Bayeux Tapestry 1070s

Who would believe that an embroidered linen cloth (19" wide by 224' long) could become one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval European art, and detail political and military history of France and England in 1066? It tells the dramatic political story of the Norman invasion of England. William, the Duke of Normandy, felt he was betrayed by his brother-in-law King Harold who was coronated despite pledging allegiance to William. William sought his revenge, sailed with warships to England, and became Willam the Conqueror, King William I of England in 1066. The huge embroidery is believed to have been completed in England for the opening of the French Bayeux Cathedral, where it was displayed for the all the people, many illiterate, to learn the story. Today, like history, some of the facts are still in dispute.

Le Mont Saint-Michel

Off the SW tip of Normandy sits a  small but dramatic rocky island with an abbey originally built by the Benedictine monks in 10th C. While holding strategic fortifications throughout history, esp in conflicts with England, it became a place of pilgrimage with the walkers arriving at low tide. The high tide kept attackers at bay, and even later Mont Saint-Michel housed a prison. With great accuracy and balance, the architects throughout the centuries added great halls, cathedrals and spires higher still on the rock resulting in layers of history to explore today and an emblem of France.

Honfleur, N Normandy

The picturesque old harbor (Vieux-Bassin), lined with 16th-18th century townhouses, has been the frequent subject of Claude Monet and other artists. It's located on an estuary where the Seine river meets the English Channel. A block up from the harbor is St Catherine's Church, made of timber wood and built by shipbuilders in 15th century. Today the block around the church is the important location of "market day"!

Sainte-Mère-Église on D-Day

Situated on a main supply road used by the Germans, this little town played a pivotal role in the landings at the beaches of Normandy. At 0140 on D-Day, American paratroopers were air-dropped to take the village but sustained heavy fire. In an infamous incident recounted in the movie, The Longest Day, Corp John Steele actually dangled attached to his parachute on the church spire, while the fighting went on down below. He was later taken prisoner. There were other intense battles in this marshy region and again the Allied Forces displayed remarkable heroism as the enemy was ordered not to retreat. The Battle of Normandy was pivotal in taking back Europe from Hitler's army.

Beaches of Normandy, D-Day June 6, 1944

73 years ago, Allied soldiers primarily from USA, Britain and Canada landed at the beaches of Normandy to establish a Second Front (after Italy) to free France and the rest of Europe from the scourge of Nazi Germany. Led by General Eisenhower, the D-Day invasion took a harsh toll especially on those who landed first at dawn in stormy weather right below the German guns and artillery. But the sacrifice led to a hard-fought victory in Normandy in 100 days, and eventually Germany's surrender to the Western allies and Soviets a week after Hitler's suicide the next year. Despite the placid beach scenes today, one can easily imagine the heroics and the mayhem that fateful Spring.