Normandy Part Trois: Balleroy, Coutances, Granville, Villedieu-les-Poeles, and Mont St. Michel

Day 5 (Tuesday, September 1, 2009)

Much to my disappointment, I awoke to a cloudy morning in Bayeux. After getting ready and packing my bags, I walked over to a nearby grocery store and then a patisserie in order to stock up on some food.

My first stop of the day was a small town called Balleroy, where I had wanted to visit it’s chateau. The approach to the chateau was via a grand avenue that had identical trees lining the street the entire way. The chateau was commissioned back in 1631, and was owned for several centuries by the Counts of Balleroy. In 1970, the famous Malcolm Forbes purchased the palace and restored it. He also decided to create a museum within the chateau dedicated to ballooning, an avid pastime of his. Upon arrival, I noticed on the entrance sign that the chateau was closed on Tuesdays. I wasn’t too disappointed with this news though as I would soon be visiting many chateaus in the coming days when I headed over to the Loire Valley. Instead, I decided to just walk up as close as I could to the exterior of the chateau and snap a few pictures. Along the short walk, I met a very friendly black cat whom followed me along the path. I also met what I assumed was one of her kittens, an extremely cute black and white cat. I was in absolute heaven as I missed my own kitties dearly and was in need of some kitty loving. After obtaining some great shots of the beautiful exterior, I walked next-door to a church, took some photos, and then said goodbye to the cats.

Chateau de Balleroy 

An outbuilding at Chateau de Balleroy.

One of my kitty friends.

Normandy Part Deux: Bayeux, Caen, and the D-Day Beaches

Day 3 (Sunday, August 30, 2009)

After another lovely breakfast, I collected my luggage and began the hour-long drive to Bayeux. Although I was looking forward to the next part of my trip, I was very sad to leave gorgeous Honfleur and the charming bed and breakfast.

Once in Bayeux, I immediately checked into my hotel, La Reine Mathilde. Although my room had not yet been cleaned, the girl at the front desk allowed me to store my baggage while I headed out, a huge convenience that I very much appreciated.

Exterior of La Reine Mathilde Hotel.

My room at La Reine Mathilde.

Normandy Part Une: Giverny, Honfleur, Rouen, and Etretat

Day 1 (Friday, August 28, 2009)

After landing in sunny Paris, I was easily able to find the Europcar Rental office, where I had arranged a four week car rental through Gemut. Initially, I began speaking to the representative in French, so she obviously assumed that I spoke the language well, as she then responded to me much faster than I will probably ever be able to understand. I think my dazed and confused look reeled her back in, so she immediately switched to English, which was very good for both of us. Within about ten minutes, I had found the car and placed all of my items inside, and was on my way out of Paris.

My first stop along the way was to Giverny, which is famous for being the former home of the impressionist painter Claude Monet. Monet painted some of his most famous works at his private property, including the much-beloved series of paintings of water lilies.  The grounds of his former home, including all of the gardens, have been turned into a museum, which cost six Euro per person to enter. 

Monet's home.