A river runs through Bayeux

Bayeux

Bayeux is a town steeped in history. Most recently it was the first town taken back by the Allies in June 1944. Much earlier it was a town of the Vikings, still speaking Norse after the Norse who became French had switched languages.

We would have liked to have spent more time here but the D-Day beaches were calling in the morning when we arrived at the tourist office. Later, after a long day on the beaches and in museums, we returned to Bayeux to hear a concert in their beautiful cathedral and have a quiet dinner. The town is famous for much more than that and we will return to see it. Here's a few pictures:

Cathedrale Notre-Dame

The cathedral is Norman Gothic with parts from the original church of 1077.

The central tower is fifteenth century with a 19^th century bonnet.

Here's the same sight with more context:

And the outside of a rose window:

God is in the details

The Nave is well lit…

…with detail-filled walls:

Here's a close-up of some of the detailing supposedly showing oriental influence taken from illuminated manuscripts:

The altar is surrounded by three stories with paintings of the first bishops of Bayeux on top:

Here's the lectern:

There is some stain glass here:

Where do you want to go today? Here's a few choices