Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bayeux Tapestry
Museums and Galleries
Bayeux Tapestry
Embroidered in 1077, this
much-loved treasure unfolds, with
astonishing detail, clarity and
drama, the story of Duke William's
conquest of England. The galleries
leading up to the tapestry bring
the historical background vividly to
life. The cloth itself - all 70 m (230
ft) of it - is displayed behind glass
(see pp12-13)
.
day as possible. The former
maritime station is now home to
Europe's deepest aquarium. An
added attraction is
Le Redoutable
,
the first visitable French nuclear-
powered submarine (built at
Cherbourg). All of this introduces
the visitor to the wonders of the
underwater world, and to human
adventures and achievements
there. Allow three hours for your
visit.
d
Gare Maritime Transatlantique,
Cherbourg
•
Map B2
•
Open Jun-mid-
Sep: 9:30am-7pm daily; mid-Sep-May:
10am-6pm daily. Closed Christmas, New
Year, 2 weeks Jan
•
Adm charge
Le Mémorial de Caen
A moving and contemplative
museum of remembrance, the
Mémorial takes the visitor on a
journey through the causes and
consequences of World War II
and the ensuing Cold War, using
a host of interactive and audio-
visual techniques, as well as
fascinating archive footage. A
recent extension to the museum
acts as a place of reflection on
peace and the means of achiev-
ing it
(see pp24-5)
.
Musée d'Art Américain,
Giverny
Now the venue for exhibitions,
workshops, courses and concerts,
this cultural outpost was first
established to bring back works
by Americans artists who
painted in Giverny at the turn of
the 19th century
(see p36)
.
Cité de la Mer, Cherbourg
This new attraction, which
creates an enthralling “subaquatic
sensation , has proved extremely
popular, so in high season it's
advisable to arrive as early in the
Musée des Beaux-Arts,
Rouen
Monet's study of Rouen Cathedral
and Corot's fine
Quayside Trade
in Rouen
are among the highlights
of this important art museum,
strong on Old Masters as well as
the Impressionists
(see p22)
.
Musée Eugène Boudin,
Honfleur
Honfleur's rich artistic heritage is
celebrated in this appealing
museum, which includes works
by Boudin himself, as well as by
Monet
(see p16)
.
Cité de la Mer, Cherbourg
52
