Giverney and Monet's Garden

Chateau de Vandeuvre

Lovely chateau located about 30 minutes from Camembert. We had an adventure on the way over...we met a small ditch and a nice farmer which caused only a small delay. This was another trip we took with Susan's Swiss family.
The chateau itself has taken 50 years to return to its former glory after the Occupation during WWII. The building itself was left more or less intact but the inside and the gardens did not fare well with soldiers inhabiting it.
Sam makes trips to Chateaux very interesting. He tried out the theory of perspective and the dog house.

These are 3 water features that we saw in the park behind the chateau. Each water feature was activated by a light beam which wasn't always that easy to find. No one got really wet but on a hot day it would have been a relief. Can you guess which feature fascinated Sam?

Abbey de Jumiéges

These ruins were not because of the war. In fact the abbey was build in the 11th century but at some point it was used as a quarry and the building stones were just taken away and sold. It was huge and very impressive especially if one uses one's imagination!The kids immediately went to this chess set and enjoyed that challenge so they didn't see the ruins at a slow-pace but caught up with us eventually! It was a lovely day and this was as good a way to enjoy the surroundings.

the Ferry across the Seine

One day we took a drive to a toursit destination. Suddenly the road stopped and we had to wait for a ferry. The Seine was flowing very swiftly and the ferry was instead of a bridge. It was strange and no one really directed us or collected any money.

When the ferry arrived we just drove on. Then drove off when we got to the other side. This was one thing that was NOT more expensive than in the US!

Didn't the sign say it all?

Did you know that this is how mistletoe grows? It is a parasite that attaches to the trees. How ever did such a destructive plant get such a romatic image?
For a long time we saw these 'balls' in the trees and thought they were nests but they are 'gui'. And once the leaves grow in spring; the mistletoe is harder to see.

Paris and the Catacombs

Don't let kids choose where you go in Paris or you'll end up at the Catacombs! Their second choice was the Sewers...are you detecting a theme yet? Well one does have to give in to some of their wishes and it is somewhat historic but really. But afterwards...happpiness!

May 1st in France

Did you know that May 1st almost as big a holiday in France as Xmas? Honestly... it is Labour Day and almost everything is closed. Luckily we found a small amusement park but more of that later.But the cutest part of it is that it is the day that everyone sells Lily-of-the-Valley on the street corners. We saw nuns, North Africans, young boys all trying get us to buy their Mugets des Bois. We finally found this guy and that's where we bought our bunches!

Normandy

We are in the heart of Normandy, very close to the town (hamlet!) of Camembert.

Of course, what does it take to make cheese but lots of milk so there are lots of cows. This field is along the little road that we take to go anywhere.

Once we leave the rolling hills of Orne/Calvados there are flatter sections but still farm land and rolling hills. The fields of canola has caught our eye and mixed with the fields of green are really beautiful.

Mt. St. Michel

We drove 2 hours to see the incredible site of St. Michel. Although it was a Wednesday morning the parking lot was already full. sam's goal was to go to the top of the church. he always has high aspirations!

We entered the town and it was crowded so we took the first set of stairs upwards and Sam started counting. I had read that getting off the main street was a good idea and it was. We lost all the people. The other thing that is famous is the omelettes..Therese Possard's (I think)..so light and fluffy AND raw! They literally put it in a pan for 30 seconds after whipping it and Voilà! Sam did not like them and he is an adventurous eater. I didn't like it as it cost about 20 euros!

Back in France

The continuing saga of our family's school sejourns to France is here. This time it is Normandy and only Jan and Sam. We are sharing our adventure with our Sammamish friends Susan and Olivia.

Sam and I got here to Normandy first while Olivia was with her class in Miserey. Our first day off -all Wednedays - we headed to Mount St. Michel.