Day Trips and Tours from Bayeux

Bayeux enjoys a privileged position near the northern coast of France, making it ideal for a day trip or two. You can explore rural Normandy on both small group and private excursions, depending on how sociable you’re feeling.

Day tours from Bayeux involve everything from D-Day battlefield sites to historic towns where your camera will be working in overdrive. These attractions are all within easy reach from Bayeux, which is good news if you fancy a change of scenery.

Normandy D-Day beaches and battlefields

The D-Day beaches of Normandy are among the most-visited locations of northern France, and a popular focus of many day trips from Bayeux.

Sword, Utah and Omaha beach often feature on these excursions, so you can see where the great amphibious landing took place during World War II. It’s a poignant and moving experience.

The tours also swing by some of the most famous battlefields of the conflict. You’ll learn more about this dark period of history at wartime sites like the German outpost at Pointe du Hoc.

Other stops include the Airborne Museum at Sainte-Mère Church and the Juno Beach Center.

Mont Saint Michel

Lots of day tours from Bayeux take in Mont Saint Michel, and for good reason. This historic island abbey has pride of place on many a postcard, and it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Situated in a picturesque bay on the north coast, the island of Mont Saint Michel is an icon of France. Formerly a refuge for monks, it has attracted pilgrims for centuries.

You’ll venture across the causeway at low tide and enjoy a guided tour of the medieval village and abbey. There will be plenty of free time to explore afterward, with the ramparts making for eye-popping photos.

War cemeteries

War cemeteries are an integral part of many day trips from Bayeux. They are a somber and powerful reminder of the folly of war, and a place where you can pay your respects to fallen heroes.

The Canadian War Cemetery and British War Cemetery are often included on day excursions from Bayeux. Even if you’re not into history, you can’t fail to be moved by a visit to Normandy’s coastal grave sites.

Take a guided tour of the complexes to discover more about World War II and the ordinary soldiers who all played their part.

Honfleur

The picture-perfect town of Honfleur is a common destination on Bayeux day tours – it’s located just along the coast. The serene harbor was a favorite with Impressionist painters like Monet, who came here to capture the colorful scene.

Little has changed over the years, and a wander around the historic center feels like a journey back in time.

After exploring the cobblestone streets and photographing the half-timbered houses, it’s time for lunch. Honfleur is famed for its pastries and seafood, which you can enjoy in one of the waterfront cafés.

Don’t miss the art galleries and boutiques if you fancy a bit of souvenir shopping.

Rouen

Rouen is so much more than the place where Joan of Arc met her maker in 1431. Today the capital of Normandy blends past and present with understated French finesse and is a popular excursion from Bayeux.

Sitting pretty on the River Seine, Rouen is a hub of culture, with a whole host of churches, museums and restaurants to enjoy.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a must, with its Gothic spires that tower over the city. Go for a stroll around the historic quarter and admire the ornate architecture that has lined the streets for centuries.

Giverny

You’ve heard of Monet’s famous “Water Lilies” painting, but did you know that the artist lived right here in Giverny? You can explore this charming country village on a day trip from Bayeux – it’s a world away from the bright city lights.

The highlight of your day will be visiting Monet’s house and gardens. It’s easy to see why the painter was so inspired by his surroundings, especially on a summer’s day. There’s a museum on site that charts his life and works.

Giverny is a couple of hours east of Bayeux, and the scenic cross-country drive is just as good as the destination itself.