France to England, June 2019

France to England, June 2019

Bayeux

Bayeux had so much going on that it got a bunch of posts. In order, we arrived and had dinner at the hotel, then wandered the town as they celebrated the solstice. 

Saturday we visited the Tapestry museum, ate lunch (cider and buckwheat crepes) at  Le Moulin de la Galette, walked past the war memorial, dropped in on the WWII museum and the Baron museum before walking back to the hotel where we wandered past the Tour of Normandy car show, before buying fancy macaroons and then snacks at a local grocery store.  Phew.  We packed so much in!

Sunday, we drove through Rouen to see the statue and church dedicated to Jeanne d'Arc.

Folks call it the fish scale church because of the tiles and shape of the roof tiles...not at all captured by my photos!  

There are Roman ruins just on the edge of the church.

We are a bit overwhelmed with history at this point and give the fancy astrological clock a quick glance

Before eating at McDonalds!

And then glace back as we head out of town.

After the last soccer game (Valencienne for the final match, England vs Cameroon) we cleverly drive up to Lille and spend the night at the Novotel across from the train station.

Next morning it is easy to get our chunnel train!  One last bit of Eldorado art in Lille.

Paul sells bread and pastries, mostly in train stations.  Comforting, like a Starbucks.  We have to give one a try before we leave the country.  Nothing amazing, but solid and convenient.  Then in no time at all we are in England.  Seriously, the chunnel is a wonder of the world because it is such a non-event.

All the kids have matching outfits...why does this feel British to me?!?

Fun drinks!

St. Pancras station where we get off is still housed in the original gorgeous building. Right across the street is King Cross station.  

Which has an amazing interior design

and is the home of 9 3/4 of Harry Potter fame.

They're very pleasant about it.  It is free to take this cute photo, just a bit of a wait.  Not necessary for us, but good people watching.

Yo Sushi!  In the train station was fantastic, just what we needed.  We spend the final night in the Gatwick BLOC hotel.  We have interior rooms and they are smaller than a cruise ship.  Love the efficiency-they spent money on great sound-proofing and giving you just what you need, but high quality.
Fantastic trip, would do it again!