Bayeux Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral is a Romanesque and Norman Gothic Catholic building, listed as a historic monument. According to tradition, the first bishop of Bayeux, Exupère, founded an ecclesiastical quarter on this site as early as the 4th century.

A monument with roots stretching back thousands of years

The great Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century, under two bishops belonging to the family of the Dukes of Normandy: Hugues d’Ivry and Odon de Conteville, half-brother of William the Conqueror. The cathedral was solemnly consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror himself.

It was also Odon who commissioned the creation of a textile work that has become world-famous. It was to decorate the nave of the cathedral that Odon commissioned the embroidery of the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of William, Duke of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066. Now preserved in a dedicated museum just a few steps away, this exceptional embroidery is a must-see during your day out in Bayeux.

An architectural masterpiece to explore

The cathedral features a particularly successful nave, the fruit of a brilliant architectural idea: retain the first Romanesque level with its characteristic decoration, and add a radiating Gothic level. This harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic was often imitated in later years.

Inside, there are a number of features that deserve your full attention. The crypt, dating from the 9th century, is remarkable: its pillars and columns are decorated with paintings, some of which date from the 15th century. Located beneath the choir, it had been walled up for centuries, to the point where its existence was forgotten. Don’t miss the Cavaillé-Coll organ, the acoustic jewel of the building.

Practical tips for your visit

The cathedral is open to the public every day, outside of religious services . Allow between an hour and an hour and a half to take full advantage of the explanatory panels and admire every detail, from stained glass windows to stone sculptures.

Guided tours are organized by the Bayeux Tourist Office, offering special access to the Treasury and Chapter rooms, which are usually closed to the public. These tours also provide an insight into the history of the cathedral, the Cavaillé-Coll organ and the crypt.

From Camping de la Prairie, Bayeux can easily be reached by car in around 20 minutes. Stroll through the cobbled streets of old Bayeux and round off your day with a visit to the Tapestry Museum, just a stone’s throw from the cathedral. An unforgettable cultural and historical excursion to the heart of Normandy’s heritage!