My trip to France – beginning in Port-En-Bessin

The purpose of my recent trip to France was to visit Nantes where I painted a group of actors as they rehearsed for a production (more about that in my next blog)

However, my good friends Bonnie and Dave Dutton were visiting Normandy from the States,  and so  I made a detour which led me to the enchanting town of Port-En-Bessin where they were staying.

Famous for its integral part in World War II, and more specifically The Battle of Port-En-Bessin, which took place from 6-8th June 1944, it is also an area well known for delicious apple cider, Calvados and seafood….hmmmmm.

A very peaceful setting today – Port-En-Bessin.Surrounded by beautiful Normandy countryside….the town and area are a reminder of the close geographical and historical links between England and France.

Just outside of the town of Port-En-Bessin – a bucolic scene which are replicated in Devon and Cornwall across the Channel.     Dave and Bonnie had booked me into, Les Filles du Bord de Mer where they were staying. Located in the middle of the Town and within a minutes walk of everything one could ever need,  including the harbour, shops and numerous restaurants, it is a place I highly recommend.

Les Fille du Bord de Mer is just across the road from the Apple Cider shop…..how convenient is that?These pictures show the apartment where Dave and Bonnie were staying…..Part of the apartment where I stayed. Every detail was taken care of..…My accommodation was on the top floor of the three story house….these are the beautiful stairs leading down to the lovely tiles you can see on the  ground  floor. Dave and Bonnie as we enjoyed a delicious feast of Moules – fish stew and some of the best ice cream I have had in a while.   Ice cream being one of my favourite foods:)I love arriving in a place that I know nothing about.     In this instance there was only time for an overview,  however, it is definitely a place I would return to and explore much more.

Dave was seeing the area through the eyes of an historian and Bonnie and I through those of artists.    On my next visit to Port-En-Bessin I will definitely paint and would hope to stay at Les Filles du Bord de Mer again.

Looking down onto the Town The flags were flying around the town in preparation for the many visitors who were about arrive to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the D Day Invasion and the vital part that Port-En-Bessin played in it. The next day, Dave and Bonnie drove me to Rennes where I caught the train to Nante.

Magical hummingbirds were definitely with us because although there was a petrol strike and a train strike – we had no problems.    Dave and Bonnie arrived at their destinations safely and are now home in S. Dakota.     I arrived safely in Nante where I was met by my dear friend Claudia.

Next week, I will write about the wonderful experience I had working with the theatre group in Nantes.

Enjoy a week filled with magical hummingbirds….

A Bientôt.