Normandy trip - Day 2

Day 2. Bayeux and the Beaches.

After breakfast of croissants, cheese and cafe au lait we spent some time exploring the streets of Honfleur which were blooming with summer flowers. We always like to step beyond the main tourist streets and this time was no exception. James did a great job tackling the hills and was allowed, as usual, to light a candle at the church of St Leonard.

Returning to our car in its secure park we drove to Bayeux, home of the famous, 1000 year old tapestry. First we looked around Notre Dame, bearing a striking resemblance to its sister in Paris. Unfortunately it was closed and we couldn't get in but the outside was impressive enough! I ducked into a patisserie and bought an almond meringue to share. That kept a certain little boy quiet for a while!

The Bayeux Tapestry tour had an audio guide which told the story of its commissioning by the Bishop Odo of Bayeux, William the Conqueror's half-brother and the main story of William's Battle at Hastings and ascension to the English throne in 1066. At 70 metres long the tapestry is more like an embroidery and is thought to be produced in the decade after the famous battle.

Heading a short distance north we wanted to visit the D-day beaches where the allies landed in their droves in June 6th, 1944. Here at Omaha Beach is a memorial to the American soldiers that fell liberating France, and further up at Juno Beach is the huge Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. This cemetery, atop a steep cliff overlooking the English Channel is a beautiful setting for the final resting place for over 20,000 men and women. It is a place of reflection and quiet respect.

By now the day was ending so we parked at Courseulles-sur-Mer and had dinner at a bistro. Darren and Gill especially enjoyed the fresh mussels and local apple cider. We took the slow coast road back to Honfleur in the evening light.

Photos are here.