A unique document in the world, the Bayeux Tapestry is a wool embroidery on linen canvas created in the XIᵉ century. A creation that might be mistakenly considered a simple piece of beautifully adorned fabric. Yet the public is not mistaken, flocking in droves to admire this treasure stored in one of the three museums in the charming medieval town of Bayeux in Normandy. Find out why!
An incredible comic strip from the Middle Ages
Almost 70 metres long and 50 centimetres high, this tapestry tells the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. A masterpiece of Romanesque art, it was probably commissioned by his half-brother, Bishop Odon, to decorate the new cathédrale de Bayeux, consecrated in 1077.
A universal work...
Remarkably well preserved, the Bayeux Tapestry has been included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, to be protected and listed as a document of universal interest. Rescued many times throughout history, the "Tel du Conquest", as it is known, continues to reveal its secrets.
...that fascinates visitors from all over the world
The Bayeux Tapestry has been on display at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, in the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant, the former Grand Séminaire de Bayeux, since 1983. With almost 400,000 visitors a year, it attracts visitors from all over the world and remains an international source of artistic inspiration.
A visit to the museum allows you to discover it in its entirety, to approach it without damaging it and to understand its history and its creation.
A museography that makes the work accessible to as many people as possible
To enable all visitors to understand the uniqueness and historical importance of this work, the museum has designed a tour that is both entertaining and educational. The tour begins with an audio guide to the work (available in 16 languages and a children's version in French and English). It then moves on to a rich permanent exhibition that reveals the secrets of the embroidered tapestry's creation and the historical context of the epic story told. The visit concludes with a 16-minute film showing the re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings as it really happened. A must for history buffs and anyone who wants to understand why this tapestry is so popular...
Recommendations and advice
Intrigued by the success of this incredible tapestry? Come to Normandy to investigate! It's a trip that's going to be rich in discoveries, both within the Tapestry Museum and in the pretty town of Bayeux and its surroundings. To make the most of your experience, here are a few tips. 1) Book your visit to the museum well in advance. 2) To make the most of this town, which is particularly popular with tourists in fine weather, book your accommodation and transport in advance. 3) Finally, to get to the site and help preserve Normandy's sublime landscapes, take the train (2h15 from Paris) and use soft mobility to get around. It's a great way to dive into the heart of an exceptional historical heritage!
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By Redaction France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…
