May 2007

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
Bayeux

With its ancient paved streets, timbered houses and distinctive hotels, Bayeux still retains the 19th-C. atmosphere of Balzac's novels. The city, surrounded by the rich countryside of the Bessin, features one of France's finest cathedral and is known for its tapestry.

The old city:
Bayeux was miraculously spared during the war. Its narrow medieval streets, ancient timbered houses and peaceful quartiers will all encourage you to tarry awhile. The cathedral, with its complex architectural design, is especially striking. Although it was begun in the 11th-C., many alterations have been made since then: the chapter house was added in the 12th.C., the chapels were built in the 14th-C., an octagonal storey, ornamented with open-work, was built on the lantern tower in the 15th, and finally a stone dome was built in the 18th. Inside, the cathedral boasts beautifully proportioned nave, 24 meters high and 96 meters long. Bayeux is also home to a number of very distinct hotels built between the 14th and 18thC; rue des cuisiniers, close to Notre Dame Cathedral, houses a 14th-C. inn (the tourist office), Rue Saint Martin is home to the 15th-C. Grand Hotel d'Argouges and rue du General de Dais contains imposing 17th and 18th-C. hotels.
Don't miss the Moulin Croquevieille on the banks of the river Aure.
Bayeux is also well-known for its porcelain, an excellent collection of which can be seen in the Baron-Gerard museum in Place de la Liberte.

Bayeux Tapestry:
The tapestry is presented in the Centre Guillaume le Conquerant. Before you see the tapestry itself, a video presentation and series of displays explains how the magnificient work was completed. Only afterwards do you see the embroided masterpiece itself-so well preserved that you may find it difficult to believe that it was in fact completed just over 900 years ago.
Its fascinating depiction of historical events, unique in the world, tells of Duke William's voyage to England, culminating in the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a pivotal point in English history. The colors of the embroidery threads have stood the test of time and the characters depicted in the tapestry, with their simple expressions and careful details, evoke a mixture of fascination and sympathy.

Memorial to General de Gaulle:
It was in Bayeux that General de Gaulle returned to the newly liberated Frane following his four-year exile in London. Altogether, he came to Bayeux on four occasions, most notably on June 16th 1946, when he delivered the speech on political institutions that inspired the 1958 Constitution. The Governor's lodge, next to the museum, shows many archives and personal effects once belonging to Charles de Gaulle. After seeing the Lodge, visit the Battle of Normandy Museum on Boulevard Fabien-Ware.

See the D-Day Festival Program below. For more information on the Festival, please visit the Office of Tourisme:
Information: Office de Tourisme Intercommunal Bayeux Bessin
Tel. + 33 (0)2 31 51 28 28 – www.ddayfestival.com

Program for the D-Day Festival 2007:
Friday 1 June – Bayeux: Opening of the D-Day Festival
From 1 to 30 June at the Musée de la Bataille de Normandie: "The D-day Landings Parachutists" exhibitionFree admission. 8.30pm at the Halle aux Grains: Concert in aid of "Reporters Without Borders"
A renowned artist performs in aid of press freedom and democracy! Admission fee – Reservations at the Tourist Office.

Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 June – Longues-sur-Mer: Reconstruction
2-6pm at the Longues-sur-Mer Battery: Reconstruction of a military camp from the period

Tuesday 5 June – Longues-sur-Mer: "The night they arrived" tribute evening 9.30pm at the Longues-sur-Mer Battery: "The Night of Freedom": an historical and musical event commemorating the D-Day Landings and Second World War performed by 90 musicians, choristers and actors, led by Jean Goujon. Firework finale. ow with English subtitles. Guests are advised to park 500m from the site. Seats available for veterans.

Thursday 7 June - Bayeux: "Bayeux celebrates its liberation!" - a special evening event. 6.30-9pm – Musée de la Bataille de Normandie: special evening opening. 9pm – In front of the museum: "Big Band sur Mers" concert 23 musicians will be on stage to celebrate in style the arrival of the Allies!

Saturday 9 - Bayeux: D-Day Festival closing ceremony 7pm – Hôtel du Doyen gardens: Normandy Day Liberation picnic (bring your own picnic) and dance.

Hotel Promotions in May: all subject to availability

Paris - Hotel des Provinces 90 euros/night double with breakfast and tax included

Cannes - Hotel Belle Plage - offers a Stay 3/Pay 2 - dates very limited; Sea View rooms included.

Special offers/free nights also available in these cities: St Malo (Brittay) and Chambery (Rhone Alpes).

.CALL 800-960-2221 or email: contact@discoverfrance.com for availability on your dates and rate confirmation.

© 2007 Discover France (SM)