Why I Fell in Love with Bayeux (and You Will Too)

When I first arrived in Bayeux, I didn’t expect to fall quite so hard for this little Normandy town. But within a few hours of walking its cobblestone streets, sitting in a café with a warm croissant, and listening to the cathedral bells echo across town, I knew this was a special place. Bayeux isn’t just a stopover—it’s the perfect place to settle in while exploring some of the most iconic sights in France.

The D-Day Beaches Just Minutes Away Bayeux is just minutes away from the D-Day landing beaches and the Normandy American Cemetery. If visiting these historic sites is on your itinerary (and it should be), staying in Bayeux makes exploring them easy and meaningful without spending hours in the car. I loved being able to enjoy a peaceful breakfast in town and then drive a short 15 minutes to these incredibly moving sites. 

Pro Tip:  Rent a car for this day of your trip.  We loved having the flexibility to visit as many of the beaches and museums as possible; staying as long or as little was we liked. 

A Day Trip to Mont Saint-Michel Another day, we set out early for Mont Saint-Michel.  Bayeux is within reach of the magical Mont Saint-Michel. It’s about a 90-minute drive, and seeing that fairytale abbey rising out of the sea is something I’ll never forget. Even though I had seen it in photos countless times, nothing prepared me for the moment it appeared on the horizon—an island rising out of the sea like something from a fairytale. The fact that I could enjoy such a bucket-list day trip and then be back in Bayeux for dinner at a cozy local bistro was amazing.

Pro Tip:  Book a private tour for this amazing experience.  Having a driver so you can take in all the scenery and a guide with a wealth of knowledge of the abbey was priceless.

Mont St Michel

Easy Train Ride from Paris  Getting to Bayeux is simple. You can take a direct train from Paris in just over two hours, which means you don’t need to worry about navigating rental cars or airports right away. For me, it felt like the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city and step straight into Normandy’s charm. 

Food That Stays With You  And let’s talk about the food. Normandy is famous for its rich butter, creamy cheeses, cider, and seafood—and Bayeux is full of restaurants and markets that showcase all of it. Even simple lunches of baguettes and local cheese felt like a feast.  We stumbled upon a couple of amazing restaurants that I would love to be able to go back to.

Pro Tip:  Do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Le Moulin de la Gallette.

Chocolate Croissant in hand

A Town Meant for Wandering  What really charmed me, though, was Bayeux itself. It’s a town meant for walking—narrow medieval lanes, timber-framed houses, and shop windows filled with pastries and handmade goods. Of course, the crown jewel is the Bayeux Cathedral, which took my breath away the moment I stepped inside.

Charming walkable streets of Bayeux

Perfect for History Lovers  Beyond its proximity to D-Day sites, Bayeux is steeped in history. The town itself was miraculously spared from major destruction during World War II, which means much of its medieval character is intact. And don’t miss the Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 1,000-year-old masterpiece that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England. For anyone with a love of history, it’s an absolute treasure.

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux

For me, Bayeux was more than just a convenient base—it was a highlight of my trip. It offered comfort, charm, and a sense of place that made exploring Normandy unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to France, I highly recommend staying in Bayeux—you’ll fall in love with it just as I did.