Le Mans

The Old City (Cite Plantagenet), just behind the cathedral, is a large and nice example, with many houses and buildings dating back from the late middle age. We spent quite a lot of time exploring the streets, there is lots to see. We had with us the Lonely Planet guide to France and there was hardly a mention of Le Mans. Sue and I thought  it was probably one of the best mediaeval cities in Europe.

   Maison des Deux Amis

      

 

City walls                   

       

 Saint-Julien Cathedral, located in the heart of the town, is a magnificent example of middle-age building. With its reversed rounded arches, it is one of the most impressive religious monuments in the area, and one of the largest cathedrals in France. Its building started in the XIth century, spanning over 500 years.

 

As usual we were geocaching our way around the area. Whilst trying to find a cache we bumped into these geocachers from Wilhelmshaven, Germany. They showed me where this cache was and I reciprocated later on by helping them find one that was very well hidden.

Sue checking the time against this very elaborate sundial.

 

We were in Le Mans on the Heritage Open Day weekend and as usual we made the most of it and visited loads of places. The most interesting visit was to a calligrapher who wrote on parchment using quills. These photos are of the shop window, unfortunately they wouldn’t let me take any in the shop. 

        

Caen

We cycled from the campsite, in Benouville, to Pegasus Bridge (about 10 mins). This was the bridge which was captured by Major Howard and his troops, on the 5th June 1944, his Horsa glider landed about 50 metres away from the bridge in the middle of the night. We had a drink at Cafe Gondree which was in the middle of the fighting on that night. Since then the cafe has collected lots of memorabilia which takes up half the cafe itself.

 

Major John Howard               Cafe Gondree

    

Le Memorial Museum Caen

A Museum for Peace

Sculpture entitled ‘Non-violence’

The American Garden

In the grounds of the museum. A very tranquil place. There were other gardens including a British one.

Caen - Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Caen was subsequently sacked and torched on 26 July 1346 by invading English armies, who killed 3000 of the town's residents. King Edward III led the invasion, hoping to loot what was at the time the richest town in Normandy.

The Basin in Caen

 

 3rd Division memorial outside the castle walls Caen.

Most of the holiday went off without any major problems until it came to getting the ferry for our return. We arrived at the port at 0530 (very early for me) to be told that the French were having yet another strike and so the 0830 was not sailing and would we like to be booked on the 2300. Yes please! We returned to the campsite for the day and got the 2300 sailing and arrived home 18 hours late. Brittany Ferries were great because they gave us a free cabin for the overnight journey.

To finish the blog on a light note I saw this street advert for the Cora supermarket. It made us laugh.