Categories: Normandy & Brittany, Paris
Going abroad for the first time can be intimidating. But my guest on today's episode, Tisha Guy, had such a great time that she wanted to share her experiences. She was part of a group of 50 that came to France to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
Going to Normandy for D-Day Celebrations
Because it was such a big group and accommodations were hard to find, they stayed in Granville in Normandy. If you are planning on visiting Normandy around D-Day celebrations, you must book your hotel very early. Alternatively, plan on spending a lot of time in the car or bus because Normandy is a big place!
Trip Report on Normandy and Paris: Gorgeous Mont Saint-Michel
The Mont is breath-taking and lived up to expectations visually. But because it was such a big group they were short on time and didn't have a chance to visit some of the attractions. They had time to enjoy a restaurant that served mussels in cream sauce. Watch out for the omelettes at the Mont Saint-Michel, they are runny!
D-Day Sites
There are many military cemeteries in Brittany and Normandy. On this trip they went to a couple, including the one at Omaha Beach and the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial. They also went to the town of Sainte-Mère-Église, a beautiful Normandy town full of war history.
Playing Pétanque in Paris
In Paris she walked a lot and saw a lot of landmarks she had always wanted to see such as Notre Dame and the Louvre. She also got to play pétanque with some French people at the Tuileries Gardens and loved it. She asked a man to explain how the game works and he invited her to try it!
Learn More: First Time in Paris
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Discussed in this Episode
- American Cemetery
- Colleville-sur-Mer
- Granville
- Mont-Saint-Michel
- Normandy
- Omaha Beach
- Sainte-Mère Église
- Normandy Mussels
- Playing Pétanque in Paris
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Show NotesCategories: Normandy & Brittany, Paris
Annie and Letitia,
We loved this episode. I was very excited about her plans to return to France.
Letitia mentioned a stay in Bayeux. We spent a bit of time there this fall and have some specific recommendations.
As she likes to eat nice things I can whole heartedly recommend Chez Paulete. This very sweet little cafe is located right in front of the Bayeux Cathedral.mthe decor is funky eclectic. The food is simple, well prepared and fresh. The restaurant is run by two women who own it and they were very friendly. The menu changes according to what is fresh. The deserts were super. It was a very nice place to sit in the window and watch the action in front of the cathedral. Just to the left of this cafe as you face away from the cathedral is a very nice curio shop run by more very friendly folks. The woman makes art full sewn items and the shop is filled with unusual items. I picked up a nice antique post card.
Second is Rene Matilde. One of the best patisserie I have ever been in. Super friendly staff and the coffee and pastries were top drawer. We went here twice in one morning because it was awesome.
The weekly farmers market was incredible. Cider, bread, cheese, fruit, pottery, woodwork and ready to eat food. Tons of people to watch. The vendors were EXTREMELY friendly. In October the cider should be rocking so a great time to be there. So if you can arrange your stay to be there when this market is held we highly recommend it.
Letitia mentioned she would not rent a car. After visiting Normandy a few times I would highly recommend renting a car. Even given the parking and the rental process I strongly feel it is the best way to see things in Normandy. The driving is pretty easy and straight forward. Ther are several car rentals right by the Caen train station so it is super easy.
Thanks for the great episode. I loved Letitia ‘s awesome accepting and friendly approach to travel.
Thanks Again,
Randy
Letitia,
I enjoyed your podcast, especially since I’m traveling solo to Paris in September! It’s evident that you enjoy connecting with people and I wanted to share some of the treasures I’ve come across.
If you’re intrigued by sharing a meal in French home check out Voulez Vous Diner or Eat With.
Also check out greeters.paris
Paris Greeters are volunteer, passionate ambassadors who warmly receive their visitors from around the world.
They propose walks free of charge in Paris and surrounding districts. Each encounter between a Greeter and his visitor is a unique experience: sharing this world renowned city but, also, discovering someone else and a different culture. It is the occasion to see Paris as it is really known by its locals, to discover neighborhoods that visitors would not have imagined or dared to visit.
Have Fun!
Marian