Normandie

Leaving Dray-Dunes we drove to Dieppe, walked around and then headed south to Fecamp and to a site which overlooked the ocean. It was beautiful.

Mutts can travel everywhere.

This was the line-up at Dieppe

Great Location at Fecamp

I'd better check those wheel chocks again.

It looks warm - but it wasn't.

We left Frecamp and drove South crossing the Seine river by ferry and heading to Caen.

Crossing the river in the ferry

 This was where we finally purchased 2 new bikes, safety gear and security locks. These are cheap imports from Carrefours (supermarket chain), they look ok and have front suspension - with a bit of luck they will last long enough to see us through. Whoops I spoke too soon, Helena's pedal has dropped off twice (even after being wrenched back on.)
Parked the Motor Home at a beautiful country park near Bayeux - meeting Matilda the pig and a little white dog.

We are not quite sure how she got in there.

 Known as Camping Reine Mathilde it was a friendly park. We took out our new bikes to Port Bessin, which was a beautiful port close by where we saw many boats stranded by the exceptionally low tide.

Stranded boats

Later that evening we enjoyed the company of a Dutch couple who exchanged stories over several glasses of red wine. Early next morning we headed off to Bayeaux to see the world famous Tapisserie de Bayeaux - a medieval masterpiece - 11th century embroided cloth which stretched 68 metres and visualises the famous tale of William, Duke of Normandy who set off to conquer England in 1066. It was hidden and saved from destruction for over 900 years.
We then visited the D-Day Museum at Arromanches with superb views across to the 'Mulberry Harbour'. We saw the 360 degree cinema (www.arromanches360.com) which combines the message 'The Fight for Freedom' by combining vision from the war and life as it is today. A moving message.
The village museum featured the expertise of the British to create a fabricated harbour so they could deliver supplies to those fighting the war. It was incredible.

Arromanches - great history and atmosphere

French Tank overlooking Arromanches

Some of the remains of Mulberry Harbour

We left mid-afternoon and drove along the coast to Mont Saint-Michel and strolled thru the castle which stands just off the coast and surrounded by a tide which can
quickly change within a few minutes. We observed the 'tidal wave' as it rolled into place around the castle. The castle itself is now inhibited by x 2 monks who
live in a secluded area with the rest open to tourist activity which includes a hotel,retail shops, restaurants, post office etc.... Commercial reality but disappointing really.

Le Mont St-Michel in the distance

Very industrious Monks

This tidal flat is from the Abbey - which is already way out in the bay

Impressive from any angle

No I am not going up there to carry you down

Awaiting the incoming tide.

A boutique hotel and shops are enclosed within the outer walls of the Abbey, I wonder what the Monks think of that.

These monks were taking photos of each other - so I don't think they were locals.

here comes the tide in a racing torrent - a 14 metre tide.

 
We stayed overnight at a park which was close to the Mont St Michel walkway and appreciated easier access to the internet. We took the next day off, relaxed and read.