TRAVEL THE WORLD - NORMANDY BEACHES, FRANCE

In 1999 we visited Normandy and saw the beaches where the allies landed on D Day in 1944. In the first two photos are war memorials. The third shows Juno beach and the fourth Omaha Beach.

TRAVEL THE WORLD - POINTE DU HOC, FRANCE

In 1999 we toured the area in Normandy where the D Day landings were made in World War II. It was interesting and very moving. In the first photo you can see one of the German gun emplacements that were situated on the cliffs overlooking the coast. The second photo was taken at Pointe du Hoc where American airborne forces scaled the cliff under heavy fire and were able to gain a foothold in spite of heavy German defenses.

TRAVEL THE WORLD - ASNELLES, NORMANDY, FRANCE

These Mulberry harbours, photographed in Asnelles, Normandy in 1999 are temporary prefabricated harbours that were used to offload cargo on the beaches of Normandy. They were taken across the English Channel from Britain in sections and assembled off the coast as part of the D-Day invasion in 1944.

TRAVEL THE WORLD - BAYEUX, FRANCE

The cathedral of Bayeux, photographed in 1997, is a fine example of the many wonderful Gothic cathedrals of France. Bayeux itself is also famous for the Bayeux tapestry which is located in a special museum in the city. The tapestry is an embroidered cloth depicting the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England and the invasion itself. It is beautiful and very interesting.

TRAVEL THE WORLD - NORMANDY, FRANCE

On the night of 5 June 1944 during the World War Two D Day landings, Pegasus Bridge in Normandy, photographed above, was captured by 181 soldiers of the British Airborne Division. Their mission was to capture the bridge and hold it until relieved. Their success was important in impeding the German counter-attack. The bridge was named Pegasus Bridge for the shoulder emblem depicting the winged horse Pegasus of Greek mythology which was worn by British airborne forces.

TRAVEL THE WORLD - PORT-EN-BESSIN, NORMANDY, FRANCE

In 1999 while out for a drive to the Normany beaches where the Allies landed on D-Day, we discovered the charming sea-side village of Port-en-Bessin. We had a good dinner at the port, and, when we discovered that the restaurant was also an inn, decided impulsively to stay the night rather than returning to our time-share in Pont L'Evesque. It was an excellent decision!

TRAVEL THE WORLD, HONFLEUR, FRANCE

In 1999, we enjoyed Honfleur immensely. It is an old sea port situated on the estuary of the Seine. We loved to walk and take in the atmosphere of the town. It was from here that Jacques Cartier sailed for Quebec in 1534. Honfleur will always remain in our memory as the place where we had one of the best lunches ever. It was a huge round tray full of wonderful seafood. Yummy!

TRAVEL THE WORLD - OMAHA BEACH, NORMANDY, FRANCE

In 1999, we went to Omaha Beach early in the morning and were the only people there. It was easy to imagine soldiers landing and fighting to establish a bridgehead. We found the experience very moving. What impressed me most was how very narrow the beach is before the ground rises up to form quite a high hill, and consequently how difficult it must have been for the armies to gain a foothold.

TRAVEL THE WORLD - PONT L'EVEQUE, FRANCE

We stayed for several days in Pont l'Eveque when we visited Normandy in 1999. A very attractive village, it is famous for Pont l'Eveque cheese, which has been made here since at least the 12th Century. It resembles Brie or Camembert and was delicious. We would occasionally have lunch in our car. This would consist of Pont l'Eveque cheese, wine which we drank from the bottle, pate and a baguette. What a great way to indulge ourselves!

By the way, most of the photos can be enlarged by right clicking on the photo and then clicking on "open link in new window."

TRAVEL THE WORLD - NORMANDY, FRANCE

This war cemetary at Beny-sur-Mer near Caen in Normandy is where Canada's World War Two war dead have been honoured. When we visited here in 1997, it made us sad to see how many graves there were and to think that each one represented the end of a young life.