This is a WWYD (What Would You Do?) kind of query.

Sadly, we will arrive in Bayeux two days after the Bayeux tapestry is leaving for England on Sept 1st. Of course, I had no idea this was happening when I made plans. We'd really like to see the tapestry! We will be staying in Honfleur and could drive to Bayeux on August 30th or 31st (both are weekend days). My question - for anyone who might have info on this - is that I am wondering if we might be among huge throngs of people with the same idea. The tickets are only available same day at the museum, so we can't get them in advance. It's a one-hour plus drive (which we will be making again a few days later) so I hate to waste the time if it's unlikely we would be able to get in. I do want to see the tapestry very much - and have no plans for London in the future.

So ... WWYD?

Sometimes they will announce extended hours in advance of a major artwork becoming unavailable. I would reach out to them by email to see if this will be a possibility and if they will be taking advance registrations as a courtesy and to address crowd control.

I will say it is pretty remarkable to see and I hope that it works out for you. Both Bayeaux and Honfleur are especially lovely destinations.

I'd cross my fingers and go. It's really something special. If you're unsuccessful in getting in, you have options for the day. Depending on what you plan when you return to Bayeux later and of course your interests beyond the D-Day invasion, there are many things to do/see in the town and nearby. I enjoyed the bobbin lace collections at the Conservatoire de la Dentelle and the Bayeux Museum and bought some lace in a shop in the town. Castles Balleroy and Creully are a short drive from town.

If you missed it, Lucy Worsley did a great program on William the Conqueror that included the Tapestry. The first link is a short segment of the longer episode at the second link.

https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/lucy-...apestry-sibs5q

https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/lucy-...nqueror-xfjpqb

You'd be passing by Caen along the way to/from Bayeux, and there is a lot to see in Caen beyond the Peace Memorial (Museum). The two abbeys, the Musee des Beaux Arts (a few Impressionists including Monet), the choir of St. Peter's Church, some alleys with half-timbered buildings that survived the WWII bombings, etc.

The choir at St. Peter's:

https://photos.smugmug.com/Normandie...onabside-L.jpg

Don't sweat it. Lots of people go to France and even Normandy and don't see it. I am of the opinion that there is no such thing as a 'must see.' And this is a good example of that.

I read a small article saying there is a petition started by the French who do not want the tapestry to go to England! I have seen it and, if at all possible, hope you will find a way to see it also.

,,,,,,,,,and, I thought this was 2026........is that what you meant???

Nope - it's 2025


Follow the stages of the project to the new Bayeux Tapestry museum - Bayeux Museum

"It's a one-hour plus drive (which we will be making again a few days later) so I hate to waste the time if it's unlikely we would be able to get in. I do want to see the tapestry very much -"
If it were me, I'd definitely make the drive for a chance to see it.
I was there a year ago May. I would definitely go. An hour's drive is nothing (IMO) and the countryside is beautiful.
At the worst, you'll have to stand in a line. There was no exterior line when we were there. We had a bit of a longer wait because we had to wait for English audioguides to be turned in before entering. A few others went in before us because they could use audioguides in other languages. The process is simple. The only "con" is the wait in line. Totally worth it IMO to be able to see the tapestry in person.

I have been two times and highly recommend going, it’s an amazingly beautiful piece of art and you wonder at the hours of meticulous needlework those women did, that too in poor light.

As someone suggested up thread, you could email or call to find out if they have extended hours, also if there’s any way of booking tickets in advance. They can only say no, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Bayeux is a lovely little town and the cathedral a magnificent edifice, well worth a visit. Several good restaurants in town, though I don’t remember the names. And the drive up and down from Honfleur is though picturesque countryside, you definitely won’t regret the visit.

scdreamer, it's difficult to be accurate after only one visit, but I was there on a Saturday in May. At around 10:30 in the morning, there were about 30 people in line. I agree about checking online. As always, start early!

I checked the timestamps on my photos for a Saturday in May 2024. I was in my hotel room at 8:37 am and in the gift shop after seeing the tapestry at 10:01. There was no exterior line when I was there. I agree that the unknown will be how many people will be there now, knowing about the year+ closure but the actual viewing should take about an hour. Once you are giving your audio guide it is really just one continuous line of viewers inside.
Here's a link to the online viewing -
https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/actu...pestry-online/

As was suggested, I emailed the museum yesterday, and awoke this morning to a gracious response.

Tapisserie <[email protected]>

to me

7:18 AM (3 hours ago)


Bonjour,

We have well received your request and it is with a great pleasure that we give you information needed.

The best time is to come at the opening time at 09.00am and you will be sure to see the Tapestry.

Kind regards.Aline LEVAVASSEUR
Accueil des Publics
Tapisserie de Bayeux
www.bayeuxmuseum.com

I agree the hour drive is nothing, and we will find plenty to do on the way there and back from Honfleur. I feel pretty positive we will be able to see the tapestry. Thank you to everyone who responded to my post.

I would make the drive in hopes of getting in.

And if that is not possible, Bayeux itself is a beautiful little town.

I would stop along the way at two of my favorite stops in Normandy. Both small but impactful.

The museum at Pegasus Bridge and the Ryes British Cemetery.
The small museum at Pegasus Bridge is so well done. There are others in the area if you want more stops. This is one of our favorite stops in Normandy - but a small museum so not overwhelming.
The British Cemetery is also small. What I liked best about it was that family members could plant flowers, etc. at the graves. A peaceful location in the countryside.
Stopping at both would only add 30 minutes drive to/from H - B. How much time you spent at each could be 5 minutes or 50.

Bayeux -

Museum at Pegasus Bridge

Good news indeed. It is definitely worth the drive and there is much to do in Bayeux in addition to seeing the tapestry, even if you will be visiting several days later.

Not only is the tapestry an incredible work of art, it tells a story via art to the populace who were for the most part illiterate, about an event that essentially changed the course of European history. Pretty remarkable experience.