We spent halfterm in France, in the Calvados region in Normandy, near the D-Day landing beaches. This is Gold beach at Arromanches, one of the British landing beaches. The structures you see in the distance are the remains of a Mulberry Harbour, which was a temporary harbour constructed during the allied invasions.
This was one of the most moving places we visited: the American Cemetery and Memorial at Omaha Beach. More than nine thousand crosses mark the graves of the soldiers that lost their lives during the invasion. We were there the day before the anniversary, and the graves were marked with French and American flags. There's a cliff that overlooks the beach, with a steep path down to the beach, and it gives you a sense of the enormous challenge these soldiers faced.
I had to add a pic of this Bar Restaurant near the D-Day beaches in Saint Laurent Sur Mer. Quite possibly the WORST meal I have ever eaten in my ENTIRE life (and that includes Scotland in the 80s!) A microwave hamburger that was in the microwave a little too long and rancid chicken. In France! I shudder as I write this...
Here are the famous waterlilies at Monet's garden in Giverny. The gardens were a bit of a drive from Houlgate (1 1/2 hours) but well worth it and late May is a great time to visit. I've visited the gardens before in August and it was heaving. In May it is quiet and there are irises, wall flowers, violets, roses...
...oh, and the peonies!
This is on our trip to Bayeux, mainly to see the famous Tapestry. There is also a large cathedral there, with lovely stained glass windows.
And one cannot have a trip to Normandy without visiting Honfleur, possibly the most picturesque town on the coast. Monet and his buddies used to hang out here and paint.
My personal favourite: the beach in Deauville! We rented an umbrella, deck charis and brought a picnic lunch that included a chilled bottled of chardonnay. Perfect!
I reviewed Keycamp and the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso while I was there ... check out those posts if you are so inclined.
How was your half term?
