Situated on the Aure River, 26 km NW of Caen, the medieval town of Bayeux was the first town to be liberated by the Allies in 1944 and was fortunate to escape damage from the war. Today, the medieval structure of the historic town center is well preserved, affording visitors the chance to appreciate the outstanding architectural heritage of Bayeux. The star attraction of the town is the Bayeux Tapestry, housed in the 17th-century Centre Guillaume-le-Conquerant across from Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Said to be woven by Queen Mathilde, wife of William the Conqueror (a rumor that is most likely untrue), the tapestry, measuring 70 meters long, depicts the conquest of Britain by William in 1066.
Tourist OfficePont St-Jean14400 BayeuxPhone: 33 2 31 51 28 28Fax: 33 2 31 51 28 29