When I first arrived in Bayeux, the famous tapestry wasn’t on my list.
Easy Company never saw it. They didn’t even pass through Bayeux.
And for a while, I thought maybe I shouldn’t either.
But I’m glad I changed my mind.
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important pieces of storytelling ever created. Stitched nearly a thousand years ago, it tells the story of William of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066—the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, the battle itself, and the founding of a new kingdom.
All told not with words, but with thread.
As I watched the tapestry unfold scene after scene, something clicked:
Today, Normandy is so closely tied to the events of 1944—and rightly so. But its history stretches far deeper. For centuries, armies have been landing, invading, and launching invasions from these shores.
The story of D-Day isn’t isolated.
It’s part of a much older tradition of conflict and conquest—and seeing the tapestry helped put Operation Overlord into a larger perspective.
Visiting the Bayeux Tapestry Today
The tapestry is displayed in a dedicated exhibition in downtown Bayeux, just steps from the cathedral.
It’s a popular site, so book your ticket ahead if you can. An audio guide walks you through the full story, panel by panel.
Important note: the current exhibition will close for renovations after 2025 and won't reopen for several years. If seeing the original tapestry is important to you, try to visit while you still can.
And while you’re there, take time to enjoy the town itself.
Bayeux is one of the best places to stay the night when visiting the D-Day beaches—central, walkable, and full of character.
Trusted Travel Tips for Bayeux
- Reserve in advance for the tapestry, especially in peak season.
- Stay overnight—Bayeux is a charming and convenient base for Normandy sites.
- Explore downtown—the cathedral, cafés, and quiet streets are well worth a stroll.
Normandy’s history runs deeper than a single summer.
And Bayeux is a good place to start understanding it.
Learn more about planning your Normandy journey in the Band of Brothers Travel Guide.
And thank you to James Skeffington, the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and the many talented photographers at Unsplash for providing these images.
