If you’re a student of history, ancient or modern, a drive through Normandy makes for a great holiday.

If you want to start with some of the older history, it was from Normandy that William the Conqueror set out to take over the throne of England in 1066.  If you are into 20th century history, there are the D-Day Invasion Beaches to explore.

You’ll probably start by driving to Rouen.  Though it is a big city, there are plenty of historical sites to see in its center.  You can find a car park near the Place du Vieux Marche (the old Market Square).  It was here that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.

Wander up the street and under the large old clock that is in a tower that straddles the street – the Gros-Horloge.  Make your way up to the Cathedrale Notre-Dame.  This gothic cathedral was the subject of several of Claude Monet’s paintings. (more…)

Mont Saint-Michel.  As you approach it, the abbey seems to float on the horizon… its spire glinting gold in the sun.  It has attracted pilgrims for hundreds of years.  Today it still attracts visitors… over three million tourists a year.

The legend is that a bishop in the 8th century heard the voice of the Archangel Michael tell him to build the abbey.  There had been churches on the site before, but the striking abbey of Mont Saint-Michel was what started drawing pilgrims.

The land around the island is a flood plain, and it is often surrounded by water at high tide.  There is a causeway that leads to the island.  It is no longer as isolated as it once was because the causeway itself has stopped the flow of tides around the island and much of the bay has silted up.

The Abbey church is only the top most building on this little island.  It is surrounded high on the hill by monastic buildings. (more…)

Isn’t it hard navigating Paris on your own?  You’ve heard that they won’t speak anything but French, that the waiters are rude, and the shopkeepers are impolite.  It’s really not true.

Paris is a big city, and its citizens sometimes have that “big city attitude”….  people are hurried and may seem a bit brusque, but if you remember some of the simple rules of travel, you’ll do fine.

First thing you need to remember is to bring your sense of adventure and appreciate the differences.  The French are more reserved than most Americans.  They may not be as quick to smile at strangers, but with a little effort on your part you’ll find friendly, helpful Parisians. (more…)