They must have heard that we had arrived in Bayeux as the shop windows are colourfully adorned with wonderful messages for us?! . . . . Coincidentally it’s the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy! It was heartwarming to see so many messages of thanks from the French to the Allied Forces for their freedom in 1944.
Bayeux, with its perfectly preserved medieval buildings and world famous Tapestry, is just ten minutes drive to the coast. It was the first city to be liberated in 1944 – the day after the D-Day landings. It was occupied so quickly, before the Germans got over their surprise, and escaped serious damage, briefly becoming the capital of Free France!.
The elegant Notre Dame Bayeux Cathedral was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry – from 1077.
The Bayeux Tapestry (actually it is an embroidery) is a 70 metre strip of linen that recounts the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It concludes with the death of the Saxon King Harold at the battle of Hastings in 1066 – with William the Conqueror becoming King of England.
Driving along the D-Day beaches in Normandy, through the streets we notice large photos of the fallen WWII heroes on many street posts. A thoughtful, sombre tribute to these soldiers and ironically Bev takes a photo of one named Bruce.
