#8: Normandy and Paris

Mont Saint-Michel, France.
Mont Saint-Michel, France. Photo: J. Chung

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

House in Domfort, France.
House in Domfort, France. Photo: J. Chung
Canadian War Cemetrary in Beny-Sur-Mer, France.
Canadian War Cemetrary in Beny-Sur-Mer, France. Photo: J. Chung
Arromanches-les-Bains, France.
Arromanches-les-Bains, France. Photo: J. Chung

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)

      Honfleur Normandy France
      Honfleur Normandy France
  • 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.

Normandy Cheese.
Normandy Cheese. Photo: J. Chung

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

Trip #8 To France_ Normandy, Chartres, and Paris