Although our night in Honfleur was very nice, it had a hard act to follow, coming on the heels of a very memorable day and night in Bayeux.
Larger than Honfleur but still quite tiny, Bayeux is best known for the amazing “Bayeux Tapestry” on display in a museum there. I had heard that the tapestry was a “must see” but I wasn’t convinced, because the wall tapestries found in museums and castles usually bore me. This tapestry, however, is actually a stunning piece of embroidery, and I am so grateful that Mark encouraged me to see it.
The tapestry depicts the Norman view of the events from 1064-1066 that culminated in the Battle of Hastings. The story is embroidered on eight bands of linen stretching 230 feet long and twenty inches wide. Its exact age is not known, but it is commonly thought to have been completed in time for the 1077 dedication of the Bayeux cathedral. The colors and workmanship are just incredible. You can see photos and explanations of the scenes at this Wikipedia site. It truly is something not to be missed if you are in Normandy.
This sign in Bayeux provides an example of the tapestry images.
The Bayeux cathedral was also a highlight of our visit.
stairs down to the crypt
Our hotel in Bayeux was totally different from the farmhouse in Honfleur, but every bit as charming.
The Villa Lara opened as a hotel in 2012 and sits on a quiet square just steps from the cathedral.
Our room was quiet and elegant, with a show-stopping view.
Bayeux itself is a beautiful town. It was fortunate to survive WW II unscathed, preserving its gorgeous old 13th-18th century buildings for us to admire.
And that, my friends, is why you should add Bayeux to your next French itinerary. You won’t regret it.
Next up, our half-day tour of the D-Day beaches just a short drive from Bayeux. Powerful stuff.
Happy Sunday!
Mais Oui Paris 
We had the choice of either Normandy beaches or Bayeux. We chose Normandy…next time.