Narrow twisting roads over rolling country out of Bayeux toward the coast, with farm wagons in evidence and tall thick hedges. Stone buildings and church spires. {In conversation this morning, we learned that The Last Post was first played at the Menin Gate in 1928 when the gate was dedicated. Now it is the traditional piece of music for our Remembrance Day ceremonies and military funerals -- much as "Taps" is in the US}.
Mont St Michel came into view standing alone on the skyline.
We stopped for a group photo on the roadside, with it in the background.
Carol has been determined to learn to take selfies, and this was where she managed to get the camera "turned around", then we watched as she tried to line up the shot, until she finally said "where the hell is the castle?". But she finally got the shot.
We parked quite a distance away, and walked to the info centre where we boarded a crowded shuttle to the far end of the bridge, near the entrance.
That leads into the "main street" where shops and restaurants line the area that begins the long upward trek to the abbey. Only four of us (Mary Ellen, Carol, Gabriela and I) followed Sam to the top. The rest apparently enjoyed a leisurely lunch (and a few beers) in one of the many restaurants. The views were spectacular and it's difficult to comprehend the skill and sheer amount of labour involved in building this amazing place. By the time we came down, it was very crowded and I was hot, hungry and thirsty, so stopped at an open-front shop to get a baguette sandwich and soft drink, which I carried back on the packed shuttle (way more crowded than the earlier one) and enjoyed on the bus. For sure, if you're going to Mont St. Michel, go as early in the morning as you can get there.
Back in Bayeux we went straight to
the Bayeux Tapestries exhibit, getting there just before last entry. We only had time to walk past the tapestries, but there was an excellent narration going with them -- they're truly amazing. I've been wanting to see them for a long time and wasn't disappointed. 70 metres of needlework, 1000 years old, detailing William the Conqueror's conquest of Britain in 1066. [this is one of many many panels telling the story from start to finish]
Mont St Michel came into view standing alone on the skyline.
We parked quite a distance away, and walked to the info centre where we boarded a crowded shuttle to the far end of the bridge, near the entrance.
Back in Bayeux we went straight to
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