Caen – Finale

Our time in Caen (pronounced, “Cone” in case you forgot) has come to a close. The apartment was perfect, close to everything, clean and had wonderful owners. Misuer Jean-Francois and Mademoiselle Jocelyne were the best hosts we have ever had. From the complimentary bottle of wine and pastries to the free bottle of Normandy cider, they were wonderful. This was a perfect location to do our Normandy touring.

Still on the hoof….

Credit card operated laundry, Yes!

Chairs on the wall. Latest craze!

Caen is an interesting city, but keep in mind it is a college town with hundreds of students doing college student things. Late nights at the pub can result in a bit of singing and shouting but usually in good spirits.  Kids are the same everywhere, expressing their freedom and enjoying the company of their friends trying to relieve the pressures of getting an education.

But lets not forget a few significant things about Caen. William the Conqueror is buried in Caen; it was a strategic objective in WW2, heavily guarded by the Germans (21st Panzer Division and 16,000 troops) during Operation Charnwood that resulted in 70% of the city being destroyed by bombing and 2,000 citizens killed, one of the most difficult and bloodiest D-Day objectives.

Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux

Our street, Saint Saveur

Sculpture outside our flat called, “ramming speed”!

Another sculpture called, “Children at play”.

Today there are remains of many ancient buildings. Some still are in ruin bearing the scares of the war, such as the church next to our apartment, Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux. Others have been reconstructed and hotels added to their original structures, such as Hotel de Ville that is now part of the Men’s Abbey built by William the Conqueror. Over 30 years the city rebuilt itself from post WW2 disaster to a very charming and friendly city. Well worth the stop if you’re in Normandy.

Enough, we’re outta here. Tomorrow we have a 6hr drive to Bordeaux, home to wine, and wine, and wine!