Even better than 2019, the year of crowds for the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
The three museums of Bayeux did well in 2023 with “557,000 visitors, a record for more than fifteen years”, smiles Loïc Jamin, deputy mayor in charge of tourism.
The Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy and, as a figurehead, the Bayeux Tapestry (423,000 visitors alone), are driving the counters crazy in the capital of Bessin.
They will reopen in February after their annual January break.
However, 2023 was not predestined to stand out from the rest.
Several factors explain the phenomenon, within an inherently attractive city.
“The return of foreigners is confirmed in the post-Covid period and we are seeing an increase in French customers,” notes Loïc Jamin.
And then, the Tapestry was very present in the media.
» Documentaries on public channels, a “Murders in Bayeux”, a detective TV film from the France 3 series or even an episode of “À tout berzingue”, the historic video by Lorant Deutsch (48,000 views on YouTube) offered a pretty showcase of the medieval jewel and the city.
The 80th anniversary of D Day in sight
Bayeux also serves as a rear base of choice for tourists interested in the D-Day beaches.
A position with major benefits: “A lot of tours leave from here,” says Simon, receptionist at the Reine Mathilde hotel in the city center.
We receive about 70% Americans.
They come for the beaches but almost all visit the museums.
» Easy in a town where “everything is just a few minutes away”.
“People from all over the world go to the Tapestry,” says Marie-Noëlle, a resident.
There were a lot of them last summer.
» Enough to make the attendance of Bayeux museums a promising indicator of the tourist health of Bayeux.
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“Here, people speak English in the streets all year round,” say Franck and Alex.
These two locals do not particularly have the feeling of having seen more people in 2023 and for good reason: “There are a lot of visitors as usual.
It makes for a city that lives!
»
The commune (excluding the urban area) has a little over 13,500 inhabitants but boasts a certain dynamism thanks to its geographical and cultural assets.
“We meet people, we hear English, German, Dutch.
There are also a lot of activities with the Bayeux War Reporters Prize, the well-known medieval festivals… With the museums, the cathedral, it’s a whole,” greets Marie-Noëlle.
The locals seem to appreciate the atmosphere, as do the professionals.
Because after a successful 2023 vintage, here comes the year of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. “The hotel is already almost full for the season,” breathes Simon, the receptionist.
There are many groups who come for a fortnight.
And they will go and visit the museums.”
Loïc Jamin agrees “that it will be difficult to do more.
We're full of summer.
Perhaps accommodate a few more people on the wings of the summer season and in December.
» The effect of the 80th will have repercussions for several years.
Bayeux intends to retain and attract a new clientele seen recently, tempted by a stay, often short, of itinerant discovery of the city and its surroundings.
With a Tapestry Museum largely modernized in 2027, Bayeux has prospects and also points of vigilance such as housing.
“In my street, housing has been transformed to accommodate tourists.
It removes long-term residents from the center,” warns Marie-Noëlle.
A price for success that elected officials keep an eye on.