BAYEUX

The town of Bayeux, in the Calvados département of Lower Normandy, is world-famous for its Tapestry which depicts the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, in 1066.

Though badly damaged during the Allied bombings of 1944, Bayeux still prides itself on its magnificent cathedral and historic town centre. Bayeux bobbin lace has been a regional speciality since the latter half of the 18th century - a number of lace workshops in the town still teach the art.

Bayeux town centre is only minutes away from the beaches of the Normandy Landings. To gain a better understanding of the background and unfolding of this historic event, one should visit the Battle of Normandy memorial museum.

Bayeux, a town steeped in history that you won't soon forget.

Though the area itself was inhabited, it was only in the 1st century BC that the town of Bayeux was established, at the time known as Augustrodurum. Ramparts were built in the 3rd century and stood at least until the 18th.

The city was evalgelized during the 6th century by Saint Vigor.

Destroyed by Normand raids in the Middle Ages, Bayeux was thereafter plundered extensively between the 12th century and the period of Religious Wars. During the 18th century, numerous construction programs were undertaken and religious edifices built while at the same time the development of lacework artistry boosted the economy - this artwork still maintains its reputation today.

The city was completely overrun during the Occupation and thus was spared by the heaviest of the bombings which shook the nation.

The old-town of Bayeux is an ancient, historic area which maintained its medieval structure. Miraculously unscathed after Allied bombings in the last years of the war, its architectural heritage is exceptional. Sanctified in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy, Notre-Dame cathedral in Bayeux underwent numerous reconstruction programs between the 13th and the 15th century. Characteristically gothic, this edifice does nevertheless maintain certain elements, such as sculptures, of the Roman church it is built upon.

The city also is home to a medieval tapestry which carries the same name. This 11th century piece of art, a panorama of William the conqueror's actions, is a listed UNESCO Memory of the World project.