Bayeux The Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Bayeux

Bishop Odo, half-brother of William the Conqueror, consecrated the Romanesque cathedral of Bayeux in 1077 in William’s presence, and the embroidery known as the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the conquest of England, was probably made for it. The Gothic choir and spires were added later, above the Romanesque towers and crypt.

On October 31, 1887, Thérèse Martin, not yet fifteen, came with her father to the bishop’s house beside the cathedral to ask Bishop Hugonin for leave to enter the Carmel early. He gave no answer that day. She learned of his consent on January 1, 1888.

Further reading: Lisieux: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Town of Saint Thérèse.

• The cathedralThe Romanesque crypt with its painted angels, and the Gothic choir.
• The former bishop’s houseBeside the cathedral, where Thérèse made her request; it now houses the town’s museum of art and history.

• October 1Feast of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

• Saint Thérèse of LisieuxCarmelite and Doctor of the Church

• Via RosarumThe Way of Roses, five daysDay III, Alençon to Lisieux, by Bayeux

About two and a quarter hours by train from the Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris.

• CaenThe City of Saint John Eudes, about 16 miles as the crow flies
• CoutancesThe Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Coutances, about 37 miles as the crow flies
• LisieuxThe Shrine of Saint Thérèse, about 43 miles as the crow flies
• AvranchesSaint-Gervais and the Scriptorial, about 50 miles as the crow flies