Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux)

Despite its name, the Bayeux Tapestry is technically not a tapestry but an embroidery. True tapestries have their designs woven into the fabric during production, while the Bayeux work features wool thread stitched onto a linen backing using stem stitch and laid work techniques.

The tapestry contains a depiction of Halley's Comet, which appeared in the sky in April 1066 and was seen as an omen. This is the earliest known artistic representation of the comet and allows astronomers to verify its orbital calculations back nearly a millennium.

During World War II, Heinrich Himmler ordered the tapestry to be taken to Germany, believing it depicted Germanic heritage. The Louvre's curators managed to delay the transfer repeatedly until Paris was liberated in August 1944, saving the tapestry from potential loss or destruction.

The final section of the tapestry is missing. Scholars estimate that 6-7 meters have been lost, which likely depicted William the Conqueror's coronation in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. The existing ending is abrupt, showing the English fleeing after Harold's death.