional favorite—and a classic tarte aux pommes (apple tart).

Day 2: Beaches and Battlefields

Morning: Popular day trips from Caen include the nearby city of Rouen and the UNESCO-listed island monastery of Mont Saint Michel, but if you’ve only got time for one, opt for a tour that explores Normandy’s World War II sites. Learn about the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy as you visit Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc; then pay your respects to the fallen soldiers at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Afternoon: The Caen Memorial (Mémorial de Caen) is a moving tribute to the Allied soldiers who lost their lives, as well as a museum with insight into the WWII battles, D-Day invasions, and the war's lasting impact. Prebook your tickets to avoid waiting in line and have more time to browse the exhibitions.

Night: The bars and live music venues along Rue Ecuyère fill up with locals in the evening hours, so head there to sample Caen’s student-centric nightlife scene. Alternatively, summer visitors should head to the coast—nearby seaside towns such as Cabourg, Ouistreham, and Luc-sur-Mer host lively night markets.

The first Norman king of England left a grand legacy in Caen, from the ramparts of Caen Castle to the former Benedictine monastery where William the Conqueror is buried. To explore William the Conqueror’s Caen in Normandy and glimpse a fascinating time when battles, rebellions, and treaties transformed Europe, visit these medieval sites.

Caen Castle (Chateau de Caen)

Take a stroll on the ramparts of Caen Castle, which William the Conqueror built in 1060, for kingly views of Caen and the surrounding French countryside. The fortified castle now houses the Normandy Museum (Musée de Normandie) and Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux Arts), so it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the grounds.

Abbaye aux Dames (Women’s Abbey)

Pay your respects to Queen Matilda, William the Conqueror’s wife, at the Benedictine monastery that she founded—she's buried here under an imposing slab of black marble. Though the abbey has seen hundreds of years of tumult and change, it’s been restored to its former glory. Spot vaults in the cloister gallery, descend into the crypt, and join a guided tour to unlock nearly 1,000 years of history. 

Abbaye aux Hommes (Men’s Abbey)

A monk’s counterpart to the Abbaye aux Dames, this Romanesque masterpiece houses William the Conqueror’s tomb. Though it’s possible to buy tickets for an independent visit, some areas— including the king’s tomb—are only open to visitors on a guided tour. And don’t rush off when the visit concludes, since the abbey’s peaceful gardens are the perfect spot to stroll following your visit.

Bayeux Tapestry

Follow the hand-stitched story of William the Conqueror’s most famous exploit at the nearby town of Bayeux, 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Caen. The 230-foot (70-meter) embroidered cloth depicting the Norman conquest of England is full of vivid detail that draws you into the battles of 1066. The tapestry is a highlight of Normandy, and a stop that’s included on many guided tours of the area.

Though the Bayeux Tapestry—which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion of England in vivid detail—is the undisputed star attraction in this town in Northern France’s Normandy region, it is just one of several medieval gems. See below for our selection of the can’t-miss medieval sights in Bayeux. 

Bayeux Tapestry

Comprising some 58 separate scenes painstakingly stitched on a 230-foot (70-meter) long strip of canvas, this magnificent artwork chronicles the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Though it was created in 1067, it remains in good condition, with detailed depictions of everyday life and battles providing fascinating insight into life in Norman France. 

Bayeux Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre Dame de Bayeux)

Dating mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries—though some parts such as the 11th-century crypt are even older—this hulking Norman Gothic cathedral is a protected national monument. It was here where the famous Bayeux Tapestry was originally displayed, though the masterpiece has since been moved to a dedicated museum. 

Bayeux Town Center

Having survived World War II intact, Bayeux’s historical town center still retains medieval-era streets and architecture, with rows of medieval houses found overlooking the River Aure. For an immersive experience, attend the town’s summertime Medieval Festival, which consists of reenactments, crafts, games, and performances.

Normandy is best known for World War II sites like the D-Day beaches, magnificent monuments such as Mont Saint-Michel, and its historic port towns, but France’s northwestern coast also serves up an array of culinary delights. Here are your options for Normandy food tours.

Must-Try Dishes

When you think of Normandy, most foodies think of the three C's: Camembert, Calvados, and cider. Similar to Brie, although stronger in flavor and smell, Camembert cheese hails from the eponymous town of Camembert and is sold in convenient wooden boxes.Locals often opt to bake it by sticking the entire thing in the oven or barbecue.

The Normandy region is also renowned for its apples and the fruit works its way into a variety of specialties, including Calvados (apple brandy), cider, tarte au pommes (apple tart), apple sorbet, and even Caen-style tripe, which is braised in cider.

With 370 miles (600 kilometer) of coastline, seafood is always abundant in Normandy, so look out for fresh oysters, lobster, and mussels, or sample regional dishes such as Marmite dieppoise (fish stew) from Dieppe or Coquilles Saint-Jacques (giant scallops) from Port-en-Bessin. Other delicacies include canard à la Rouennaise’ (duck served in a red wine and blood sauce), agneau de pré-salé (salted lamb), and various meat dishes served a la Normande, which typically means accompanied by a creamy sauce. Finish with a bowl of teurgoule, a creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon.

Must-Do Experiences

• Indulge in cheese and cider tasting along Normandy’s Route de Cidre on a full-day, small-group tour from Bayeux or Caen.

• Visit a traditional Bénédictine liqueur distillery in Fécamp.

• Learn the secrets of French cuisine with a traditional cooking class led by an expert chef

• Tuck into delicious Normandy cuisine on a private tour from Rouen, Caen, or Paris .

• Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant.