One of the main reasons I wanted to visit France was to see Normandy. I had missed it on previous trips, but D-Day has always been one of the most important events in modern history, and I wanted to experience the place where it happened.
My interest grew even stronger after watching the recent film Pressure. The movie tells the story of the meteorologists whose weather forecasts played a critical role in the timing of the Allied invasion. It was fascinating to learn how something as unpredictable as the weather could influence one of the most significant military operations in history. Standing in Normandy, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for the courage, planning and sacrifice that shaped the events of June 6, 1944.
Our journey to France was anything but direct — and that’s exactly what made it memorable.
We flew overnight from JFK to Edinburgh, then boarded a small plane to Guernsey. As we approached, the views of the English Channel and the island’s rugged coastline reminded us that sometimes the journey is the destination.
Guernsey was the only British territory occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. Today, Guernsey is a peaceful island known for its beautiful coastline, seaside villages and relaxed pace of life. Although it is closely tied to Britain, it has its own government, currency, and distinct identity.
Our stop in Guernsey was short, but memorable. We enjoyed a delightful lunch overlooking the harbor before taking a scenic walk along the waterfront to the ferry terminal, where we caught our ferry to Saint-Malo and continued our journey.
Watching the walled city of Saint Malo emerge from the sea was exciting. By the time we rolled our suitcases through the cobblestone streets of the old town, we had crossed an ocean, visited an island and arrived in medieval France — all in a single day.
Intra-Muros is the historic walled heart of Saint-Malo, a beautifully preserved medieval port city. Surrounded by massive granite ramparts overlooking the sea, its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with cafés, shops, and centuries-old buildings. The city was heavily damaged during World War II but meticulously rebuilt to reflect its historic character.
Once again, another short but sweet stay. Saint-Malo has plenty of charm, and I especially enjoyed wandering through its historic walled city and along the ramparts overlooking the sea. It’s easy to see why this old port continues to captivate visitors. Now it’s time for the next adventure — onward to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Travel Note: Incidentally, many Schengen countries, including France, have begun implementing the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which records biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints from non-resident travelers entering the Schengen Area. We were expecting to be fingerprinted and photographed when we arrived at the port in Saint-Malo, but neither happened. Perhaps our information was already available through the biometric chip embedded in our passports, or the new procedures had not yet been fully implemented at this port.
Another Travel Note: The United Kingdom recently introduced the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is required for many visitors entering Great Britain. Since we had a stopover in Edinburgh, Scotland, we were required to obtain one before our trip. The authorization is completed online and is electronically linked to your passport. The application process is quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes, but there is a fee. It’s just one more item to add to the pre-travel checklist when visiting the UK.
Jane in Spain 