Our guide started the day by taking us to a chateau owned by her relatives. Both appeared to be in their late 70’s and the lady of the house was an avid gardener. They were a delightful couple and, upon discovering we were Americans, made a point of thanking us for what our country had done for France in WWII. People here have long memories and continue to be deeply appreciative to those who made sacrifices on their behalf. It was very touching.
We spent part of the morning driving through the Calvados region, which resembled farm country in Illinois and Indiana. There are quite a few dairy farms here, but this part of Normandy is noted for its apple orchards and its potent cider, which is named for the region. We stopped in the country and walked down a long lane before arriving at the small chapel featured in the first image. Unfortunately, it was locked and all we could do was peer in the windows.
After that, it was on to the town of Beuvron en Auge, which is often described as one of the prettiest towns in Normandy and we saw nothing to dispute that during our visit. After lunch we wandered around town and enjoyed the architecture. The Eglise Saint-Martin is a wonderful small church with a fascinating cemetery surrounding it. Decorations on graves in France are distinctly different than in the U. S. and we discovered that plots are not owned in perpetuity, but leased for a specific time period. Once that lease expires, it is up to the family to renew the lease or the plot will be leased to someone else. We didn’t find out what happens to the remains. Just a different take on death than we have.
All in all, a very nice day and a deeper immersion into the culture of the region.
