In addition to the D-Day Landing beaches, we are fortunate to have within easy reach two of France's greatest treasures.

THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY describes in graphic detail the most famous date in English history: 1066 and the invasion of England by William the Conqueror. 70 metres in length, and 50 centimetres in height, it tells in 58 scenes the story of the events leading up to the battle of Hastings and the death of King Harold on the field of battle. It is housed in its own museum in the city of Bayeux, well worth visiting for its own sake.

Equally unique is the island monastery of LE MONT ST. MICHEL, with the winding streets of its medieval village culminating in a beautiful monastery, bathed in extraordinary light and with stunning views over the surrounding estuary.

Also drawing visitors from all over the world are THE D-DAY LANDING BEACHES, site of the Invasion of Normandy in 1944, and the immaculately tended cemeteries commemorating those who gave their lives to liberate France in the crucial battles of World War II. Caen:

Gateway to France for many English visitors using its ferry port each year, THE CITY OF CAEN, city of William the Conqueror, fell to an earlier English invasion as long ago as 1346, when only the Chateau held out!

Though it suffered badly in the Battle for Caen in 1944, the city boasts wonderful churches, most notably the Abbaye aux Hommes (with William's tomb); the Chateau (built by William); a beautiful Botanic Garden; a Museum of Fine Arts with a good permanent collection; the Memorial (the Museum telling the story of the Battle of Normandy); and as befits a university town, a profusion of cafes, bars and restaurants.

 

Other places of interest:

Granville: a picturesque fishing port and holiday town full of good fish restaurants, with Christian Dior's clifftop museum and gardens.

Villedieu-les-poêles: 'poêle' means stove, and this popular tourist destination, with its granite houses and narrow hilly streets is famous for its copper products, with seemingly half its shops devoted to selling items in copper, and a museum devoted to the industry. Colourful local market on Tuesday mornings.

Vire: market on Friday mornings. Nearby is the Lac du Dathé, with watersports and an excellent golf course.

Pont Farcy: tennis, canoeing and excellent walks through the Gorges of the River Vire.

 

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