Alternatives in Bayeux or Caen if not interested in D-day tour

Many visitors to Bayeux enjoy strolling the pedestrian-only area of rue St. Jean. The Bayeux Cathedral is also nice. And of course, most tourists are interested in the famous Bayeux Tapestry. In terms of things to do, Caen is much bigger than Bayeux, though much of it is "new", due to the destruction from D-Day battles.

I'd suggest you try to talk her into going with you. I was not a ww2 fan, I had very little interest, but I went along anyway. It is an awesome experience which is truly eye-opening and inspiring. Bayeux is a great little town-Churchill Hotel an great place to stay. The Bayeux Tapestry, while fascinating as one of the earliest forms of journalism, can be done, and done well in an hour or so. Assure your wife that I am an accomplished shopper who wants to see it all. There are lots of interesting stores in Bayeux. There is an excellent leather purse store, but I must apologize, I can't remember its name. If I find it, I will post again. Caen was damaged badly by Allied bombs, so it may not have the medieval charm that Bayeux does. Bayeux is so close to the beaches that the Allies flew over it on their way to destroy Caen and other locations. The ambience is in Bayeux, shops are good...but go on the tour!

Hi Tom:
I found Caen to be a bit too big, modern and overwhelming. Bayeux is a lovely town to just wander around in, esp. near the river, where there are several scenic areas. Some other suggestions:
* Check at the TI (ca. 2 blocks from the cathedral) for info. about walking tours in the city and nearby. (There's also an online map at http://www.bayeux-tourism.com/ENG/circuits/circuit.html) * The tapestry, of course. Very worthwhile.
* Bayeux Cathedral.
We did not get to the following but they are supposed to also be worth a visit:
* Baron Gerard Museum, free w. admission to tapestry -- paintings, porcelain & lace.
* Lace Conservatory, across from entrance to Cathedral, free.
Have fun!

Bayeux has the charm and beauty to keep anyone happy and satisfied. It has little quaint shops and sidewalk cafes and small streets to discover. You can walk everywhere in town and the train service from Paris is great.

Hopefully your wife may change her mind about the D-Day Tour. I've spoken with many others in this position. After their tour they were forever grateful they had changed their mind. The D-Day expericience leaves a lasting impression in one's soul.

We didn't have time for Mt St.Michel but it's something you both would enjoy together.

Check www.normandytourism.org for tours and events.

Bayeux has the charm and beauty to keep anyone happy and satisfied. It has little quaint shops and sidewalk cafes and small streets to discover. You can walk everywhere in town and the train service from Paris is great.

Hopefully your wife may change her mind about the D-Day Tour. I've spoken with many others in this position. After their tour they were forever grateful they had changed their mind. The D-Day expericience leaves a lasting impression in one's soul.

We didn't have time for Mt St.Michel but it's something you both would enjoy together.

Check www.normandytourism.org for tours and events.

tom,
i really liked hanging out in bayeux, didn't go to caen, so i can't compare the two. bayeux is such a nice change from the bigger cities, and there is an excellent small museum there, plus the lace conservatorie, a killer park for sitting and strolling, the tapestry, and the cathedral. if you check out the cathedral, be sure to check out the crypt. it's ancient, with cool artwork on the walls.
connie

I really can't fathom being so close to the beaches of Normandy and not going to see any of it. It was a moving experience - to say the least.