The final leg of our trip through France took us to Normandy. After leaving Amboise, we drove for another three hours, with the journey as scenic as ever. As we left the Loire Valley, we passed by more châteaux, catching glimpses of them from the road. With only one day and one night in Bayeux, there was no time to stop and explore; we had our sights set on Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.
The cemetery, perched on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach, is immaculately maintained, and the solemnity of the place is deeply moving. The museum, rich with D-Day history from 1944, includes black-and-white footage from that fateful day, portraits of soldiers buried in the cemetery, and a Wall of the Missing that lists those whose bodies were never recovered. It’s a powerful and emotional experience.
Afterward, we drove a short distance to our hotel in the heart of Bayeux. The hotel itself is steeped in history, having served as a post office in the 17th century and a coaching inn in the 18th century. Coaching inns were a vital part of Europe’s transportation network, offering travelers and their horses a place to rest, eat, drink, and sleep before the arrival of the railway. Our room was located above the old stables, and I could still smell the hay—though, to be honest, that wasn't the most pleasant reminder of its past. The cozy lounge was adorned with portraits of notable people who had stayed at the hotel, including several members of the royal family.
Famished after the journey, we set out for lunch, and once again opted for galettes, the savory French crepes typical of the region. This time, we paired them with a glass of local apple cider, as Normandy is famous for its apple orchards. The cider here is a perfect balance of dry and semi-sweet flavors, a refreshing complement to our meal.
The weather was still warm, and it was a perfect day for a stroll through Bayeux. We headed towards the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which, unlike its counterpart in Paris, remains intact after the fire of 2019. Constructed in 1077, the Bayeux Cathedral is a stunning example of Norman architecture, and it is said to be the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. Today, the tapestry is housed in its own museum, where it vividly depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was absolutely fascinating to see.
Since it was a Monday evening, we didn't think reservations would be necessary for dinner. We were wrong, but after a brief wait, we were seated at a charming family-run restaurant. The place was run by a mother, son, and daughter who were constantly in motion, making sure everything ran smoothly. I finally got my long-awaited beef bourguignon, which, though delicious, was really no more than a rich beef stew—albeit a very satisfying one. For dessert, we had a local specialty: Normandy Tiramisu, made with apples and mascarpone. It was a unique twist on the classic Italian dessert. We rounded off the evening with a strong local digestif, Calvados, an apple brandy that packed quite a punch.
The next morning, we set off early for the journey back to London. Though our time in Bayeux was brief, just one day and one night, it was an experience filled with history, culture, and unforgettable moments. It was the perfect ending to our trip through France.
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