Why Normandy?

When I asked my husband where he wanted to go for holidays in Europe, said he wanted to see Normandy Beach on the north coast of France. The only words that came scrambling out of my mouth were Normandy WHY '?

The work in my life to travel more, Europe has become a popular choice, and I never had the desire to visit the battlefields of Normandy. When traveling I tend to all locations exciting, charming and funny than grim. So when he said, in Normandy, my hopes for agreat vacation withered. Noticed how much this meant to him, I admitted with a request if you could live in the abbey of Mont Saint Michel, I would agree on the battlefields of Normandy.

So there it was, the deal was done, so we exchanged miles for airline tickets to France. We arrived early morning in Paris, the track attracted historic Caen (pronounced CAH) and picked up our rental car from the medieval town of Bayeux (pronounced Bay-te) in September E 'was difficultAdmit it, but drive the country roads to our destination was not what I expected. Green, juicy, sweet apple orchards and horse farms scattered countless small hills.

When we entered the village of Bayeux, drove felt very nostalgic. It reminded me of the south coast of California in the '60s and '70s. Lively beyond measure with tourists rummaging boutique-style images of buildings quite regularly from old French history. Locals andThe tourists were sitting at tables, drinking coffee or relax with a beer in a bar sidewalk. Bayeux, to accommodate the largest tapestry in the world that I will mention later, I found, was charming and inviting known.

We checked into our hotel, the Grand Hotel du Luxembourg, deposited our luggage and went downtown to see some of the attractions. We walked the narrow streets with markets, the colored boxes of fresh products had lined placed outside their doorsTends to protect the living. Restaurants with travelers happy, shops, a bounty of fun and interesting concept, and sills with summer flowers by locals, who lived above the businesses tend to be filled. There was a small bustling brasserie across the road from our hotel with university students singing, dancing and drinking beer filled. It looked fun, but we decided to try a little cafe on the picturesque River Aure. After a long day of travel and a good meal, wedecision to return to the hotel to rest for a good start to tour the next day.

We woke up early, had a good continental breakfast in the hotel, then hopped in the car for a short drive from Omaha Beach. What struck me most is how quiet this tourist attraction, and it was great. The beach was full of families seemed to be a quarter of a mile wide. Children were constructed by the collapse of small frothy surf, sand castles, and picnic with hisParents bright colored umbrellas, while others prefer the dogs have played frisbee thrown. The surrounding hills, which were merged on the beach of poppy flowers in a sort of fusion of color cover with red, yellow, purple and white. But within this tranquil setting are the remains of a terrible past, the D-Day. The remains of bunkers that Nazi Germany had built a slope filled. A walk in this building you can see how the drum can be strategically planned for the fight, concrete wallsto protect the troops arriving from Arsenal and shields for the soldiers to shoot their targets. There were more than 34,000 American troops stormed the beaches that day, along with Canadian and British troops to other nearby beaches. More than 3,000 soldiers have died in Normandy on the day this fight for freedom. Even if this war fought long ago in Europe, I have nothing but gratitude for what these young people were willing to give his life for.

Next we went toAmerican Cemetery at Omaha, an interesting place. A quiet park-like setting with HEW deep blue of the English Channel as a backdrop. There are 9,383 graves, the cemetery covers 172 acres. tombstones of white marble crosses and Stars of David are in perfect harmony of lines engraved with the names of the soldiers and their ranks in the marble. Full of tourists of all nationalities, one could say how deep some of them have been moved. Some were, they came to lay flowers on the gravesby his father, brother, grandfather or friend that was lost long ago. Others were there to remember the Second World War, and hopes for a better future. A few came back to experiencing that infamous day. Then I saw these people I was filled with quiet reflection and curiosity. I wanted these people were and what they know. To thank them for their courage and say they have made a difference in the world. It 'was a very moving experience.

Also on the program was Pointe du Hocfamous quote for the air raid by the 8th U.S. Air Force Air Command and the British bomber. Protected by the Germans in their thick concrete bunker, took the Americans and British in the sky, bombarding the landscape the way for ground forces in motion and then take on the hills of Normandy. This is a cliff overlooking Omaha and Utah beaches, now a large park is still with craters left by the bombing of the war covered. The park is now filled with childrenhappy to explore any other races around the first remains of the bunker next, while parents in the history of this day, the bear has changed the course of World War II. We had fun poking around the crater and find out how deep the bunker with his extensive network of trenches were.

It was time to return to Bayeux, take the winding streets of the French country was a highlight for me. The reverse commute is walking through the quaint half-timbered villageswith showy geraniums growing in window boxes in front of the open second story windows and coffee busy with locals and tourists, full of knowing. If some of these small towns find museums humbly with various World War II memorabilia. Look at different military uniforms from the United States, the Germans and the French Resistance, original, rusted tanks and old letters to their loved ones far away artillery. Along the roads you often see ridershappy riding on horses through the elegant streets and green landscape. Then stop at one of the many farms to buy fresh local produce.

The next morning, after a quick breakfast we set out to explore Calvados County. Calvados, a region in Normandy, is a distilled alcohol made from fermented apples that made a delicious taste of brandy with a hint of fruit. Travel to farms Calvados is very similar to a journey through the wine region with a taste test of allRegion. It usually starts with a bottle of 3 years with the highest quality end to 30 years or more. The producers of Calvados very proud of their mixtures up to 25 different varieties of apples and spices, and glad to know that all they have to offer sample. Although my husband was linked with Calvados and cider made fresh on the farm, was sweet, refreshing, and the taste of apple juice I have personally tasted.

Already inBayeux is a unique historical document in the largest tapestries in the world. This unique piece tells the story of William the Conqueror in detail. From its humble origins to the defeat of his cousin, Harold of Wessex 14th October 1066, recorded everything on this 231ft. Cloth. Some say that the wife of William Matilda tapestry would be more likely brother of William Bishop Odo of Bayeux be embroidered. They argued that he wanted the story of his family displayThe Cathedral of Bayeux. At 58 stories woven into the carpet you will see how William the illegitimate son of a respected Duke became the King of England. This was after Harold was killed with the sword during the Battle of Hastings. This story is well-preserved one of the best resources in the history of Europe. Make sure you take the audio headset for about 8 €.

After visiting the tapestry through the narrow streets of Bayeux go hand in hand walked,The inclusion into the atmosphere of this medieval city. After stopping for a cappuccino and chocolate croissant we went down to the river Aure L '. Lined by shady trees and old-fashioned building, where you can see historic wooden water wheels still in use today. Walking on the small bridge in Roman style, we felt carefree and relaxed but at the same time with this wonderful place. Returning to the hotel, we decided, through the many shops of Bayeux bag, we found peak complex produced by local artisans, theattended the Conservatory of The Dentelle de Bayeux. The conservatory has 17 Century filed by the art of lace. Another big one is of a type of hand-painted porcelain, tapestries and ceramics creative. The city is not lacking in tourist souvenirs. Bayeux also has a Saturday market with fresh produce, cultured and full of boats at Place Saint Patrice. If you can be sure of regional specialties like business, to stop.

Bayeux is easy to navigate alone,but for those who have information and maps in hand, you can find the latest information about Information Center in rue Saint Jean de L'Aure River. The staff has good advice on where to go and what to see. If you have or are looking for guided tours to historical sites, tasting of Calvados, a classic French cuisine cooking course that can help them. You can find most of their brochures are printed in French, most speak enough English to communicate what you need ashow to make accessible to the target and what if. You can also find more information about http://www.strictlyeurope.com

A holiday in Normandy was not what I expected. Fascinating and beautiful beyond compare coupled with the educational aspect, this region is a treasure that is a favorite of the family that we once again for a visit.