Bayeux British War Cemetery: A Place of Remembrance
Pay tribute to the fallen at France's largest Commonwealth war cemetery, a poignant memorial to WWII soldiers in the heart of Normandy.
Located in Bayeux, Normandy, the Bayeux British War Cemetery is a somber and moving tribute to the soldiers who fought and died during the Second World War. Completed in 1952, it is the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in France, containing 4,144 Commonwealth burials from the Second World War, with 338 of them unidentified. The cemetery also holds over 500 war graves of other nationalities, predominantly German. The cemetery is meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), ensuring that the graves and grounds are kept in pristine condition. The headstones, all uniform in size and material, bear the names, regiments, and ages of the fallen, along with inscriptions chosen by their families. Walking through the rows of graves, visitors are struck by the youth of many of the soldiers, a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Opposite the cemetery stands the Bayeux Memorial, a white stone structure that commemorates more than 1,800 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the early stages of the campaign and have no known grave. The memorial bears a Latin inscription that reads: "Nos a Gulielmo victi, victor is patriam liberavimus," which translates to: "We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror's native land". This inscription references William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion of England in 1066, highlighting the historical ties between Normandy and Britain. The Bayeux War Cemetery stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Britain and France, and a place where visitors can reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom.
Local tips
- Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to fully experience the cemetery and memorial.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on grass and paved surfaces.
- Consider downloading the CWGC's 'For Evermore' app for a virtual tour and to learn more about the individuals commemorated.
- Visit the nearby Battle of Normandy Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context.
- Check the Bayeux Museum website for occasional free guided tours of the cemetery.
A brief summary to Bayeux British War Cemetery
- 1945 Bd Fabian Ware, Bayeux, 14400, FR
Getting There
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Walking
From the Bayeux city center, the cemetery is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head southwest on Rue Saint-Jean, then turn left onto Boulevard d'Eindhoven, which becomes Boulevard Fabian Ware. The cemetery will be on your left, opposite the Bayeux Memorial.
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Public Transport
The Réseau Nomad Car bus line operates from the Bayeux train station (Gare SNCF) to a stop near the cemetery. From the train station, take the bus towards the city center and disembark at the Saint-Patrice stop. From there, it is a short walk to the cemetery. Bus tickets cost approximately €2.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Bayeux. A taxi ride from the Bayeux train station or city center to the cemetery will take approximately 5-10 minutes and cost between €5-€15. Taxi stands are located at the train station and in the main square of Bayeux.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available at the Musée de la Bataille de Normandie (Battle of Normandy Museum), which is about 300 meters from the cemetery. From the parking area, follow the pedestrian path alongside Boulevard Fabian Ware to reach the cemetery entrance. Parking is free.
