The Norman Invasion

Spring break began with a visit to Normandy. Normandy is the northern part of France, known for fine cider, picturesque rural villages, and bloody, world-shaking battles. The D-Day beaches are here, the battle of Azincourt (sometimes spelled Agincourt) happened here, and the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Invasion of England sprang from here.

I did not come for cider, rolling hills, or battle. I came for friends. Emily had been living in Normandy and Tristan had come to visit her, so I crossed the channel to say hello to them both and spend a quiet few days relaxing and catching up. Using Emily's flat in Doudeville as home base, we took little day trips to Rouen, Honfleur, and Le Havre.

Rouen was a booming city in the Middle Ages--one of the largest in Europe. The cathedral became a favorite subject for Monet's paintings, and the town has played a crucial part in many wars and battles, from Viking invasions in the 870s all the way up to the 1940s.

 A fancy clock

The streets of Rouen

This is the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.

Here are some photos of the cathedral. Unfortunately, a lot of it was covered up, undergoing cleaning and restoration. I took photos of the bits that weren't, but I highly recommend doing an image search of "Rouen Cathedral" to begin to appreciate its full Gothic splendor.

One of the doorways

 The north aisle

The nave

North transept staircase

This is the view from the café where we stopped for bubble tea!

Honfleur is a medieval port town that held a significant role in Anglo-French trade until the French Revolution. Now it's a quaint town where Parisians go for weekend holidays. 

Emily and Tristan, waiting for our sandwiches 

(the hole-in-the-wall sandwich deli is just behind me) to eat on the quay

The 18th-century lieutenancy building

The harbor

The streets were lined with tiny little shops selling Normandy specialties, especially Calvados.

The Fishing Cat pub. We didn't go in, but the, erm, mascot? caught our attention. 

This is Saint Catherine's Church, which I'm told is the largest wooden church in France. It was built in the 15th century using naval building techniques--the ceiling inside looks like a ship's hull turned upside-down.