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Bayeux Cathedral
The Bayeux cathedral is the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. Originally from 1077, rebuilt in the 12th century and finished in the 19th. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Well, that is an interesting window. On a gothic cathedral. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Plenty of 13th century decoration in the church. This is the chapel of St. Thomas Becket, lower part showing scenes with Saint Nicolas and a crucifixion. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Thee Madonnas in the cathedral. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven. A 15th century fresco in the crypt. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Statue of Saint James the Minor in the cathedral. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Statue of Saint Bartholomew in the cathedral. -
Bayeux Cathedral
One of the many 12th century carvings in the cathedral. This one depicts a man with a monkey. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Imagine being a 12th century mason and you have to/are allowed to include such faces into the cathedral walls. -
Bayeux Cathedral
I am confused. Are these dogs with their tails biting their asses? Or - more plausible - are they chimeras? -
Bayeux Cathedral
Another grotesque creature, which surely had a meaning. -
Château de Falaise
From the Loire valley - via Le Mans - towards Normandy. First stop was Falaise, where William the Conqueror was born. The construction of this castle started in 1123 by Henry I of England. -
Falaise
View from the falaise of the Falaise castle. -
Bayeux Cathedral
The portal of Saint Thomas Becket, showing the assembly of Northampton (1164) and the Assembly of Ambosus (1170); crossing of the English Channel and his martyrdom; and the veneration of his tomb. -
Bayeux Cathedral
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Bayeux Cathedral
Plenty of old windows in the cathedral as well... These are from 1260, showing the local bishops Exupère and Loup. -
Bayeux Cathedral
The 11th century crypt is simply magnificent. The entrance to the crypt was closed soon afterwards and the crypt forgotten - until 1412. -
Bayeux Cathedral
One of the more unusual capitals in the crypt. -
Bayeux Cathedral
One of the many angels in the crypt. They play all sorts of instruments. -
Bayeux Cathedral
15th century fresco of angels in the crypt. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Here is where the famous Bayeux tapestry was exhibited until 1793. Possibly from 1077. -
Bayeux Cathedral
12th century carving. I see a lion and an eagle carrying a fish. But it may also be a lion and a griffin. -
Bayeux Cathedral
Some more lions/griffons/creatures higher up, but the most notable are the Bayeux lovers underneath them. -
Bayeux Cathedral
The ceiling in the Bayeux cathedral choir shows various local bishops and saints. The whole cathedral is indeed a stunning place. -
Bayeux
What a lovely town it is. This is on the main Saint Martin street. -
Arromanches
Arromanches beach was the landing area during the D-Day Normandy Invasion. -
Arromanches
The endless windy beaches are perfect for flying kites! -
Arromanches
Remains of the artificial port in Arromanches. -
Arromanches
We returned to Arromanches for a lovely dinner. -
Arromanches
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Pegasus Bridge Café Gondrée
First house to be liberated in France on the 5/6th of June 1944, located in Bénouville. -
Mont Saint-Michel
This is one of the most fascinating places on the planet. I have spoken. -
Mont Saint-Michel
The roofs remind me of an Asterix village :-) -
Mont Saint-Michel
Church of Saint-Pierre. Originally from the 8th century, often rebuilt, this tower being from the 15th century. -
Mont Saint-Michel
We decided to visit the abbey in the afternoon and there was absolutely no queue. We just entered the ticket office. But if there was a queue, these guards would keep us in line. Clever design! -
Mont Saint-Michel
Climbing the Grand Degré my kids said they felt like entering a computer game. Totally unreal and out of this world. -
Mont Saint-Michel
We planned the visit to avoid the crowds. But we didn't think it would be so empty on a Sunday afternoon. -
Mont Saint-Michel
Plenty of lovely souvenir shops and places to eat in the town, but some of them closed fairly early in the evening. -
Mont Saint-Michel
What a magnificent place indeed!