Bayeux is famous in numerous circles. Home to the Bayeux tapestry, depicting William the Conqueror taking England will be its own separate post. Another post will talk about chemistry and weaving. It is likely most currently famous for WWII. Bayeux is known as the gateway to the landing beaches and was the first town liberated in France on June 7, 1944.
More than any other place we visited in France, the people here remember and celebrate liberation day. As we were there in June we saw remembrances all over the windows. It is also a source of tourism as many people visiting the beaches stay here and take day trips.
It is a lovely memorial and cemetery, thoughtful.
There is also an excellent WWII museum.
Even just to see the outside display of tanks.
As someone who knows just the bare bones of history, I found the displays informative. Here is how to tell the American ranks.
Excellent overview of the plan.
Then details
displayed chronologically.
There was a ton more info on specific actions, great dioramas and artifacts. I am fascinated by logistics, so I loved this corner where they discuss transportation logistics.
So clever!! Fifty men could hand assemble a bridge in four hours.
Bailey bridge in action
They knew rail lines were going to be needed to transport everything, but they also knew that rails were going to be all blown up from the war, so they planned on having to rebuild it and supply the locomotives. Holy cow that is some top notch planning.
That ring road is still the main road around the today to this day.
And they even made a plan for the dead. Wow.
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