Few people know this, but I majored in French as well as English. At first, French was only a minor but by and by I fell in love with the literature, as well as the language - Baudelaire, Beauvoir, Hugo and Balzac. How could I stop after only 24 credits? So I took more classes until I'd earned a major. In recent years, I've also fallen in love with the French artists -- Monet, Bourgereau, Corot and Degas, to name a few.
I've dreamed of visiting France for most of my life, but always there was a problem. At first it was money. I worked my way through college and never had any where near the funds necessary to afford a trip abroad. Before long, I got married and had children. Then I went back to school to earn a Master's degree in library science and landed a teaching job. For years I was completely immersed in working and raising a family. Still, in my dreams there was far-off France, the land of great literature, fine artists and magnificent wines, a land steeped in history and the fabled Loire Valley. It all seemed like a kind of Shangri-la.
Earlier this year, Dennis said, "Let's go to France?" Really? France? Yes, really. So this September we at last flew to the country of my dreams for 16 days. It was the vacation of a lifetime. We saw the Louvre, Mt. Saint-Michel, the Eiffel Tower, art, history, azure blue waters, countrysides dotted with chateaus from the fairy tales of my childhood. The streets of France are narrow, winding and lined with medieval, half-timbered homes, sidewalk cafes and Gothic cathedrals featuring gargoyles, flying buttresses and glorious stained glass windows.
On our way home - a seven and a half hour flight - Dennis and I discussed our ten favorite things about France. Here are mine, in no particular order ('cause I can never decide what's the best).
1. The Loire Valley for its wonderful wines and fairy tales chateaus.
2. The bread. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, what's not to love about French bread?
3. The Cluny Museum of Medieval Art. This riveting museum, located in Paris, doesn't get anywhere near the press as the Louvre (also awesome), but for Dennis and I it was truly one of the highlights of our vacation. It's housed above the ruin of an old Roman bathhouse in the Hotel de Cluny, one of only two remaining medieval homes in Paris, and features rooms full of tapestries, sculptures, jewelry, paintings and other stunning medieval treasures.
3. The Cathedral of Notre Dame of Bayeux. Every bit as impressive of Notre Dame of Paris, this magnificent cathedral made an even greater impression on us because of the sunshine pouring through its lovely stained glass windows.
With its soaring gothic arches, gargoyles and flying buttresses, it is truly awesome!
4. The castle of Fougeres. As I walked through the ruins of this castle dating back to the Dark Ages, I was transported back in time. We climbed a winding staircase to a tower room with walls 2 feet thick, crossed over the moat, stared down into the bowels of gloomy dungeon and walked the crenelated walls. Formidable!
5. Omaha Beach. It's one of the widest and most serene looking beaches I've ever seen. So beautiful now, it's hard to believe that over 2,00 American troops died here.
5. Mont Saint-Michel. It's France's second most popular tourist destination and I can see why. It rises out of the sea like a vision and is surrounded by some of the greatest tides in the world. Got my workout by climbing the steps for nearly half the day.
6. The people. I'd always heard that the French disliked Americans and were terribly rude. Quite the contrary. I think they often found Americans to be rude. We found them helpful, kind and accommodating. When I became separated from my husband on the Paris Metro, a woman named Valerie went out of her way to literally help me get "back on the right track". I was jet lagged and frightened. Thank you Valerie, wherever you are! A rule to remember: say "Bonjour" when you enter a shop or approach a news stand. It's common courtesy in France.
7. The Patisseries. I couldn't eat most of their creations, but I could sample a taste now and then and feast my eyes on their jewel-like beauty. Truly, their goods were works of art featuring colorful, delectable cakes and tarts. The French pastry chefs, like the butchers, the waiters, the teachers and everybody else, are specialists who take great care and pride in their work.
8. Bayeux. A lovely, smallish big town featuring the Bayeux tapestry, lovely shops and one of the most beautiful cathedrals I've ever seen. And we never got lost there!
9. The bed and breakfast inns. We expected big inconsistencies and while each was different, they were all equally charming and welcoming. I loved their hospitality, their home cooked breakfasts, their friendly chitchat and help with the language. Our favorite - Moulin de Rabion - featured a big, comfy bed, a room bathed in moonlight and the best tea and grounds. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.
10. The American cemetery and D-Day museum in Normandy. The crosses are perfectly aligned and the grounds immaculately kept. Although Omaha and Utah beaches look serene, we realized that thousands of brave American soldiers lost their lives there. It was undeniably the most moving part of our vacation. As a footnote, we noticed as many French paying their respects as Americans. I found that very touching.
Also loved Monet's Garden and home in Giverny, the Louvre and the French Metro which is cheap, clean and efficient. And merci, Serge!
