The most famous thing in Bayeux is its tapestry. The museum that has it on display has only one item: the tapestry.
The tapestry museum is located in the former seminary built in the 17th century (for more photos of the religious complex, click here for our introduction to Bayeux), and located very close to the Notre-Dame cathedral.
The tapestry is impressive, even if you’re not into these things. Long by 70 meters (230 feet) and 50 centimetres tall (20 inches), this single piece of “cloth” depicts the history of the Normands invading and conquering England.
In fact, this is probably the very first comic book ever made, since it consists of some 50 “panels”, each representing a year or an event. The tapestry is rumoured to have been made in the year 1066.
When you come into the museum, you receive an audio device, with several languages available, that tells you all about each panel. It takes you from the beginning, the preparations, to the end when the Normands conquered England.
It’s an interesting history.
But apart from the tapestry, there is also an exhibition upstairs about the life and times of the Normands.
Several real-size displays of the clothing and people of those days; monks, soldiers, etc.
They have several areas in the upstairs exhibit with scale models depicting how castles and buildings were made and life in general for those living in Normandy.
The museum is a worthwhile visit if you are in the area. The tapestry, part of UNESCO’s World Memory Register, is famous the world over.
For more information about the museum, its opening times and prices, click here (use their site’s top menu to navigate for more information).
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