France with Beast 1: Bayeux, Normandy (D-Day Beaches)

The travel to Bayeux was smooth with only a short walk from the train station into town. We checked in to our flat, dropped off our packs, and went for a walk. 

We finished the afternoon tour of the town and went to a very neat museum. The museum is centered on an 11th century 70 metre long embroidered tapestry that shows the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, wish end with the Battle of Hastings. That tapestry wraps around the whole building to complete a massive loop. Amazing.

We had a nice night chilling in our flat which was huge on the Hygge factor for sure. One funny thing - the listing boasted of a "Magnifique vue sur la cathédrale".

The view was indeed splendid. But also... 

...very small. Can you spot the window with the view?

No matter. Who needs a view when eating pasta with butter? 

After a lovely Mac Ride chat with our bike rental guy, we got an early start so we could tour the D-Day Beaches. 

First stop, Alamanche-les-Bains (Gold Beach). This spot still has a number of pieces out at sea used by soldiers for bringing tanks etc on shore.
 
Un petit chocolat chaud.

Next up, Longues-sur-Mer to see many bunkers still standing.

We could go on a trail up by the road to get to the fishing village recommended for lunch. Or we could go off-road. We chose the latter. Ok, I chose the latter, and Savvy complied.

This was some of my finest navigating. Stunning scenery, even if there was a bit of walking, hike-a-biking and mud skidding required.

 
We made it to Port-en-Bessin for easily the best fish and chips I have ever had. Savvy's well deserved Orangina.

After riding about 8km toward a particular landmark, we had a decision to make. Keep heading home, or turn to ride the extra 25km to complete the loop to Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer, Omaha Beach. We decided yes to Omaha, even though the headwind going there was fierce. 

We play many, many word games along the way. 

It got to the point playing 20 questions, where we were guessing each other's answer in one or two questions only. 

If you are reading this, then chances are you were one of the people at the heart of our games. That includes Scout, Benny, Rocket, Louie, Joey, Moose... 

At last:

 
 The way home was a touch easier since we had the wind at our backs.

Completely knackered after the big ride (79km with more than 5km off road!!!) and the emotions of the day, we tucked into a gourmet meal. For Savvy, that is...pasta with butter.

 

One last tour of the village the next day, including an emergency shop at la librairie for some French books (I left my kindle on the first of 3 planes we took to get here. Bugger!). 

And then we were off to Montpellier!