Rouen Cathedral
We went to the cathedral, Notre-Dame de Rouen, in the morning. Tremendous gothic architecture, but the recent history seems to be as interesting as that of its origins: it was bombed in the second world war, taking several direct hits and narrowly escaping utter collapse. The damage and reconstruction was the subject of an extensive display inside. The very tattered flag hanging inside beneath the main spire dates from that time.
It also contains the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, or a tomb. There are several, and this one is purported to contain only his heart. At the feet of his effigy we found another dog for J (smaller and between the feet of the lion).
The rest of the day was spent driving to Bayeux, first by charming secondary roads before being forced to take the motorway. En route, we went through apple country and entered Calvados. Apples are among Janet's favorite foods; we will have to come back for the fall festivals. In the mean time, we picked up some cider and other apple treats.
Our ultimate destination was the famous tapestry about the Norman invasion of England in 1066. I saw it ten years ago, and they have either extensively increased their interpretive displays or I simply forgot about them, but they were well worth spending the time to go through. There is an audio guide included in the price of admission, but it isn't as comprehensive, and it can't be stopped or rewound once started.
posted 15.7.06
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