Bayeux

Unfortunately our visit to Bayeux, a medieval town with cobbles streets and half-timbered houses, was a rainy day: and a Monday, which in France means limited shops are open. 

However it didn't spoil our day, the houses are amazing as they expand outwards as they go upwards. The reason ... taxes! Something we all have to, but don't like to, pay. Housing tax was on the footprint of your property so having a small ground floor lessened your tax, quite a clever idea really.

French towns and villages always amaze me as walking amongst the shops and commercial buildings you often discover a river or stream. The waterways always seem to be as important as the buildings around, not something we do here in the UK. 

This watermill was just opposite the large museum building and town offices. It was quite tranquil amidst the busy town. 

Bayeux Cathedrale stands on a slope as you can see from the bottom layer of stones being different quantities to give a level floor at the top of the first arch. The stone was a beautiful yellow, the rain made it stand out even more against the grey sky.

The frontage was magnificent, such intricate carvings on it's arches and high towers. once inside the height of the ceiling was even more impressive. 

I am often surprised by the interiors of churches and cathedrals, some are quite cold in both temperature and atmosphere. This Cathedrale was full of warmth, the decorations on the walls and floors showed great wealth and importance. It was touching to see the Memorial Plaque, thiss is in other Cathedrales and churches around northern France. 

Our main reason for visiting Bayeux was to see the famous tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings. We have seen it before when our children were young but this time I had chance to concentrate rather than answering lots of questions. 

Earlier this year we visited Battle in Hastings so now we had bee to the location of the battle the tapestry was even more interesting. For understandable reasons no photos can be taken of the tapestry, I would certainly recommend visiting if you are in the area. 

We had a super time in Bayeux even if it was a little wet.