We have now moved from "Wild" Brittany to the more gentle NORMANDY, though it definitely had its violent moments in history: settled by the Celts about 2400 years ago, invaded by the Romans under Julius Caesar, raided by the Saxons in the 3rd century and by the Vikings in the 9th century. The name Normandy reflects the Viking (i.e. "Norseman") origins. Today Normandy is predominantly agricultural in character, famous for horse and cattle breeding, its products include world-famous cheeses (i.e. Camembert) and apples, which form the basis for its well-known ciders and calvados, an apple brandy. In recent history, Normandy was the scene of the landing of the allied forces towards the end of WWII.

I include a map which shows our drive through Normandy and the places we visited and will present over the coming days.

MONT-SAINT-MICHEL is one of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year. It is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Its strategic island location, occupied since the 5th century, has been recognized for centuries, it served as an abbey but also as prison. It used to be closed off to land traffic during high tides, but a relatively new higher causeway now guarantees dry access at all times.
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Thank you so much and I will visit your website and check out the images from your trips.

I can't travel much anymore due to health & finances and so I really love seeing all the wonderful photos people take on this forum and all the great & useful tips that get posted to help us new-bees who are still trying to master this exciting hobby.

The internet has opened up the world to everything at the touch of a keystroke and we will never be the same again. My father fought on that Normandy Beach Head with the 29th division and visited those cemeteries that you will see in 1991 at one of the earlier reunions . He died in'95 and still cried about it right up to his last days.

Good luck and thanks again for the wonderful work you do.


Jimbo