France - Normandy Day 2 - Battle Of Normandy War Museum

 The Battle of Normandy War Museum is situated in Bayeux. It is smaller than the one in Caen and we spent several hours here. The building looks similar to a bunker and many tanks are on the outside.

 They have a chronological series of rooms about the lead up to D-Day, the landings itself and the liberation of Normandy from the German army. Here are Canadian uniforms of WW2.

 Here are German uniforms.

 There are artillery, jeeps, half-tracks and other large items used during WW2 in the rooms.

 I was also interested in what my Grandfather's Regiment, the North Shore Regiment, did during the war. Especially so because he missed the initial landings due to pneumonia. He rejoined them either just before or just after the taking of Carpiquet, which came before the assault on Caen.

Here is a recording that played to encourage German forces to surrender.

France - Normandy Day 2 - Commonwealth Cemetery

 The Commonwealth Cemetery is the largest in France. It has graves from all of the countries that served under Britain.

 The motto on the arch across from the cemetery translates to "We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror’s native land.”

 The building seen here has a book where you can look up names in order to find the location they are buried.

The cemetery includes several from my Grandfather's regiment, the North Shore Regiment.

France - Normandy Day 2 - War Reporter's Memorial

 The War Reporter's Memorial was built to remember the fallen who seek not to fight but to tell the truth. Each column has a year and the names of war or conflict reporters who died in that year.

 The stone says, "One may only taste freedom when others around us are free".

 Here are the reporters who died in 2012. Shoukri Ahmed Ratib Abu Bourghoul was a Syrian journalist who was killed by armed persons when heading home after a radio show. Each has a story.

Another quote on a stone, "We must uphold freedom of speech. It is the basis for all other freedoms: it is how we enlighten each other" by Voltaire.

France - Normandy Day 2 - Bayeux Tapestry

Through these door sits the building that houses the Bayeux Tapestry. Although its actually embroidery on cloth (a tapestry is woven cloth) it measures almost 70 meters and is about a meter tall. It tells the story of the Norman conquest of England including the battle of Hastings. Think of it as a medieval comic book. It has frames, the important characters are all stitched the same way, and it has a continuing story line.

I'd like to show pictures of it but it is almost 1000 years old so no pictures are allowed. If you want to see what it looks like, click here. If you do come here to see the tapestry, get the audio guide and have your finger on the pause button. The explanations come fast and furious. There is also a section in the museum that talks about how the tapestry was constructed, the culture and history of the time, how arms and armor were made, fortifications and a short film tying it all together. Expect 2-3 hours for the full thing and the gift shop has some great items, including a comic book of the tapestry and cider!

France - Normandy Day 01 - Chateau Gratlot

 We visited Chateau Gratot on a whim on our drive from Dinan to Bayeux, our next accommodations. We were very happy with the choice.Built in the 1300's, it was added and changed many times until it was abandoned in the mid 1800's. In the 1960's volunteers fixed the grounds and inner towers. In the summer there is a gift shop and desk but we were here in March and left to our own devices.

 This home made from restored outbuildings looks fantastic on the outside but is private property. The church tower is connected to a church still in use.

 The main gate is simple and has the split entrance for pedestrians and animals/carts.

 The inner chateau is in semi-ruins. Both towers and the structure on the left have a roof and electricity. They have plays and music performances here, including a production of Grease (in French of course).

 Someone made a 25mm scale model of the chateau. Perfect for tabletop gaming!

 The basement of the chateau is open to the air.

 This is a shot of one tower from another tower. The steps are worn away so use at your own risk!

 This is a view of the front of the chateau from a tower.

 This is the back of the chateau with a bridge connecting it to the gardens. There are no gardens anymore, its an animal paddock, but one can close their eyes and imagine.

There are many small islands in the moat and duck houses made out of wood. With the variety of ducks here they must enjoy it as much as we did.

France - Brittany Day 4 - Streets of Dinan

 The mists were out in the morning making for a nice picture of the old port and the aqueduct.

 The street to the old port.

 The old port.

 This market is open all year round and is a good central point to get market items like bread, cheese, meat, seafood...etc.

Here I am admiring odd but interesting art.

France - Brittany Day 3 - St Malo

 During the middle ages St Malo was a fortified town. It was the home of pirates and French corsairs, mainly because of the independent attitude of the inhabitants.

 On the landward side, these gates provide entrance to the town.

 Once inside, there are many ways to get to the ramparts and walk around the town and take in the seaside. Parking is free off season on the North Eastern side of the walls.

 There are a few forts nearby, built to add to the defenses of St Malo. This one is accessible during low tide.

 The inner town is a mix of old and new buildings. They have kept consistency by ensuring that new buildings are in the old style.

 There is a maison du Quebec here. This is a club where those from the Canadian province of Quebec can meet or locals can get information about this province for travel of business. That's because of...

 ...this man. Jacques Cartier. He is the first recorded European explorer of the Saint Lawrence and the founder of Stadacona which became l'habitation which became Quebec city, founded in 1608. He also explored a lot of what is now Eastern Canada. He was born here in St Malo and also sailed from here.

 A very original street name, which translates as "the cat who danced".

 An inner defensive structure in case the outer walls were breached. It has been turned into a park.

 A boat launch.

 This pool fills up with sea water and warms itself as the tide goes out and sun shines onto it.

 Another view of the inner streets at night. Property looks expensive here.

The view of the main gate from the inside of the walls.

All and all a very enjoyable quick visit. They have an explorer's museum that I'd like to visit the next time I'm by.

France - Brittany Day 03 - Mont Saint-Michel

 Since the 8th century, the presence of the Catholic church has been present here and before that it was an important defensive position. The cathedral/monastery/convent dominates the top part of the little island.

 The front gate is very imposing and illustrates the fact it was a defensive island first.

 There are many, many, many tourist shops as you make your way to the top. Look for a stairway once you go past the second gate and you will get this view. Not only that but...

 ...you will be able to walk the ramparts on your way to the top, free of tourist shops and crowds. There is still a few shops and restaurants but it is a better view.

 A class of students are attempting to walk around the island at low tide.

 There are steep parts so this island is not recommended for those who have trouble with stairs.

 These are the first flight of stairs at the base of the cathedral.

 The buildings adjoining and connected to the cathedral are massive.

 The inside is sparse but impressive.

 These gardens are a nice bit of tranquility amongst the stone.

 Here is the main eating hall.

 This is a meeting room for members of nobility and clergy.

 There was randomly assorted decorative tile here and there.

 This wheel helped to lift supplies to the cathedral and was human powered. It was the only way up or down when it was a prison during the French Revolution.

 Here is another of the great halls.

When we decended the cathedral stairs, this friendly cat was waiting for us.