Feeling refreshed after our nap, we decided to go back in to Bayeux for a little bit more wandering. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux, or Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux, was consecrated on July 14, 1077, in the presence of
William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, and his
wife Matilda.
The cathedral was completed during the reign of William the Conqueror. It was built in about fifty years, and for several centuries it housed the famous Bayeux Tapestry, commissioned by Odon de Conteville, Bishop of Bayeux and half-brother of William. In 1204, when Normandy became part of the Kingdom of France, it was a prosperous city, dominated by the church. In the 18th century the town began to modernize and the castle and walls were dismantled.
There
are number cathedrals with "Notre Dame" in their name. That is simply
French for "Our Lady." I Googled "Our Lady Catholic Church" and 185
Million results showed up! There were 92 Million results when I
searched on "Notre Dame Church." Both are very common names for
Catholic churches. The most well known "Notre Dame" is in Paris, which we would see the next day.
We walked around the outside for quite a while. As with most cathedrals in Europe, this was massive!
We followed the signs to the entrance.
The inside was impressive as well.
We were still full from lunch, so we headed back to our château. It was time to pack again. Next stop - Paris!
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