France

Bordeaux, A City With a Well-Earned Reputation

12-16 October 2019

One mentions Bordeaux and one immediately thinks “wine.” There is so much more!

There were several statistics which prove we are in the right city. There are almost 300,000 acres of grape vines planted in the 65 appellations of Bordeaux. Over 8500 winegrowers and 300 trading houses produce and sell almost one billion bottles of wine each year. Ninety percent of this wine is red while just 10% is white. Bordeaux is definitely my kind of place!

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By Pat, ago

Le Mont-Saint-Michel

11 October 2019

I visited this historic site in the spring of 1980. At that time, the climb to the top and visit of the cathedral was pleasant and uncrowded. Times have changed but, because I am in the neighborhood, I have returned to climb again, wander its streets, and spend some quiet time enjoying the views from its magnificent abbey.

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By Pat, ago

Saint-Malo, France

11 October 2019

I may have left my tears in Normandy, but I definitely left my heart in Saint-Malo.

I drove past it’s huge port with fishing boats, yachts and catamarans, but once over their hydronic lift bridge, Saint-Malo begins to shine. Saint-Malo is an historic French port in Brittany on the Channel coast. On a clear day, I can see the south coast of the Normandy peninsula. And there are plenty of opportunities to gaze out over their turquoise and blue waters doing just that. The Malouins are lucky people. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Bayeux, France

8 October 2019

What Caen lacked in charm is more than made up for by the city of Bayeux. Unlucky Caen suffered heavy bombardment, destroying over 70% of its buildings; Bayeux was one of the few Normandy towns completely spared from destruction. It remains a beautiful historic city with cobblestone streets to wander and charming architecture to appreciate.

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By Pat, ago

Normandy

5-10 October 2019

In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons. – Herodotus

Omaha Beach

Listening to Beethoven’s Fifth Sympathy as background music for opening scenes of The Longest Day is an appropriate introduction to what will be a week of museums and sites which tell the story of the longest day in the memories of thousands of men who survived the invasion of Normandy. June 6th, 1944 – the day when Evil witnessed the biggest Armada the world has ever known.

Every human being should recognize the significance of June 6, 1944. D-Day = “The Day.” June 5 was D-1, June 7 was D+1. June 6, 1944 was D-Day, a day that changed the course of history.

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By Pat, ago

Caen, France

4 October 2019

I admit, I am underwhelmed with the city of Caen. However, it’s an easy reach by train from Paris, it has some historical sites, one terrific museum, and is a good location from which to rent a car with which to explore Normandy. And, I should not be too critical. Post-War reconstruction of complete districts led to its urbanization and inevitable loss of historic Norman charm.

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By Pat, ago

Rouen, France

October 2-3, 2019

Walking Rouen has all the makings of meeting a fantastic, memorable city. It seems to have it all: history, architecture, parks, squares, cathedrals, and cafes. And brazen little sparrows who clean up you croissant crumbs while I enjoy a coffee. I am definitely putting Rouen on my list of favorite cities. There is much to see and do in this capital of the Normandy. And to hear: the bells of Rouen’s churches can be heard throughout the day. (more…)

By Pat, ago