Juno Beach and Beyond

We decided this was a good weekend to head to the coast - and, with Remembrance Day coming, reflect a bit.  This is a holiday weekend so finding a car was no easy feat, but we finally figured an airport was a good bet.  We left Orly airport in a lesser vehicle than the last one - but adequate - and headed towards Juno Beach, sight of the Canadian D-Day landing in 1944.  We were so impressed with the countryside!

just a typical scene over every rolling hill

 Juno Beach is home to the  Canadian  Military Museum commemorating Canada's contributions.  The structure was designed by a Saskatchewan architect.  We were impressed with the museum and reminded of the magnitude of the contribution of so many Canadians.  It was a sombre afternoon.

The English Channel from Juno Beach

It was a beautiful afternoon - so peaceful, the water filled with sailboats.   Such a different picture so many years ago.

Juno Beach bunker to the left, museum in the right background

 We drove down the coast, then inland a few kilometres to Bayeaux, one of the few communities not to sustain much damage from bombing.  The cathedrale, dating back a thousand years, was spectacular.  We also stumbled across a superb little restaurant - 5 star service and food - without the price. ....We can't begin to describe it - felt like royalty...and couldn't count the number of times the silverwear was changed, crumbs neatly swept from the linen, wine poured ( between each sip it seemed)....6 courses...

This morning we were off to Mont St Michel, a Benedictine monastery 'at sea' ( when the tide is in, at least).  Again, words can't describe the beauty.  This also dates back a thousand years, with the houses and shops at the base added several centuries ago.

sun coming up in the country

Mont St Michel 10km away

In the cathedral at the top

Hurry up Rich, we have to get ahead of them

Wonder if we can add this as a fourth floor

Eric's winch idea had already been thought of....

home sweet home at the abby

We had enjoyed the countryside so much from the freeway that we decided to take the local highways home....several hours longer, but absolutely beautiful.  The fall colours were incredible, rolling hills and lush grass everywhere.  Summer fallow is still a common practice..?...  The cows are all content - and should be - it is beautiful!

another week in Paris

This is week three in Paris - and we are finally getting around to setting up a blog. 
Thus far we have;
a. biked in Alsace for eight days - incredible, even in the rain...and there was lots of that.  We will do this type of trip again.... the trip ranged from 50-70 km a day - note the vines in the background and the incredible villages in the foreground.  Every 2-3 km we came across another village full of history and colour.

b. moved into a flat in Paris - fifth floor, 40 m sq, no lift - but we love it- we are 5-10 minutes from the Tour Eiffel, 25 from the Arc de Triomphe, 10 from the OECD....it doesn't get any better.

not a bad view from the end of the street

72 steps up - and down - every time we step out the door

Friends in Paris

c. rented a car ( and were upgraded to something we will never own) and, yes, drove in Paris...well, out of Paris and into the Loire Valley - looking for real estate and wine - found both - though the castles were a bit more than we were wanting for future reno projects.  Technically, several of us drove out - Joan and Brian arguing over the maps, Richard attempting to make sense of their 'discussion', and Lyn enjoying the ride...  Paris is full of one way streets that all lead to hubs....and never the right ones.
d. have had friends from Saskatoon here for a week(see driving above)- did some great sightseeing and walked the entire city
e. got some work done, and are now finally feeling 'at home'.  
We will try to do a weekly post -

looking for a river front reno project