Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux (Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux), Bayeux (must see)

Nestled in the heart of Old Bayeux, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the seat of the diocese of Bayeux and Lisieux and is revered as a historic monument since 1862.

The cathedral's construction, spanning from the 12th to the 15th century, showcases a harmonious blend of early Gothic, radiant Gothic, and flamboyant Gothic styles. Remodeled and expanded over the years, the bulk of its construction occurred during the transformative period of 1230-1270, resulting in a cohesive 13th-century Gothic structure enveloping the original Romanesque foundation.

This cultural treasure trove is inseparable from the renowned Bayeux Tapestry, which was commissioned by Bishop Odon to adorn the cathedral's nave. This extraordinary masterpiece recounts the tale of William, Duke of Normandy's conquest of England in 1066.

The cathedral's roots delve deep into history, occupying the site of a Gallo-Roman forum, itself built upon Merovingian ruins. Consecrated on July 14, 1077, in the presence of William the Conqueror and Mathilde of Flanders, the cathedral has been a guardian of history, housing the Bayeux Tapestry for centuries.