Best Tours in Bayeux

Bayeux is a medieval town that has kept its historic centre intact despite its wartime past. Its cobbled streets and old houses are home to elegant palaces dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Bayeux is also home to the famous Queen Mathilde tapestry, almost 70 metres long, which is an undisputed icon of the city and tells the story of the Duke of Normandy's conquest of England. The city was also the scene of an important milestone in world history, D-Day in the context of World War II.

All of the above is reason enough to want to get to know this charming city, and what better way to do it than through a guided and organised tour? In this article I will tell you which are the best tours you can do in this historic city and why these visits are among the best things to see and do in Bayeux.

On this tour, an experienced local guide takes you on a two-hour tour of the best of Bayeux and Normandy, seeing its impressive architectural gems and learning all about the history behind what you'll have the chance to visit. You'll learn about the most important events that took place in the region, the origins of the buildings, ancient trades and much more.

The walking itinerary starts at the Bayeux tourist office and includes stops at sites such as Rue des Teinturiers where you'll learn about the medieval tanning and dyeing industry. You will then pass the Allée des Augustines, where you will learn about the Augustine sisters and see the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

Other stops on this tour include the Place Charles de Gaulle, Rue L L le Forestier and the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. This tour is ideal if you are short on time in the city and don't want to miss out on anything.

Details of interest:

• Price: from €23 per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts about two hours in total.
• Means of transport: the tour is on foot from the meeting point.
• Advantage of this option: it includes several important points for a short tour.
• Disadvantage of this option: the tour is in English only.

One of the most interesting attractions in France is undoubtedly Mont Saint Michel, and if you're in Bayeux, you have the chance to get to know this amazing place by taking a tour. The tour includes a guided visit of the Benedictine abbey and plenty of free time to wander the cobbled streets of the village and look out over the bay.

Optionally, depending on the time of the tour, you can also choose between St-Lô, Balleroy, Avranches, the Abbey of Cerisy or Villedieu-les-Poêles for a visit before returning to your accommodation in Bayeux.

Please note that if you decide to take this tour, you should wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a considerable amount of walking to access the top and tour the abbey, as well as the village's narrow cobbled streets.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 392 euros per person.
• Duration: the walk takes about 8 hours in total.
• Means of transport: you will be driven aboard an air-conditioned minibus.
• Advantage of this option: includes pick-up and drop-off at the accommodation.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is not wheelchair accessible.

This tour takes you around the D-Day sites from the American point of view. You will see the sites of the largest amphibious landing in World War II.

The itinerary includes sites such as Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, the German and American cemeteries, the Airborne Museum and the Sainte-Mère Eglise. You will receive almost personalised information from the guide at all times, as these tours are limited to a maximum of 8 people.

Because of the sites included, this is one of the best all-day tours of Normandy from Bayeux, and has the advantage that it can be done by all types of people with no limitations due to physical condition or age. Please note that, if the minimum quota of passengers is not reached the activity may be suspended or cancelled.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 115 euros per person.
• Duration: the tour lasts about 9 hours in total, so it takes up most of the day.
• Means of transport: you will be taken aboard a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.
• Advantage of this option: includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
• Disadvantage of this option: does not include food and beverages.

This tour is inspired by the literary work of renowned American historian Stephen Ambrose, which was later made into the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers.

On this tour you will learn about the most important historical events in Normandy. You will see places like Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery and follow the action of the "Band of Brothers". A great opportunity to learn history in an interactive and dynamic way. This experiential experience will leave you with a wealth of knowledge about the interesting historical context of the region.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 143 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts for 9 hours in total.
• Means of transport: you will be taken aboard an air-conditioned minibus.
• Advantage of this option: it is adapted for people with wheelchairs or pushchairs.
• Disadvantage of this option: it departs from a meeting point, it does not include pick up or return to the accommodation.

This tour takes you to the most memorable sites of the Battle of Normandy with an emphasis on the events that had a bearing on the British armed forces. A most fascinating experience.

Sites on the itinerary include Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Pegasus Bridge, Merville Battery Museum, Sword Beach and Hillman Bunker.

The starting point for this tour is either Bayeux train station or Place de Quebec. Both are easily accessible by public transport.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 121 euros per traveller.
• Duration: the tour takes about 9 hours in total.
• Means of transport: you will be driven in an air-conditioned minibus.
• Advantage of this option: includes entrance fees to all sites visited.
• Disadvantage of this option: it does not include drinks and food.

If you want to know in depth the history of Normandy, its culture, gastronomy and customs of its inhabitants, this tour is your best choice. Starting from the centre of Bayeux, you will be taken on a tour of the highlights of the area, followed by a visit to Honfleur and the Pays d'Auge.

During the tour you will appreciate the famous Bayeux tapestry, discover the port of Honfleur famous for its many colours, which inspired the Impressionist painters, and taste the best of the regional gastronomy. Camembert cheese, calvados and cider are just some of the options.

The tour includes several stops at places of interest, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Tapestry Museum and St Catherine's Church. It also includes free time to wander around at your leisure and replenish your energy with typical regional food.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 391 euros per passenger.
• Duration: the tour lasts approximately 9 hours.
• Means of transport: you will be driven in an air-conditioned minivan.
• Advantage of this option: the cost includes entrance to the Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral.
• Disadvantage of this option: meals are not included, you will be able to buy them on your own at your leisure.

If you love the outdoors and nature, this is a tempting way to discover the best of Normandy. You will set off from Bayeux to reach the starting point of the adventure, where your bike will be waiting for you , fully equipped with helmet, bag for your belongings, fresh water bottle, an extra battery, anti-theft device and GPS.

Thanks to the bike you will be able to reach places that you could not reach by car. You will enjoy the fresh air and beauty of sites such as Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, the German battery site of Longue sur Mer, and the artificial harbour of Arromanches among others. This is undoubtedly among the best tours to Normandy from Bayeux.

It is worth noting that the guides accompany you up to a certain point and then leave you some time to wander around and enjoy at your own pace. In any case, they provide you with everything you need to get your bearings and tell you which are the must-see places to visit.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 62 euros per person.
• Duration: average between 5 and 12 hours in total.
• Means of transport: you will be driven in an air-conditioned minibus.
• Advantage of this option: the group is limited to 10 people so you can make the most of it.
• Disadvantage of this option: not recommended for people with physical limitations.

The historical sites related to D-Day in Normandy are attractive to tourists interested in World War II in France. While many tour itineraries focus on American and British units, this tour from Bayeux takes you to sites in Normandy that were historically related to the Canadian army.

The tour includes stops at sites of interest such as Juno Beach Center, the Canadian Underground Bunkers, Bernieres and Saint Aubin, the Canadian Cemetery, Hell's Corner, the Abbey of Ardenne, Carpiquet and Caen. This is a very interesting activity to be able to complement with other excursions to get a comprehensive understanding of the history behind this interesting French region.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 115 euros per person.
• Duration: the tour lasts about 8 hours in total.
• Means of transport: you will be driven in an air-conditioned minivan.
• Advantage of this option: includes entrance fees to all attractions visited.
• Disadvantage of this option: does not include food and beverages, lunch is on your own.

Rouen is known for its impressive Gothic cathedral and lively urban atmosphere. The Tour de la Horloge is one of the city's most iconic attractions, and the Place du Vieux Marché is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor café. You'll also see the Gothic construction of Rouen Cathedral, whose fastige is crowned by the tallest spire in France, and the square where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

Giverny is a small town that has become popular as the home of the iconic Impressionist artist Claude Monet for over 40 years. The place where the water lily paintings were inspired, and where you can see the painter's collection of Japanese prints.

You will have a free lunch break, and then you can continue your walk through Rouen. Other highlights include various Gothic buildings, such as the Church of St. Ouen, the Church of St. Maclou and the Hall of Justice. The tour culminates with some free time to explore the village of Giverny before returning by minibus to your accommodation.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 391 euros per passenger.
• Duration: the tour takes approximately 8 hours in total.
• Means of transport: you will be driven in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.
• Advantage of this option: Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people, making it an almost personalised experience.
• Disadvantage of this option: it does not include food and beverages or entrance fees to the attractions you can visit.

This tour offers a different way of getting to know Normandy, aboard an off-road jeep. In this unique vehicle you will see the historical highlights of the region and hear all the details from your guide.

Among the key sites you will see are those related to the Second World War. These include La Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, part of the D-Day landing beaches, the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and Port-en-Bessin-Huppain.

This is a tour that will take you beyond the historical event to understand the human side of a war by getting a close-up look at the people who fought it.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 830 euros per person.
• Duration: the tour lasts approximately 8 hours in total.
• Means of transport: you will be driven in an air-conditioned minivan on the transfer, then off-road jeep.
• Advantage of this option: offers pick-up and drop-off at the accommodation.
• Disadvantage of this option: not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems.