(Bayeux, Normandy, France)
The rail strike caused us a delay of nearly 3.5 hours. Our original train still ran, but the entire self-serve rail ticket network was frozen and only a couple of ticket agents were working. It took about an hour to buy our tickets, by which time our train had left. Not a great start to our trip to Bayeux, especially as our (eventual) trains were very hot and we had to call our host in Bayeux repeatedly to adjust our arrival time.
We’re trying something a little different in Bayeux: we have a furnished apartment with a fridge, etc. In addition to being fabulously located in a historic building less than a block from the (huge) cathedral, it enables us to prepare some of our own meals. This was a real blessing, as it is impossible to eat out every day without growing tired of it (and the cost).
As Bayeux was a very important medieval town, its cathedral is understandably huge. I took many pictures of it, from various angles and at various times of day. The days are long here, so I found the best light to be just before 11:00 p.m., when the summer sun is finally disappearing.
Bayeux is perhaps best known for the the “Bayeux Tapestry” (actually an embroidery). This work of art was created around the year 1070 to chronicle the victory of William the Conqueror (King of Normandy) over Harold (who claimed to be the King of England) at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is a fascinating record of a major turning point in European history: it also marks the beginning of the profound influence of French on the English language.
Looking like a massively elongated comic strip, the tapestry is nearly 70 metres long (!) and about 50 cm high. Considering its age, it is remarkably well-preserved. It was created to be hung in the cathedral so that the people understood the story of William the Conqueror. In order to preserve the tapestry, photographs are not allowed and you only have about 25 minutes to view it. The photo here is actually a contemporary copy of one of the scenes.
Speaking of medieval times…we unknowingly arrived in the middle of Bayeux’s medieval festival. The town was packed, with many of the people wearing full medieval costumes. Many food items were medieval as well: for a snack, I had a pear torte made from a 14th century recipe.
Stay tuned for more medieval and modern stories from Bayeux!