During the Second World War, Bayeux was the first city of the Battle of Normandy to be liberated, and on 16 June 1944 General Charles de Gaulle made the first of two major speeches in Bayeux in which he made clear that France sided with the Allies.

Vigile Pascale, a traditional Great Vigil of Easter service, was held in Abbey Juaye Mondaye near Bayeux, in Normandy. The Order of Premontre (the White Canons) celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus with hundreds of parishioners and tourists.

France and Poland, Roman Catholic countries, consider Easter as one of the most important holidays of the year, a family affair complete with sumptuous traditional meals, Easter eggs, a visit to the church, good wine of course and daytime outings.