I rarely write about artists on my blog, but Pascal Falisse has to be the exception.
Inches from where British Sherman tanks once traveled to free the French on D-Day, an artist named Pascal Falisse brings life to dull storefront windows throughout downtown Bayeux, France.
Walking through downtown Bayeux in the months leading up to the anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944, you’ll find hundreds of businesses adorning Pascal’s paintings.
Most of his paintings have a signature, simply the word “Pascal” in cursive. Sometimes, another artist’s name, someone who goes by “Geno,” will accompany his work.
All have a motif relating to the liberation of France. Often, aviators, pin-up girls, Generals, swing dancers, and war heroes in love make their way to storefront glass in Bayeux’s business district.
Here is how to visit Pascal Falisse’s ephemeral paintings in Bayeux, the world’s most beautiful and patriotic storefront paintings!
Pascal Falisse has painted business storefronts in Bayeux and nearby towns for over 30 years. Since 1994, Pascal has returned to Bayeux and creates art one brush stroke at a time.
Each spring, many former D-Day troops and tourists travel to Bayeux and Normandy beaches to commemorate a crucial time in history, D-Day.
According to some of the businesses I entered, each one that hires Pascal to paint its windows works closely with him. Together, they choose a motif that relates to their business and pays tribute to D-Day troops, making each painting unique.
Yet, they are all similar by showing scenes and attire that symbolize one special day, June 6, 1944. On this day, called D-Day, Bayeux, France, became the first French town to be liberated by Allied Forces.
Is Pascal Falisse the Best Painter in France?
Many people say that the best art in France is primarily located in Paris in museums such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. After visiting these museums on a 14-day trip to France with my family, I would have to agree.
However, I would also argue that artwork from one of the best painters in France, at least for street art, is under everyone’s nose in Bayeux.
And I’m not talking about just one painting, but hundreds, each more creative and clever than the last.
What’s even crazier is that these fantastic paintings won’t last forever. They’ll eventually fade or wash away unless Pascal repaints them, which he does.
Indeed, this French painter surprises thousands of tourists each year who visit Bayeux for the annual D-Day Festival of Normandy. The year my family and I arrived in Bayeux was just before the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
From June 1 to June 16, 2024, parades, re-enactments of the D-Day landings, fireworks, and concerts celebrated the Battle of Normandy. The festival occurred in Bayeux and on all five D-Day beaches, Ouistreham, and Arromanches.
Where Are Pascal’s D-Day Paintings?
Pascal Falisse’s paintings are in most storefront buildings in downtown Bayeux, France, along the Rue Saint-Jean.
This cobblestone-lined road is the main shopping and dining street in the medieval town of Bayeux, off the coast of Normandy.
There are a lot of Pascal’s paintings throughout the town on the right and left sides of the road.
Pascal has been painting these works of art for over three decades. He will likely paint them by May of each year before the anniversary of D-Day, June 6th.
Directions to Bayeux
The address is Rue Saint-Jean, Bayeux, France. Click here for a pin. To get to Bayeux from the City of Love, take the fast train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Bayeux.
How to Visit Pascal Falisse’s Paintings in Bayeux?
Bayeux is best explored by walking. Fortunately, getting around is easy, and all the paintings can be seen on foot.
You could also travel by bike. If you want to rent a bike, contact Bayeux Bike Rentals.
I would recommend starting your Pascal Falisse art tour around the restaurant Selma Alabama located at 36 Rue Sainte-Jean.
Lastly, consider taking the Tourist Train of Bayeux. For about $8, you can ride around historic Bayeux on a miniature train that passes many storefront businesses.
What to Expect When Visiting Bayeux
I have to be honest. When I got to Bayeux, it was love at first sight. The town had everything travelers could want, including a lengthy historical background, museums, beautiful churches, and friendly locals.
The streets are old cobblestone. If you like macarons, there seems to be a bakery on every corner.
There’s the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux for those who love churches. The Bayeux Tapestry is also within walking distance of all of Pascal Falisse’s downtown art.
The Battle of Normandy Museum displays all the military operations in the summer of 1944. And if you don’t mind day trips, Mont Sainte-Michel and Normandy beaches are a short drive away.
If people in France dislike Americans, you wouldn’t know it by traveling to Bayeux. Locals in Bayeux love Americans, which makes sense given that troops liberated the town in 1944.
Is Visiting Pascal Falisse’s Artwork Worth It?
Yes, it is. Falisse’s artwork is not standard. They are grand works of art.
Each painting captures moments from years past brought to life with each stroke of Pascal’s brush. Not only are they beautiful, but they also create life throughout Bayeux’s main street, Rue Saint-Jean.
The paintings take you back in time—back to the unimaginable feelings of celebration and happiness after Allied Forces freed Bayeux from occupied Germans.
Veterans who served on D-day and their supporters travel to Bayeux annually around this time. They participate in special ceremonies at the Normandy American Cemetery and show respect for their brothers in arms who lost their lives.
Top Tips for Visiting Pascal Falisse’s Paintings
Take a few hours to see all of Pascal’s art. Contact the Bayeux Office of Tourism to determine when his most current paintings are completed that year.
• Start at Selma Alabama Restaurant at 36 Rue Saint-Jean, head northwest
• Shop and eat along the way (several bakeries and candy shops)
• Explore the side streets (while more are on Rue Saint-Jean) for more art
• Walk, ride a bike, or hop on the Tourist Train of Bayeux to view Pascal’s art
Other Things to Do in Around Bayeux
My family used Bayeux as a home base. One day, we took a trip to Mont Sainte-Michel. On the second day, we toured the beaches of Normandy and the Normandy American Cemetery.
Battle of Normandy Museum
The Battle of Normandy Museum is a short walk from Pascal’s works of art. It displays all the military operations across Normandy during the summers of 1944.
Day trip to Mont Saint-Michel
Hire a tour guide and take a 1.5-hour ride to Mont Saint-Michel. You will not regret seeing this old French commune and church built on a granite island.
A guided tour costs about $150 and departs from downtown Bayeux. Allow 8 hours for the tour.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bayeux
It is a stunning and ancient church that was consecrated in 1077. It was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. Entry is free, but be mindful of church services and those worshiping.
Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth 200 feet long. This super-long tapestry depicts the Norman Conquest of England from 1066.
It is worth visiting and should take you about 1.5 hours to two hours to complete. The museum provides an audioguide in 16 languages to explain the entire tapestry.
What makes Pascal’s Paintings So Special?
Pascal Falisse brings moments from after the war back to the streets of Bayeux.
Even more remarkable is that these ephemeral works of art will fade and wash away after months of rain, just as the war stories from Normandy are lost with those who lost their lives on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches.
Don’t miss a visit to Pascal Falisse’s paintings in Bayeux. Only Pascal knows how long he will continue to paint them.
Thanks for learning more about one of the best street artists in France. If you have questions about this article or my 14-day trip to France, please use the comments section below.
