The train ride from Pontorson to Bayeux was a relaxing change of pace after the crowds and steep streets of Mont-Saint-Michel. The route wound through the Norman countryside, passing rolling green fields, grazing cattle, and picturesque villages that seemed untouched by time.
Arriving in Bayeux felt like stepping into a postcard. With its half-timbered buildings, flower-lined streets, and the gentle flow of the Aure River through the heart of town, Bayeux immediately charmed us. Despite its fame as the home of the Bayeux Tapestry and its proximity to the D-Day beaches, the town has retained the feel of a small, welcoming community.
I like to discover everything about a new town I visit, but touring the local emergency room is not usually on my itinerary.
The curse of travel — and perhaps Mont-Saint-Michel — was beginning to catch up with us. Simply getting to Mont-Saint-Michel was rigorous enough, but then came the hundreds of steps, steep climbs, winding walkways, ramparts, and the long ascent to the abbey. We thoroughly enjoyed every square inch of it, but eventually reality set in.
Richard had been dealing with some pinched-nerve back pain before we left for France. After two days of exploring Mont-Saint-Michel, that discomfort had escalated into full-blown distress. We decided to slow the pace and take a day off from sightseeing, which fortunately gave us time to stroll around the corner to the emergency room at the local hospital in Bayeux.
Between mission trips, Caminos, and other adventures, I’m becoming surprisingly experienced with international emergency rooms. A few hours and a scan later, the diagnosis was clear: a herniated disk.
It wasn’t exactly the Normandy experience we had planned, but it turned out to be one of those unexpected travel memories that will probably stick with us long after the pain subsides.
Armed with medication and instructions from the doctor, we settled into a slower rhythm. It was actually perfect timing, since Arne and Susan weren’t arriving until the next day. That evening, we relaxed on the hotel patio playing cribbage. We were surrounded by English-speaking travelers who were fascinated by our game and eager to share their expertise with us which was good — we couldn’t remember half the rules anyway. Richard won but just by a few points.
By the end of our first day in Bayeux, we were happy to trade packed itineraries for a slower pace. This charming Norman town, with its half-timbered buildings, flower-filled streets, and relaxed atmosphere, feels like the perfect place to pause and catch our breath. With Richard on the mend and a few unscheduled hours to simply wander, we’re settling into the rhythm of Normandy.
Tomorrow when Arne and Susan arrive, we’re looking forward to sharing the next chapter of this adventure together — exploring D-Day history, discovering seaside villages, and seeing where the roads of Normandy lead us. For now, it’s time to raise a glass, enjoy the evening, and savor being exactly where we are.
Santé! À la prochaine ! 🇫🇷🍷
Jane in Spain 