The cathedral that once housed the Bayeux Tapestry
Stepping inside the nave, your eyes naturally travel upward from the stone floor to the vaulted ceiling. The heavy Romanesque arcades of the lower level support a Gothic upper tier pierced with soaring windows added later, showcasing two architectural styles stacked within the same structure.
The west facade features its five carved portals dating to the 13th century, flanked by twin Romanesque towers rising over 70 metres. Along with the crypt, these make up the oldest surviving sections of the original building.
Why visit Bayeux Cathedral
The current building was consecrated on July 14, 1077, in the presence of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. The ceremony was led by his half-brother, Bishop Odo of Conteville. Construction then stretched from the 11th through the 15th centuries, blending Romanesque, Early Gothic, Rayonnant Gothic, and Flamboyant Gothic styles.
What truly sets this site apart is its history as the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. The embroidery was kept right here until the late 18th century before moving to the nearby museum that now bears its name, located just steps from the cathedral. The cathedral has been classified as a historic monument since 1862.
The crypt and the treasury room
Visitors can head down into the Romanesque crypt before exploring the facade towers. Depending on daily access, you can also tour the treasury room and the chapter house.
Inside the treasury room stands a monumental 13th-century armoire, alongside the chest that safeguarded the Bayeux Tapestry for generations prior to its museum transfer. The stained glass windows from various eras and the carved portals on the west facade round out the visit. Guided tours in French or English are available through partners of the tourist office or the association Amis de la cathédrale, particularly in July and August.
Friendly tip: access to the treasury room and chapter house is not always included with self-guided visits, and specific guided tour packages include them. If you want to see both rooms, check which ticket option covers them before you arrive.
How long for this activity
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for a self-guided tour of the nave, crypt, and accessible areas. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours if you take a guided tour or explore the treasury.
The Bayeux Cathedral is truly magnificent. You can admire it from the outside first, it is quite impressive and towers over us with all its height. The inside is worth seeing as well. The cathedral is vast and richly decorated. Take your time to observe everything. You can easily spend an hour inside.