The Bayeux Medieval FestivalThree days in the Middle Ages, ten minutes from the campsite
In early July, the historic centre of Bayeux turns into a medieval town: a craftsmen’s market at the foot of the cathedral, encampments, costumed parades, musicians and street performances in the narrow streets spared by the war.
Bayeux can play the Middle Ages without a stage set: a Romanesque and Gothic cathedral, intact lanes, a river running through the town, and the Tapestry, the 11th-century embroidered account of William's conquest of England, which will return to its renovated museum after its stay in London. For a long weekend at the start of summer, the town dresses up: stalls, encampments, jousting, falconry and early music. Camping Portland is ten minutes away by road, in Port-en-Bessin.
The dates
Every year- Early Julya long weekend
- 3 daysfrom Friday to Sunday
- Historic centrearound the cathedral
The festival takes place in the old town, around the cathedral and along the river Aure. The full programme is published by the town in spring.
Getting there
From the campsite- 10 kmto Bayeux
- 10 minby car
- Trainfrom Caen
You reach Bayeux via the D6, straight on from Port-en-Bessin, or via the N13 from Caen. As the centre is closed to traffic during the festival, park in the outlying car parks and finish on foot.
Useful to know
Before you go- Freeaccess to the streets and market
- Costumes welcomeyoung and old
- Cathedralto visit next door
The street entertainment is free; some shows or tours may be paid. Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Reporters' Memorial can be visited on the same day.
The festival, seen from the campsite
A market, encampments and streets in costume
Craftsmen at work, leather and forge stalls, encampments pitched on the squares, bands of musicians, fire-eaters, falconers: for two days, the centre of Bayeux is handed over to re-enactment companies and street performers.
It is one of the easiest days out to do with children: everything is within walking distance, mostly free of charge, and you can slip away at any moment towards the cathedral or the banks of the Aure.
The cathedral, a stone's throw away
It's hard to come to Bayeux without stepping into Notre-Dame Cathedral: a Romanesque and Gothic nave, an 11th-century crypt with its angel musicians, and all around, the lanes of old Bayeux that provide the backdrop to the festival. The Tapestry itself is on display in London while its museum is renovated, closed until 2027.
From the campsite, the day is easy to plan: Bayeux in the morning and afternoon, back along the coast, then the beach and the heated water park at the campsite at the end of the day.
Early July, the start of the season
The medieval festival falls at the very start of the summer holidays: accommodation in the Bessin fills up quickly at that time. A stay at the campsite lets you combine the medieval weekend, the D-Day beaches and the sea.
The campsite is open from April to the autumn holidays, five kilometres from Omaha Beach, with 5-star cottages and pitches.
Frequently asked questions about the Medieval Festival
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The other events
The D-Day Festival Normandy
The Normandy Beach Race
The Équidays
The Rétro Festival in Caen
The Beauregard Festival
Halloween at the campsite
Your base camp in Normandy
5-star cottages and a 2,020 m² heated water park, in Port-en-Bessin facing the Channel.
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