Notre-Dame de Bayeux rises above the old town, and it is the one sight in Bayeux that is open to everyone every day at no charge. The cathedral was consecrated in 1077 by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror, and it was the original showcase for the Bayeux Tapestry. Romanesque arches in the nave sit beneath Gothic upper levels and a tall central tower, and the result is a building that shows Norman history in stone. Entry is free all year. From 2 November to 31 December the cathedral is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday mass is at 11 a.m. A separate guided visit adds the Treasury and the Chapter Room. One point needs saying plainly: the Bayeux Tapestry is not in Bayeux at present. Its museum has been closed since 1 September 2025 for renovation, with reopening expected at the end of 2027, and the tapestry itself is at the British Museum in London from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027. The cathedral, the old town and the surrounding landscapes remain open and worth the visit.
How it works
There is nothing to book for a self-guided visit, and entry is free. The opening hours shift with the season, so check the Bayeux tourist office page before you go, and avoid visiting during services. Guided visits to the Treasury and Chapter Room are run separately and usually need to be arranged in advance through the tourist office or the cathedral's friends' association.
What to expect
A calm, cool interior with a long nave and some exceptional carving. It is a working cathedral, so keep voices low, dress modestly and respect services. The town around it is small and walkable, with timber-framed houses, a mill on the river Aure and cafés that make easy stops. In winter the interior is cold, so bring a layer. The visit takes thirty to sixty minutes, longer if you take a guided tour.
Making the most of it
Use the cathedral as the anchor of an easy morning in Bayeux, then walk the old streets and the river. If you came for the tapestry, look at the cathedral as the place where it was displayed for centuries, and consider the British Museum exhibition if your travel plans include London before July 2027.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided visit to the Norman and Gothic cathedral, with optional guided visits to the Treasury and Chapter Room.
Best time
Mid-morning on a weekday, avoiding the Sunday 11 a.m. mass.
How long
Thirty to sixty minutes, longer with a guided visit.
Tips
Dress modestly, keep your voice low, and bring a layer because the interior is cold in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone spending time in Bayeux, especially those who came for the Norman story.
- Families
- Short and free, so it works well with children who like architecture or stories of William the Conqueror.
- Couples
- Combine with an unhurried walk through the old town and dinner nearby.
- Pair with
- The old town, the river Aure and a D-Day tour from Bayeux.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
Is Bayeux Cathedral free?+
Yes, entry is free all year. Guided visits to the Treasury and Chapter Room are arranged separately.
What are the opening hours?+
From 2 November to 31 December the cathedral is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday mass is at 11 a.m.
Can I see the Bayeux Tapestry in Bayeux?+
No, not at present. The museum has been closed since 1 September 2025, and the tapestry is at the British Museum in London from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027.
When will the tapestry museum reopen?+
Reopening is expected at the end of 2027 after a major renovation. Check the museum's site for dates nearer the time.
Who built the cathedral?+
It was consecrated in 1077 by Bishop Odo, half-brother of William the Conqueror. It shows Romanesque work in the nave and Gothic additions above.
