PRESS KIT 2021 rom world-famous beaches to masterpieces of the Middle-Ages, from quaint coastal villages to rolling countryside and the enchanting town of Bayeux, Bayeux Bessin – D-Day Normandie is a fascinating land with an extraordinary story to tell. Situated within two-and-a-half hours from Paris, this little piece of Normandy is a F true gem, a destination to be enjoyed all the year round by the whole family. Whether you wish to pay tribute to the courage and heroism of D-Day soldiers, or if your interests lean towards medieval history, enjoying the great outdoors, or simply soaking up the scenery and indulging in delicious local fare, you will be spoilt for choice. The world-renowned destination also enjoys a packed calendar of events, which means that there is something happening all year round. 2021 promises to be a very busy year with the completion of much awaited projects and the beginning of grand enterprises … En 2021, on verra aussi le début de chantiers d’envergure pour cette destination de dimension internationale ! SUMMARY p.4 Bayeux – A Medieval city p.5 Bayeux – Timeless wonders p.6 Bayeux Bessin – A gateway to ducal Normandy p.7 Art & know-how – A living tradition p.8 Bayeux Bessin – A gateway to the D-Day Beaches p.9 Arromanches – An amazing technical feat p.10 Bayeux – A land of Freedom p.11 Juaye-Mondaye – Pearl of the hinterland p.12 Port-en-Bessin-Huppain – Maritime traditions… p.13 Port-en-Bessin-Huppain – A bustling harbour town p.14 Bayeux Bessin – Enjoying the great outdoors p.15 Bayeux Bessin – Events all year round p.16 Bayeux Bessin – A quality destination Bayeux Intercom tourist office 3 4 place Gauquelin Despallières ( head office ) 14400 BAYEUX Press contact: Katia DEHAYE Tél. 02 31 51 28 24 / 07 85 99 24 65 [email protected] Photo credits : Calvados Tourisme (M. LEROUGE, L. DURAND) Ville de Bayeux (V. MEIGNE, S. GUICHARD) OT Bayeux Intercom (G.WAIT, A.GUERIN, P.LE BRIS, V.MEIGNE, JM.PIEL) Bayeux Museum (M. QUEMENER, S. MAURICE), RMN Grand Palais (T.OLLIVIER) Bayeux Broderie (J. TACK), Caen la Mer (P.MEHDI), Centre Culturel Léopold Sédar Senghor de Port-en-Bessin, Abbaye de Mondaye Prestataires partenaires. ayeux, a medieval city Miracul ously spared from war destruction in 1944, BayeuxB offers exceptional heritage and a beautifully preserved historical centre, to be explored during a stroll on the banks of the river Aure or along the charming cobbled streets. Among the city’s most emblematic buildings are the magnificent cathedral, a gem of Norman architecture, dedicated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror and one of the most remarkable urban residences in the area, the former Bishop’s palace (11th-16th centuries). Touring the Old Town… Aboard the little train… hop on and enjoy a 35 minute tour with a commentary. At your own pace… follow 23 information panels dotted along this self-guided walk. Follow the guide ! During school holidays, the Tourist Office of Bayeux Intercom organises guided tours of the cathedral and of the old town. BAYEUX TIMELESS WONDERS The Bayeux Tapestry This thousand-year-old authentic embroidery is one of the rare UNESCO “Memory of the World” artefacts exposed to the public. Set in the days of strongholds and castles, the Tapestry recounts, in the manner of a comic strip, the Epic Adventure of William the Conqueror, the famous Duke of Normandy, who travelled to Hastings in 1066 in order to seize the throne of England. 5 The Cathedral of Bayeux Standing like a beacon in the historic centre of Bayeux, the cathedral is a gem of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its history is as captivating as its towers are tall: built on the remains of the Gallo-Roman city of Augustodurum, the cathedral was dedicated in 1077 by Odo de Conteville, in the presence of his illustrious step-bother William the Conqueror. It was also the original showcase for the Bayeux Tapestry, which thanks to new technology returns virtually to the nave in the winter event “William’s Cathedral”. The Baron Gérard Art and History Museum (MAHB) The MAHB unfolds its collections in the grandest parts of the former episcopal palace. Set out in 14 sections, the museum explores Bayeux rich cultural heritage through some 5 000 objects of various nature (archaeological and ethnographical artefacts, paintings and engravings, Bayeux porcelain and lace… From the entrance through the oldest chapel of the building (13th century), the visit is a journey through 5 000 years of history, from Prehistory to the 20th century... FOCUS: GLASS VASE BY LOUIS ETIENNE DESMANT (Coll. MAHB) Local productions in the Art Nouveau style This hand-blown and moulded vase reminiscent of Japanese art in its shape and iridescent motifs, was made around 1890-1895 and is one of the rare glass pieces - some of which are on display at the Musée d'Orsay - attributed to Desmant. Better known for his artistic ceramics, Desmant moved to Subles, not far from Bayeux, in 1895 and used local clay to create glazed pieces displaying new shapes and decorations perfectly in keeping with his time. Exhibited in the MAHB… BAYEUX BESSIN, GATEWAY TO DUCAL NORMANDY While the city of Bayeux watches over the "Telle du Conquest" (another name for the famous Tapestry), the territory of Bayeux Bessin also holds treasures of medieval architecture: abbeys, castles, and many fortified farms, nestled in the rolling countryside. Among them, the abbey of Sainte-Marie of Longues-sur-mer, the priory of Saint-Gabriel and the church of Saint-Martin de Ryes give a precious insight into life in the Middle-Ages. The golden triangle of remembrance for William the Conqueror - Bayeux is the ideal starting point to explore historical sites linked to the most illustrious figure of ducal Normandy: Falaise and its castle, cradle of the future duke and king of England, th e château of Caen, built by William in 1060 and the Abbaye aux Dames, founded around the same time by his wife Matilda. Abbaye aux Dames The château of Falaise The château of Caen William the Conqueror’s Route is a horse-riding itinerary (129 miles) in eight stages connecting the Baie des Veys to Falaise. Part of the itinerary follows the route taken by William the Conqueror as he engaged on a wild ride in the winter of 1047, whilst fleeing from the Norman barons. FOCUS: NEW SHOWCASE FOR THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY Advances by leaps and bounds on the digital front The Bayeux Tapestry has been keeping busy the greatest experts since 2013, with the creation of a new showcase for the precious cloth. In France and abroad, specialists in textile conservation and restoration, eminent historians and experts in digital development work together on the conservation, presentation and contextualization of the original embroidery in order to enrich the experience of visitors. With regards to the digital aspect of the project, which includes the creation of mediation tools 2021 will see the launch of an online version of the work in high definition, accessible to the public from the safety of their home... « A shuttle service is available from Bayeux, throughout the year. ART & KNOW HOW A LIVING TRADITION The Bayeux area enjoys an exceptionally rich history of craftsmanship. Ancestral techniques such as embroidery (the Bayeux stich, originally used in the 11th century for the Tapestry), bobbin lace and Bayeux porcelain, are still very much alive and continue to be taught by enthusiasts, thus ensuring the continuity of local traditions and crafts. Bayeux Lace - Savoir-Faire and luxury Hand-made bobbin lace was introduced to Bayeux in 1676. Impressing the most prestigious Maisons in Paris with exquisite shawls, stoles and dress trimmings, the trade reached its peak in the 19th century. Up to 3500 lace-makers were active then, working for the Maison Lefébure. Today, the tradition lives on thanks to the expert hands of the lace-makers at the Conservatory workshop, situated in the Adam & Eve house, one of the city’s oldest timber-framed buildings. Besides offering private tuition in lace-making, their creations are used today in Haute-Couture. 7 The Bayeux stitch – History embroidered on linen This particular stitch was used in the 11th century to create the Bayeux Tapestry. Today Chantal James still uses the same technique in her studio. She offers enthusiasts the opportunity to learn the stitch and reproduce scenes from the Tapestry. Halfway between tradition and innovation, Chantal also develops the technique by applying it to different themes and different mediums. Bayeux porcelain For almost 140 years (1812-1951), the Savoir-Faire of 3 dynasties of porcelain-makers was celebrated around the world. The first productions were of oriental inspiration, then moving towards a motif inspired by apple blossom. Finally the very popular "daisy" decor was replaced after the war by the production of essentially utilitarian items such as crockery, laboratory objects and street signs... « The former Bishop palace serves as a showcase for the outstanding collections of Bayeux Lace and Bayeux porcelain. New in 2021: a virtual tour of the museum! BAYEUX BESSIN, GATEWAY TO THE D-DAY BEACHES Bayeux was the point of convergence for many Heads of State, who had come to encourage their men in the weeks that followed the Normandy Landings; the city is an ideal historical starting point to visit the world-famous beaches. In the early hours of 6 June 1944, one of the most extraordinary pages of contemporary history began to be written on the coast of Normandy: Operation Overlord, the landing of the Allied forces. On the shores of Bessin and Cotentin, strategic sectors had been attributed to the liberators; their code names, kept secret until D-Day are now known around the world: Omaha Beach, Utah Beach « (US), Gold Beach, Sword Beach (GB) and Juno Beach (CAN).