We went and visited Bayeux - of tapestry fame. We parked and toddled of to the Office Dé Tourisme (Tourism Office) for directions to see the famed tapestry. When we got there we paid a little extra for the audio guide and heading on in.
First we were treated to a replica…awesome. Then went to a little cinema for a presentation, before finally getting to go see the proper (original) tapestry.
We then had a little look around Bayeux before heading back to the camp ground where we had our first Barbecue of the trip. Nice. We later played a game of Boules with some french-speaking fellow campers who were driving around in old WWII vehicles, before heading off to bed.
We started the morning with another lovely French breakfast, but within half an hour we were in the car heading off on our first “excursion”. Thank god for some actual travel - maybe even some adventure!
Our first stop was at the top of the cliff at Arromanches. There was a bit of historical World War II artifacts and things that would likely arouse the attention of history buffs, but It wasn’t all too interesting. I specifically remember an old rusty canon being the most interesting thing on the whole cliff-top area. We also checked out some nice views of Mulberry bay (of which we took many photos).
The view of Mulberry Bay from Arromanches.
We then went to Tracy-Sur-Mer and had a bit of fun on the beach, before then heading to Courseulles-Sur-Mer where we grabbed some lunch. Rhys and I had some frites (chips) and crépes, my parents had some local Muscles - Rhys braved a muscle, but I didn’t want any. I’m sure they were lovely though.
We then went to our final destination of the day, the US War Memorial at Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes.
The US War Memorial at Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes, Normandy, France.
More than 9,000 people are buried here. It’s a very sombre place, and we didn’t speak much. I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, but now looking back it feels a lot more important. Very moving.
By now it was at least four in the afternoon, so we bee-lined it back to the camp ground at Arromanches where we relaxed, ate dinner and read a little bit before drifting off for the night.
This video is simply awesome. Just watch it. A little corny at times, but what the heck.
Very lazy day today. Woke up, went for a bike ride (whilst Dad was looking around trying to find a place that could open to top-box and the lock on the bikes…).
A view of the beach at Arromanches, Normandy, the site of D-Day many years ago.
Had some authentic French lunch and then set off again for another ride around Arromanches - this time with Dad because he had managed to get the top-box open…
