Category Archives: Jane Beyond Spain

Monday morning in Paris is when half the city seems to have taken the day off. Shop shutters stayed firmly closed, museums took a breather and even some cafés appeared to be sleeping in. One thing that definitely didn’t take the day off was the relentless heat. While Arne was busy with choir rehearsal, SusanContinue reading “Monday in Paris, the Calm before the Concert”

We thought our first evening beneath the Eiffel Tower was hot. It was. But we had no idea we had arrived at the beginning of a historic heat wave. Each day the mercury climbed higher. Sunday morning welcomed us with 95 degrees. The four of us hopped on the Metro and made our way toContinue reading “The Heat, The Beat and The Streets of Paris”

At last, we rolled into Paris and pulled up to our home for the next few days — the Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe. This was where the choir group was staying, and in many ways, the reason this entire trip had come together. The highlight ahead would be hearing our Minnetonka Choral SocietyContinue reading “Paris Nights & Eiffel Lights”

Before we could leave Bayeux, there was one final challenge: packing the Bigster. Somehow, four adults, all of our luggage and a growing collection of French treasures had to fit. With a little strategic stacking, some creative rearranging everything found its place. Once the hatch finally closed, we pointed the Bigster toward Rouen, ready forContinue reading “Rouen: Where Gothic Meets Lego”

We eased into the morning the French way — settling into a sidewalk café with flaky, buttery croissants and rich coffee while the town slowly came to life around us. There was no rush, just the simple pleasure of lingering over breakfast, watching locals greet one another. Over breakfast, we all came to the sameContinue reading “Normandy: From Cliffs to Caramels”

Wednesday morning is market day in Bayeux, and the pedestrian Rue Saint-Jean comes alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of Normandy. Locals browse stalls piled high with cheeses, fresh produce, breads, flowers and regional specialties while visitors mingle among them. It’s more than a market — it’s a glimpse into everyday life in NormandyContinue reading “Normandy Coast: Blue Water, Golden Sand and Stories of Courage”

Bayeux even has its own little tourist train that rattles through medieval streets, past the cathedral, historic landmarks and reminders of the city’s wartime past. We took a 45-minute spin through town and learned that Bayeux was the first French city liberated after D-Day. Unlike many Norman towns, it escaped major bombing and destruction, leavingContinue reading “Honfluer: Pere Magliore & Croque Madame”

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,Continue reading “Bayeux and the Art of Slowing Down”

From Saint-Malo, our bus dropped us in a sprawling parking area, where Mont-Saint-Michel rose dramatically in the distance, looking every bit like a medieval fairy tale. It was a Thursday morning, and hundreds of visitors were already queued for Le Passeur, the shuttle that carries travelers across the causeway to the mount itself. Getting toContinue reading “The Magic of Mont-Saint-Michel: Tides, Tourists, and Timeless Wonder”

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 filmContinue reading “France by Ferry: Bonjour Saint-Malo!”