Today we took our first real rest day - puttered on the computer and got the journal up to date, used the laundry facilities at the campground, rested and enjoyed the grounds here at Camping Municipal Bayeux.
We both feel regenerated. Our previous “rest days” had been busy with exploration and touring - we realize that we need to do this every few weeks. So, like so many others we have met here, we will be staying longer than anticipated. The campground’s facilities and location in the town of Bayeux make it easy to stay. Day 2 in Bayeux and off to be tourists on foot for a change - the Bayeux Tapestry and the Cathedral are highlights which we are looking forward to exploring. Bayeux exudes history, a medieval town and one of the few in Normandy to have emerged unscathed from the battle to liberate Normandy during WWII. Just wandering the streets is interesting.
The Bayeux Tapestry which dates back to 1070 was embroidered on linen to tell the story of the conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy, later known as “William the Conqueror”. Despite the very large crowds, it was organized in a way that each person had an audioguide which slowly guided you through the 70 metres of the Tapestry. This took about 1 1/2 hours - it was endlessly fascinating. There is some debate about the accuracy of the story it presents - is it propaganda supporting the conquest or a real depiction of historical events? It does however, give historians valuable visual evidence of how people lived, battled and dressed at that time. Viewing such an ancient artistic document which has survived for centuries is amazing. At one point, it was used as a tarp to cover weaponry. At the beginning of the tapestry. you see King Edward on his deathbed instructing Harold to return to France to officially advise William that he was to be his successor. Harold swore alleigance to William on religious relics. However, upon his return to England, when Edward died, Harold seized the throne and became King of England. This led to William organizing his army and invading Britain in 1066. At the Battle of Hastings, Harold was killed with an arrow through his eye. All of this, and more, was depicted in the tapestry. We paid 4 euros for an excellent tour of The Notre Dame de Bayeux Cathedral. Bishop Odo, the half brother of William the Conqueror, raised the money for and organized the building of the cathedral - which took an incredibly short 50 years. The tour included special access to the hidden treasure room and private areas, such as the Chapter Room where the Bishop and Canons met to discuss matters of the church and the lands they controlled to support the Cathedral. It is a rare gem of Norman architecture. Religious wars, fires, etc. had damaged the church and parts of it were renovated in the Gothic style. The Cathedral is a blend of architecture from 1070, 12th C, 15th C and the 17th C.
