Day 8. Monday 17 June:  This was a long day - from Vernon to Caen, then on to the Normandy beaches before returning to the Bayeux Tapestry, then to Le Mont St Michel for an over night stay.

Entrance to Caen Memorial museum

A commitment to non-violence

Trouble with the bus? - No! Just a conscience driver.

Omaha Beach

Omaha

Entrance to Bayeux Tapestry - a 'must visit' place.

Arrival at Le Mont St Michel

Dinner for those staying on the mainland

An omelette for dinner?

Le Mont at 11 pm - worth staying up to see!

Day 9. Tuesday 18 June:  An early morning start to make the most of our visit to Le Mont.  We had a private conducted tour of the Abbey which took us into privileged places over about 3 hours.  From there we moved to St Malo for lunch and a quick walk along the foreshore before a tour of Rennes and on to our accommodation at Evron-Mezangers - a real pleasure!

A steep climb - one of many.

Waiting to start the tour.

A steep climb!!

A big fireplace!



Very attentive

Some hardy groups walking across the sand - hope they didn't encounter quicksand!

Our Tour Manager and driver on a quick walk in St Malo

St Malo beach front

Happy hour at Evron-Mezangers

..before dinner

..and then a walk around the lake for the energetic.

Day 10. Wednesday 19 June:  Our ED's birthday!  A early start required at we needed to be at Saumur by 10 am for a tour of the Cadre Noir Riding School.  Rain en route did not deter us!   Lunch then at Chinon followed by a visit to the Troglodyte dwellings at Azay-le-Rideau.  Our driver demonstrated his true driving skills - narrow country roads and sharp turns!  We think he really enjoys getting lost!  Eventually we arrived at Villandry to enjoy the gardens before arriving at Tours for more delightful accommodation.

Making friends

and friends

..and friends!

Joan of Arc at Chinon

A British pub lunch in  Chinon to celebrate!



Meeting a skinny donkey!

Troglodyte storage

Narrow roads!

Gardens of Villandry

Happy hour in Tours to celebrate another birthday



Happy hour

 Day 11. Thursday 20 June:  A day for chateaux. First to Amboise, then Chenoneaux, and finally Loches.  All very different!  Then we came down in the world with accommodation - budget standard now at Limoges!

A view of the river at Amboise from the chateau

A view of the town from the chateau

A place of warmth at Amboise

Henry II's chamber

Leonardo de Vinci's model

Resting place of Leonardo de Vinci at Amboise

Enjoying the day!

Relaxing at Chenonceau

The ballroom across the river

Chenonceau Chateau