Planning a trip to Bayeux

Arriving -- Eleven trains depart daily from Paris’s Gare St-Lazare. The 2 1/2-hour trip to Bayeux costs from 16€ f booked in advance online (www.sncf-connect.com or call tel. 36-35). To drive to Bayeux from Paris (trip time: 3 hr.), take A13 to Caen and E46 west to Bayeux.

Visitor Information -- The Office de Tourisme is on Rue St. Jean (www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com; tel. 02-31-51-28-28).

Special Events -- The town goes wild on the first weekend in July during Fêtes Médiévales (lesmedievales.bayeux.fr ;t

el. 02-31-92-03-30); the streets fill with market stalls, medieval dress, and themed treats during 2 days of medieval revelry. In mid-June, Bayeux is the finishing point for the annual Tour de Normandie (www.tourdenormandie.com; tel. 06-28-33-00-75), a classic car race that winds through the Normandy countryside in elegant style.

ATMs/Banks -- There are banks throughout town, particularly along rue Saint-Malo.

Mail & Postage -- La Poste rue Larcher (tel. 36-31).

Pharmacies -- Pharmacie St Martin, 20 rue St Martin (tel. 02-31-92-00-22).