Tag: Paris

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Rouen, France, and took a day trip to Paris, France.

ROUEN, FRANCE
Land of Men from the North
Normandy, renowned for its lush, rolling landscapes, is now synonymous with tranquility and culinary delights, including Camembert, Calvados, and fresh seafood. But beneath this calm facade, Normandy conceals a vibrant and storied past. A case in point is the fierce battles fought in 1944 by the Allied Forces against Nazi Germany during World War II.

This fiery chapter in history mirrors yet another period of intense conflict that played out over a millennium earlier, when Vikings left their mark on this region. Such was their impact that Normandy, in essence, means the “Land of Men from the North”. The first Viking raids on Neustria, which was known as Normandy before the Viking era, occurred in the late 8th century.

By the mid-9th century, the Vikings had established a permanent settlement in Normandy. In 911, French King Charles the Simple made peace with Viking leader Rollo, who in return pledged his allegiance to the king, converted to Christianity, and took on the task of defending the region against his compatriots.

The Duchy of Normandy thrived, prospering and expanding, establishing Normand realms as far as the Near East. The most significant expansion was in 1066, when Normandy, under William the Conqueror, claimed territories across the English Channel. Harold Godwinson’s ascension to the English throne after William’s contested Edward the Confessor’s death. Asserting his right, William marshalled an impressive armada and crossed the English Channel, culminating in the historic Battle of Hastings. This saga, a pivotal moment in history, is beautifully captured in the famous Bayeux Tapestry, often regarded as the world’s first comic strip.

SIGHTS
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Gros Horloge
• Historial Jeanne d’Arc
• A stroll along the River Seine
• The Quartier Libre
• Panorama Sainte-Catherine
• Church of St Joan of Arc
• Rue Saint-Romain

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
There are plenty of restaurants in the historic downtown area and around the Church of St. Joan of Arc, but interesting finds await in the alleys outside the immediate city centre. The area is renowned worldwide for its apples, cider, pears, and dairy products like cheese and milk. Try the apple brandy, Calvados, one of the local specialties. Additionally, some of the finest lamb, duck, and poultry from around the world can be found here.

Shopping in Rouen is a dream for all art enthusiasts. The city offers numerous antique shops, art galleries, and markets. On and around Rue Saint-Romain, right in the centre of the town, you can find many high street and local shops and boutiques.

Today’s Excursion – A day in Paris

We enjoyed a day in Paris, highlighted by a tour of the newly refurbished Notre Dame Cathedral.

After visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral, we went to the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, where we had lived for five years.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.