#8: Normandy and Paris
For years I had longed to visit Mont Saint-Michel, the Gothic-style Benedictine abbey that stands out approximately one kilometre from the northwest coast of France. I finally got the chance when I rented a house in Normandy with my friend Laurie.
We flew to Paris, rented a car and drove to our house in Lonlay d’Abbaye, near Domfront.
Normandy
During our 2 week trip, we visited:
- the beaches of Normandy, where World War II was fought. It was quite moving to visit the museums and learn about the war. (Check out the “D-day And The Normandy Invasions” post)
- Arromanches
- Juno Beach
- Beny-Sur-Mer (Canadian Cemetery)
- Bayeux and Caen war museums
- Alencon (D Day celebration)
- other sites in Normandy including:
- Bagnoles sur ‘Orne (very pretty town) for dinner
- Honfleur
- Bayeux tapestries
- Bayeux Notre Dame Cathedral
- drive to Mont St. Michel via St. Hilaire
- crazy busy due to market day
- took a tour of the abbey with a tour guide
- had the famous omelette at Mere Poulard
Cheese and Brandy
Normandy is also known for cheese: Camembert. Pont L’eveque, Livarot, Neuchatel. Some are very strong and some just melt in your mouth. We stopped at Le President to sample these four cheeses.
Besides cheese, however, Normandy is known for Calvados (apple brandy) and I have developed a strong liking for Pommeau, which is a combination of apple juice and Clavados. It makes a great apératif.
Back To Paris
On our way back to Paris, we stopped in Chartres and spent the night in Versailles.
Back in Paris:
- we did a lot of walking to Canal Saint Martin, the Louvre Museum, Luxembourg Gardens
- had a great dinner at Guy Savoy’s restaurant by the Seine River called, “Les Bouquinistes” (the restaurant is still in operation). Address: 53, quai des Grands Augustins
- Dinner consisted of a cucumber and feta salad, duck with apples, Burgundy wine, and chocolate mousse with mint sorbet