Head straight to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie) to admire the UNESCO-listed artwork before the tour buses arrive. Afterwards, browse stalls at the lively Bayeux Market (only on Saturdays) for a taste of local life and cuisine—pick up a bottle of Normandy cider or calvados (apple brandy) as a souvenir.

Explore Bayeux Old Town on a walking tour, which typically cover must-see sights such as the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, the Old Conservatoire de la Dentelle (Conservatory of Lace), the Botanical Gardens, and the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

Book a table at a restaurant in the Old Town to sample local delicacies such as fish stew or a meat dish à la Normande (with a creamy sauce); be sure to finish with a cheese plate— camembert is a favorite throughout France—and a classic tarte aux pommes (apple tart). A glass of Normandy cider is also a must.

Day trips from Bayeux typically visit the UNESCO-listed floating monastery of Mont Saint Michel or the nearby cities of Rouen and Caen. If you’ve only got time for one, opt for a tour that explores Normandy’s WWII sites, which include the D-Day Beaches of Omaha and Utah, and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Visiting the D-Day beaches with a guide provides important historical context, but for greater insight, there are a number of museums worth visiting. Most notable are the D-Day Landing Museum of Utah Beach and the Arromanches 360° Cinema, which shows never-before-seen archive footage—pre-book your tickets to avoid waiting in line.

Summer visitors can enjoy a number of seasonal events in and around Bayeux. Nearby seaside towns such as Cabourg, Ouistreham, and Luc-sur-Mer host lively night markets, while Bayeux presents a dazzling light show several nights a week, against a backdrop of the cathedral.