Even though it has been raining on and off since we landed, we have been able to take in some sights between the showers. We drove about 2 hours to Bayeux. The GPS allows us to opt out of express toll roads. This way we could take in more of the small villages on our way although the roundabouts had us constantly counting exits. The toll roads we did take were impressive because they were brand new and almost empty. We learned how the ticket machines operated; they are fast and easy to use because they are so high tech. Take a ticket at the beginning of the road and when you exit, put the ticket into a machine, insert credit card or euros and 2 seconds later, you are off.
We stayed for two nights in Bayeux at an elegant, old manor house, which had been recently renovated with modern airy bathrooms.
They served a hearty breakfast.
Jill made a new friend.
The smoking section.
After breakfast we drove to Omaha Beach, the site of the tragic disembarkment of American soldiers on the Normandy shore. We walked through the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach. There are numerous museums in this region. Many are private and contain artifacts collected by local residents immediately following the war.
A PowerPoint slide video (6 minutes) detailing the allied landings at Normandy’s beaches on D-Day.
A collection of munitions used by the Allies
A number of letters and photographs remember lost loved ones are on display. We are going to pay forward the memory of one hero.
The “Les Braves” Sculpture is quite breathtaking. It is a nine-meter tall stainless steel sculpture by Anilore Ban honoring all those men who landed here on Omaha Beach to liberate France. The sculpture has 3 elements: 1) Wings of Hope, 2) Rise, Freedom!, and 3) Wings of Fraternity.
Our flag flies proudly overlooking Omaha Beach.
A locally owned museum that features a collection of “technology” used during the war
An Alliedl Landing craft
A containerized motorcycle provides soldiers with “portable” transportation
Many examples of 1940’s radio technology were on display.
Vacuum tube “valves” used in radio power amplifiers. Pete remembers buying this technology at the Navy surplus outlet in Torrance during the early 1960s for this Ham Radio hobby.
A medic’s kit of morphine ampules.
A child’s chemical protection suit.
The US Memorial honoring the heroism and sacrifices made by the US Army Rangers in their successful elimination of the German heavy guns overlooking the Normandy coast.
Everywhere in France the “national baguette”crops up in the strangest places.
These are the cliffs scaled by the Rangers at Ponte Du Hoc.
The German fortifications at the top of the cliffs are massive.
Large gun fortifications, built by the Germans, were positioned to fire at ships out to the horizon. These needed to be destroyed by the Rangers in order to allow Allied ships to get within 15 miles of Normandy coast. Once these were removed, it became possible to build sufficient temporary docs on Omaha Beach to begin moving men and supplies on a massive scale to enable the liberation of Europe.
Large multi-room subterranean bunkers underscore the gun emplacements.
We visited the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. Over 3800 fallen Americans are buried here.
The French/American memorial to the American’s who lost their lives is impressive.
Families come to pay their respects for the sacrifices of prior generations.
We then drove back to Bayeaux and took a quick look at the Notre Dame Cathedrale de Bayeaux. Some historians believe that the famous tapestry of Bayeaux was made to adorn the circumference of this church.
Wicker seats fill the knave. How French!
The Bayeux tapestry is like one lengthy graphic novel; it glorifies the role of William the Conqueror during the Battle of Hastings [the successful Norman Invasion of England]. We were not allowed to photograph it, but here is a wall painting of it. An amazing 20 inches high and 230 feet long, the tapestry is an effective historical record, full of color & a bit of humor.
Beheaded man in the left corner
Jill was able to get reservations at one of Bayeux finest restaurants, “La Rapiere,” before we left home. The food and service were superb. A four course price fix meal for $38 (“tip” included)?
Delicate pastries were served prior to the entrée. We enjoyed these with a glass of the local apple cider–Pommeau de Normandie. Bayeaux is in the Calvados area, renown for its apple products.
ENTREE: Tempura prawns
Sorbet swimming in Calvados
PLAT PRINCIPALE: Roast Leg of Lamb with a wonderful sauce and fresh vegetables.
Much attention is played to plating.
DESSERT: Vanilla cheesecake with toffee ice cream, simply yummy!
TARTE AUX FRUITS
Tomorrow, we kidded each other, we will split one asparagus spear to make up for this indulgence.
2 Comments
*Forget it! It is a good thing I am not writing this on paper. It would be covered with drool.
*Enjoy your food – $38 for that meal?! Do they deliver?? The Pearce’s have the 2014 version of your rental, except it has a gawdawful auto transmission. The 2015’s is much improved.
I have to agree with Mike the food looks beautiful