A disappointment in Bayeau.

We left our chateau after a very filling and satisfying breakfast feast excited about our upcoming visit to the Bayeaux Tapistry which was high on the 'must do' list for both of us. What a disappointment to encounter this sign on the door informing us of an unexpected closure:

I may have been a little vocal in expressing my disappointment as we will not be here on Thursday to return. However, we quickly turned our minds to an alternative plan and explored the Cathedral which was very spectacular and had informative panels which helped you notice details, such as the different architectural styles added over time you can see how one of the towers had the Norman square style but a circular top has been added at a later date in gothic style. I really liked the interior of the cathedral and in the crypt you can see some of the original painting on the walls and pillars.

We then treked up to the Museum of the Battle of Normandy. After a long walk we found it was closing for a two hour lunch break in 15 minutes so not allowing entry - another lesson learned, don't assume things will be open over lunch. Next on the list was the Museum of Art where I was hoping to see lace displays. It also was closed for lunch so we decided to cut our losses and go see something else rather than hang around for two hours. We did see some lovely things as we wandered the streets however.

The seafront at Arromanches-les-Bains was looking quite choppy but you could see some of the remains of the temporary harbour built during Operation Mulberry to enable the Allies to unload supplies without a Port. What a massive undertaking. I am not really that interested in war history but found the Museum of Disembarkment fascinating. There were models of the different parts of the temporary harbour and one even showed how the floating jetties moved up and down with the tides and waves. It was really clever. They certainly used technology to help show how this worked and how it was put in place after being towed over the channel by tugs.

A visit to a cidery was next on the agenda as Normandy is known for its apple products, including cider.

More war history ended our day of sightseeing with a visit to the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach where 9,389 troops who lost their lives during and following D Day are at rest. Very sobering to see the lines of crosses and the list of those missing in action. It made me quite tearful to think of all those young lives ended and also the trauma of those who survived. I can't imagine my own son going through that. Lastly we stopped at La Pointe du Hoc where American Ranges clamber up cliffs to destroy German guns bunkered there so they would not shoot at the areas where landings were taking place. What a climb to do under fire.

A lovely dinner to end a very long day in a restaurant on a fishing harbour. Lovely fresh fish and some nice wine were consumed before driving back to our tower at 9.30 The sun had set and a fairytale moon was up