SeineRiver Cruise/London/Paris

Celebrating our 50th anniversary this June with Gate1. 4 days in London, 7 days on the Seine River towards Rouen, Normandy Beaches excursion, Versailles, Honfleur, 3 days in Paris. Going in a day early and staying a day later. Read more

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Day 7
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 8:36 AM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 141 ft
France Conflans-Sainte-Honorine 48.991657, 2.08261548°59’30” N 2°4’57” E
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VanGogh excursion
June 21 in France ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
40 minute bus ride to start of tour. Pictures to follow. This is a scattering of photos as we walked through the small town where Van Gogh painted and later committed suicide. From Chat - "The small town you’re referring to is Auvers-sur-Oise, located about 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Paris, France. This picturesque village holds deep significance in the life and legacy of Vincent van Gogh.

Key Facts About Auvers-sur-Oise:
• Final Months of Van Gogh’s Life (May–July 1890):
Van Gogh moved to Auvers after leaving the asylum at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. He sought to be closer to his brother Theo and was under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, a physician who also supported artists.
• Prolific Artistic Output:
In just over 70 days, Van Gogh created more than 70 paintings and dozens of drawings, some of his most famous works, including:
• Wheatfield with Crows
• The Church at Auvers
• Portrait of Dr. Gachet
• Thatched Cottages at Cordeville
• Atmosphere:
Auvers was a rural, tranquil village with charming architecture and open landscapes—ideal for Van Gogh’s plein air painting style.
• Tragic End:
On July 27, 1890, Van Gogh shot himself in the chest in a nearby field. He died two days later on July 29 in his room at the Auberge Ravoux, a modest inn where he had been living. He was 37.
• Burial Site:
Vincent van Gogh is buried in the cemetery of Auvers, next to his brother Theo, who died just six months later.

Today:

Auvers-sur-Oise remains a place of pilgrimage for art lovers. You can visit:
• The Auberge Ravoux, preserved as it was in Van Gogh’s time.
• The fields and church he painted.
• The gravesite of Vincent and Theo.
• Several museums, including the Musée Daubigny and spaces dedicated to Van Gogh and his contemporaries.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful town, infused with the spirit of Van Gogh’s art and struggles." For more info watch this - https://youtu.be/4kcXgRK0M3w?si=O_x70JL1APN90BukRead more
Traveler Thank you — that’s a great detail, and it changes the context significantly. You’re absolutely right. This photo was taken in Auvers-sur-Oise, the village northwest of Paris where Vincent van Gogh spent the final months of his life and ultimately died in July 1890. ⸻ 🕍 The Church in the Background: This is the Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Auvers-sur-Oise, made famous by Van Gogh’s painting “The Church at Auvers” (1890). It’s a Romanesque-Gothic style church that dates back to the 11th–13th centuries. Van Gogh painted the church with a haunting vibrancy, distorting its lines and colors to reflect his mental state at the time — one of his final masterpieces. ⸻ 🗿 The Statue in the Foreground: The statue is of Théodore-Agrippa d’Aubigné, just as previously described, but it stands here in Auvers as part of the village’s literary and artistic heritage — not in Paris as I originally thought. Thank you for the correction. While d’Aubigné isn’t directly related to Van Gogh, his bust is displayed here likely due to the region’s rich cultural reverence for artists and writers. ⸻ 📍 Historical Context of Auvers-sur-Oise: • Vincent van Gogh moved here in May 1890, under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, a physician who supported artists. • In just 70 days, Van Gogh created more than 70 paintings, including: • Wheatfield with Crows • Portrait of Dr. Gachet • The Church at Auvers • He died by suicide on July 29, 1890, and is buried in the local cemetery next to his brother Theo van Gogh. ⸻
7/21/25Reply
Traveler Perfect — this photo confirms it beautifully. You’re standing in front of Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Auvers-sur-Oise, and the guide is holding a print of Vincent van Gogh’s 1890 painting “The Church at Auvers.” ⸻ 🎨 About the Painting: • Title: The Church at Auvers • Artist: Vincent van Gogh • Date: June 1890 • Medium: Oil on canvas • Current location: Musée d’Orsay, Paris Van Gogh painted this just weeks before his death, during one of his most prolific and emotionally intense periods. He exaggerates the Gothic architecture — warping the perspective and intensifying the blues and greens — possibly reflecting his inner turmoil. The contrast between the dark church structure and the brightly lit, wild foreground of green paths and sky gives the work a restless, almost spiritual intensity. It’s often interpreted as symbolizing his inner conflict or feelings about organized religion. ⸻ 🕍 About the Church: • Built in the 13th century, in the Romanesque-Gothic style. • Van Gogh’s depiction of it omits many surrounding buildings, focusing entirely on the structure’s dramatic shape and the natural light. • It’s one of Van Gogh’s last architectural subjects — and among his most famous. ⸻
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This is a profoundly moving photo — you’re standing at the very site that inspired one of Vincent van Gogh’s final and most haunting works, Wheatfield with Crows. ⸻ 🎨 “Wheatfield with Crows” (1890) • Artist: Vincent van Gogh • Date: July 1890 • Medium: Oil on canvas • Location painted: A field just outside Auvers-sur-Oise, France • Now held at: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam This turbulent painting is known for: • A stormy sky, filled with black crows in flight — often interpreted as symbols of doom or release. • A central path that forks and leads nowhere — perhaps reflecting Van Gogh’s emotional state and sense of life’s uncertainty. • Vibrant, agitated brushstrokes, intensifying the emotional charge of the landscape. ⸻ 🕯️ Tragic Final Days: • Van Gogh painted over 70 works in just 70 days while staying in Auvers-sur-Oise. • On July 27, 1890, he is believed to have walked into the nearby fields — likely this very one — and shot himself in the chest with a revolver. • He staggered back to the inn where he was staying (the Auberge Ravoux) and died two days later, with his brother Theo at his side. The exact motive is still debated — some historians speculate it wasn’t necessarily suicide, but possibly an accident or altercation. Regardless, the painting’s emotional weight seems to foreshadow what happened. ⸻
7/21/25Reply
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Day 7
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2:08 PM
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 177 ft
France Le Port-Marly 48.87772, 2.10693148°52’40” N 2°6’25” E
On the way to Versailles
June 21 in France ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
The "A" on the back of the car means that this person recently got a drivers license and must obey a reduced speed for 2 years
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Day 7
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 433 ft
France Versailles 48.804043, 2.12325348°48’15” N 2°7’24” E
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Versailles
June 21 in France ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
Hot !!!!!!! Around 100. No shade in the gardens.

the story of Versailles is rich, dramatic, and central to French history. Here’s an overview of its evolution from a simple hunting lodge to a symbol of absolute monarchy and ultimately, revolution:

⸻

🌿 1. Humble Beginnings
• Early 1600s: Versailles was a small village surrounded by forests and swampland.
• 1623: King Louis XIII built a hunting lodge there — modest and purely functional.

⸻

👑 2. Louis XIV and the Rise of the Palace
• Louis XIV (the “Sun King”) came to power in 1643 and had a grand vision of consolidating royal power.
• In 1661, after the death of his powerful minister Mazarin, Louis began transforming Versailles into a lavish royal palace.
• His goal: create a physical expression of absolute monarchy and control the nobility by drawing them into court life.

Versailles became a gilded cage — magnificent, distracting, and politically strategic.

• By 1682, Louis XIV made Versailles the official royal residence and center of government.

⸻

🏰 3. Architecture and Symbolism
• Designed by architect Louis Le Vau, landscape artist André Le Nôtre, and interior decorator Charles Le Brun.
• The Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) is the most famous room — used for ceremonies, diplomacy, and intimidation.

Versailles symbolized:
• Royal opulence and divine right
• A centralized, powerful state under the king
• France’s cultural and artistic dominance

⸻

⚖️ 4. Life at Court
• The palace housed thousands — nobles, servants, guards, and artists.
• The court followed elaborate rituals (even watching the king wake up).
• Nobles were kept busy and dependent, reducing their political power.

⸻

🔥 5. Decline and Revolution
• Louis XV and Louis XVI continued to live at Versailles, though France was struggling financially and politically.
• Extravagance (especially by Marie Antoinette) and isolation from common people caused public resentment.

In 1789, the French Revolution erupted. A crowd of angry women marched to Versailles demanding bread — and forced the royal family to return to Paris.

• Versailles ceased to be a royal residence.

⸻

🕊️ 6. After the Monarchy
• After the Revolution, many furnishings were sold or destroyed.
• In the 19th century, Louis-Philippe turned it into a museum of French history.

⸻

✍️ 7. Modern Significance
• Site of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles (1919) that ended WWI.
• Today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in France.

⸻

Would you like a short version you can share with friends, or are you interested in a particular aspect — like the gardens, Marie Antoinette, or the Hall of Mirrors?Read more
Traveler This marble statue is located at Versailles, and the figure depicted is Minerva (Athena) — the Roman goddess of wisdom, war strategy, and the arts. You can identify her by: • The helmet (missing here, but often associated with her), • The lion at her side — symbolizing courage and strength, • The classical robe and strong, commanding pose, • The torch or scroll in her right hand, often linked with enlightenment or strategic leadership. This statue is part of the Salon de la Guerre (War Room) at the Palace of Versailles, which was designed to glorify Louis XIV’s military victories. The lion and elegant stance reinforce themes of controlled power and royal authority.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This statue is a depiction of Louis XIV dressed in Roman military attire, located in the Palace of Versailles — specifically in the Salon de la Guerre (War Room) or Salon de Mars. Key features that identify it: • The curly hair and stylized classical armor are typical representations of Louis XIV’s desire to associate himself with Roman emperors. • The pose, with baton in hand and a commanding stance, echoes imperial authority. • The muscle cuirass (breastplate) and the cloak (paludamentum) draped over his shoulder further enhance the heroic imagery. • The setting with a shell motif above, marble framing, and rich ornamentation is in line with Versailles’ glorification of the Sun King. This is a classic example of Louis XIV’s political iconography — he carefully crafted his image as a divine and absolute ruler, borrowing heavily from classical antiquity.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This equestrian portrait is of Louis XIV, the Sun King, and it perfectly embodies the grandeur and authority he projected during his reign. Key identifiers: • Elaborate armor and robes blending martial and regal symbolism. • Feathered plumed hat and flowing hair typical of portraits of Louis XIV. • The powerful white horse, rearing dynamically, is a classic symbol of kingly control and command. • The background scene often includes military triumphs or landscapes signifying royal dominance. This portrait is almost certainly attributed to René-Antoine Houasse or one of the painters from the court of Louis XIV under Charles Le Brun’s direction. It’s likely part of the Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) or Salle des Batailles at the Palace of Versailles, where many such glorifying depictions of Louis XIV were hung.
7/21/25Reply
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Day 7
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 7:11 PM
☁️ 90 °F
Altitude: 82 ft
France Conflans-Sainte-Honorine 48.991405, 2.09262548°59’29” N 2°5’33” E
Onboard again for dinner
June 21 in France ⋅ ☁️ 90 °F
Back around 6 pm from our excursion. Mary giving her 15 min talk before dinner.
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Day 7
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 9:24 PM
⛅ 86 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
France Conflans-Sainte-Honorine 48.990856, 2.09280948°59’27” N 2°5’34” E
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Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
June 21 in France ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F
Music night on the river. Rock group playing next to our boat. We listened for awhile and then strolled thru town and up the hills to a church. All the teenagers were out for a hot night on the town! After the live band, some of the DJ songs they were playing - https://music.apple.com/us/album/melrose-place-… and another - 1er Gaou (Remix) by Magic System https://www.shazam.com/track/208648161?referrer…. Also - Gasolina by Daddy Yankee https://www.shazam.com/track/40523673?referrer=…. Thanks Shazam for the identification!! We're supposed to sail at 22:45 but the crew must be enjoying the show!!

As we sailed out of town I took a last minute snap of this fortress on the hill - "The fortress-like building in your nighttime photo is the Château du Prieuré, also known as the Donjon de Conflans (Keep of Conflans). This medieval tower is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. It dates back to the 11th or 12th century and once served as part of the priory complex. The square keep overlooks the Seine and Oise rivers — exactly where your photo appears to be taken.

Today, the site houses the Musée de la Batellerie et des Voies Navigables (Museum of Inland Waterways and River Transport), celebrating the town’s long maritime history. Conflans is often referred to as the capital of French inland navigation.

That crowd and colorful tents in your photo might be part of the town’s annual Fête de la Batellerie or the Fête de la Musique in June — both are major events held along the riverbanks.Read more
Be safe, my friends. The world got a lot more dangerous tonight. [Laurie]
6/21/25Reply
Traveler This is a striking nighttime capture of the Château du Prieuré, also known as the Donjon de Conflans, dramatically illuminated above the rooftops of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a town northwest of Paris at the confluence of the Seine and Oise rivers. Notable elements: • The Donjon, or keep, dates from the 11th or 12th century and is part of the remnants of a medieval fortress that once dominated the area. • The scene in the foreground suggests a bustling festival or concert on the waterfront—bright lights, tents, and a large crowd gathered along the quay. • The purple lighting and streamers give the event a festive atmosphere, while the orange floodlights on the Donjon contrast beautifully against the dark sky. Conflans is known as the capital of French inland waterway navigation, and events here often celebrate its maritime heritage. If this was around mid-June, it could be part of Fête de la Musique or a similar summer festival.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This elegant and ornate building in your photo is the Château du Prieuré, located in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France. You previously shared an image of the Donjon de Conflans—this is the adjoining structure, often referred to simply as Le Prieuré (The Priory). A bit more context: • The Château du Prieuré was originally part of a Benedictine priory founded in the 9th century. • The building you photographed is the 19th-century reconstruction, which now houses the Musée de la Batellerie et des Voies Navigables (Museum of Inland Waterways and River Navigation), celebrating Conflans’ long-standing relationship with the Seine and river trade. • The Neo-Renaissance architectural style is evident in the ornate carvings, pilasters, and round-arched windows with decorative pediments and sculptural elements. The way the sunset light hits the stone adds a beautiful warm glow to this already majestic structure.
7/21/25Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 7:22 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
France Villers-sur-le-Roule 49.192509, 1.3355449°11’33” N 1°20’8” E
Les Andelys
June 22 in France ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Sailed thru the night and ended up here. Hers our itinerary for the day - see pic. We'll be climbing up to that castle later. You can watch a very interesting video of it here -https://youtu.be/yAADZ20UlG0?si=8mvYd1Mknrzqqf1I ( we're watching the same video before climbing to the castle)Read more
Enjoy your Trip, enjoy Europe. If you continue to Germany we might be able to meet you somewhere in the North. Karl Heinz [Dr. med. Karl Heinz ]
6/22/25Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 10:04 AM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
France Clery 49.240982, 1.40093749°14’28” N 1°24’3” E
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Richard the Lionheart's castle
June 22 in France ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Great climb up to the castle. Spectacular views. Well worth the visit and it was great to have seen the video prior. Afterwards hoofed it to the patisserie to grab a baguette and goodies before boarding the ship. Was happy to try out my tiny bit of French when it came to pronouncing one of those goodies and the lady who was waiting on us even said Perfect!Read more
Traveler This is Château Gaillard, the famous medieval fortress built by Richard the Lionheart in the late 12th century, perched above the town of Les Andelys in Normandy, France. Key features that identify it: • The distinctive rounded keep (central tower) with surrounding curtain walls. • The chalky white path and ruins scattered across the hilltop. • Its commanding position above a bend in the Seine River, giving it strategic defensive views. Richard the Lionheart constructed it in 1196 to protect the Duchy of Normandy from French invasion. It later played a key role in the wars between England and France. Though partially ruined today, it’s one of the most dramatic and scenic castle remains in Normandy.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This photo shows more of the ruins of Château Gaillard — specifically, the outer wall of the upper bailey, with its tall, narrow windows and rugged stonework. You’re standing within what would have been one of the outer defensive enclosures, possibly near the residential quarters or chapel area. In the foreground are stone foundations, likely the remains of internal structures that supported floors or walls within the bailey. The window openings give a sense of the scale and defensive design — narrow from the outside for protection, wider inside for archers or light. The location’s sweeping view over the Seine River valley made it an ideal lookout and stronghold, showcasing Richard the Lionheart’s architectural and strategic foresight.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This is a striking close-up of the keep (donjon) at Château Gaillard, showcasing its unique and advanced medieval military architecture. The buttresses projecting from the tower helped to support the heavy stone structure while also giving it an imposing defensive appearance. The alternating pattern of smooth and rough stonework suggests areas that have been restored over time, likely to preserve the structural integrity of the walls. The sign on the lower left confirms it’s a protected site under surveillance — a reminder of its historical importance. Standing beside it gives you a sense of scale: this was a fortress meant to withstand sieges and symbolize power. Richard the Lionheart had it built in just two years (1196–1198), which is impressive given the complexity of the design.
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Day 8
Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2:56 PM
☁️ 79 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
France Belbeuf 49.387138, 1.12331149°23’14” N 1°7’24” E
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Cruisin the Seine Lunch and Joan of Arc
June 22 in France ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F
Nice to spend the afternoon cruising. Beautiful sunny day. Afternoon lecture on Joan of Arc - "Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl born in 1412 who believed she was divinely called to help France during the Hundred Years’ War. At age 17, she convinced the Dauphin (future Charles VII) to let her lead troops, and she inspired a major victory at the Siege of Orléans in 1429. This helped Charles be crowned king. Captured by the English-allied Burgundians in 1430, she was handed over to the English, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431 at age 19. In 1920, she was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church."Read more
Traveler This photo beautifully captures the white chalk cliffs along the Seine River in Normandy, France. These striking cliffs are characteristic of the region around towns like Les Andelys, La Bouille, or Caudebec-en-Caux, where the river carves through limestone and chalk formations. The cliffs’ layered white rock is typical of the Upper Cretaceous chalk deposits found throughout northern France, similar in geology to the White Cliffs of Dover across the English Channel. The lush green forest on top and the serene boat in the river below make this a peaceful yet geologically dramatic scene. A lovely shot!
7/21/25Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 7:14 PM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
France Rives-en-Seine 49.523921, 0.72435749°31’26” N 0°43’28” E
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Dinner on Board Caudebec En - Caux
June 22 in France ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
Got the daily briefing for the next day ( full day DDay Beaches tomorrow). Sat down to great conversation with our eating buddies John and Jessica. Then we strolled into and around town till 10 pm. Mind boggling church in town. Always so much fun to wander the back streets of these small towns.Read more
Aww!! Cuties!! [Patriceholmes3@gmail]
6/22/25Reply
Traveler You’re absolutely right — thank you for the correction! The church in your photo is indeed Notre-Dame of Caudebec-en-Caux, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture located along the Seine River in Normandy. About Notre-Dame de Caudebec-en-Caux: • Construction: Began in the 15th century and continued into the early 16th century. • Architectural Style: Flamboyant Gothic, noted for its ornate tracery, spires, and intricate sculptural details. • Key Features: • The highly detailed façade with delicate stone lacework and a richly carved portal. • The lantern tower, which is one of the finest examples in Normandy. • Beautiful stained-glass windows, some original and others carefully restored. • Historical Significance: Victor Hugo called it one of the most beautiful churches in all of Normandy. It’s a gem that often gets overlooked in favor of the bigger cathedrals, but for those who explore deeper into Normandy, it’s unforgettable. A fantastic capture — and again, well spotted!
7/21/25Reply
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Day 9
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 5:30 AM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
France Arelaune-en-Seine 49.519386, 0.72878749°31’10” N 0°43’44” E
D-Day
June 23 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Up early - 0530. I've been to the D-Day beaches before but not with a guide so this should be even better. Janet has not so should be a great experience. Our room on board the ship has been great. Comfy bed, nice strong hot shower. We are in the cheap seats at water level but that is what we always do because truthfully there is just as much room as in the big dollar seats and you're never in your room anyway, other than to sleep or grab a few things. Food has been top notch - equally on par with the AMA Waterways, Uniworld cruises we've been on and for much less money. Also more laid back which we enjoy.Read more
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Day 9
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 8:17 AM UTC
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
France Toutainville 49.368237, 0.47510949°22’6” N 0°28’30” E
On the bus to the Beaches
June 23 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Cloudy, misty day. Hoping it will clear before we get there. Added a map here so you could see where we are headed. About a 2 hr bus ride. While I think about it, if you're interested in the Nazi period in France, there is an excellent series on Amazon Prime called A French Village ("Un village français") A French Village - Season 1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B01BPSFG…
Great series / highest recommendation!Read more
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Day 9
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM
🌬 64 °F
Altitude: 174 ft
France Colleville-sur-Mer 49.359173, -0.8530349°21’33” N 0°51’11” W
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The cemetery and Omaha Beach
June 23 in France ⋅ 🌬 64 °F
You’re referring to “Les Braves”, a striking steel sculpture by French artist Anilore Banon, situated right on Omaha Beach near Vierville‑sur‑Mer—dedicated on June 5, 2004, marking the 60th anniversary of D‑Day .

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🏖️ Key Features & Symbolism

1. Three Sculptural Elements
• “The Wings of Fraternity,” “Rise, Freedom!” and “The Wings of Hope” form the trio, symbolizing brotherhood, liberty, and the enduring spirit of hope that carried soldiers ashore .

2. Placement on the Beach
• Positioned just off the shoreline, the installation interacts with tides and weather—tying it directly to the historical landing site and evoking the soldiers’ arrival and struggle .

3. Material and Form
• Made of gleaming stainless steel, the abstract waves and wings evoke movement, flight, and ascension, reflecting both turbulence and transcendence .

4. Scale & Impact
• Standing approximately 9 m high, 15 m wide, and weighing 15 tonnes, its monumental size echoes the enormity of the sacrifice and provides a visually powerful tribute .

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🌟 Meaning & Emotional Resonance
• Hope & Freedom: The artwork speaks to the uplifting ideals soldiers fought for and the hope they brought to liberate Europe.
• Fraternity & Unity: Its title reflects the deep bond among Allied forces—symbolizing solidarity in the face of adversity.
• Living Memory: By situating it on the beach, the monument becomes a dynamic witness, interacting with the elements and cycles—much like memory itself.

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🌍 Visitor Experience
• Contextual Placement: Alongside other memorials on Omaha—like the American cemetery and interpretive plaques—Les Braves offers an artistic, contemplative counterpoint to historical narration .
• Photogenic & Reflective: The steel forms glow differently with each weather condition, capturing light, tide, and mood—a moving memorial to pause and

The statue “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves” is deeply symbolic, and every element of it is designed to honor and evoke the courage, sacrifice, and transcendence of the American soldiers who died in Normandy during World War II. Here’s a breakdown of its symbolism:

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🔹 The Youthful Male Figure
• The statue depicts a muscular, idealized young man, representing the youth of the American soldiers—many of whom were in their late teens or early twenties when they landed on the beaches of Normandy.
• His strong, upward-reaching posture symbolizes aspiration, hope, and transcendence, rising above the horrors of war.

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🔹 Rising from the Waves
• The figure is shown emerging from the sea, a direct reference to the D-Day amphibious landings on June 6, 1944, when American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy.
• This evokes the idea that the youth “rose” from the ocean to defend freedom, and also suggests a spiritual ascension, as if their sacrifice elevates them to a higher realm.

⸻

🔹 Outstretched Arms
• His arms are spread in an upward, almost angelic gesture, indicating both a connection to the divine and a victorious emergence.
• The gesture suggests freedom, surrender to a higher cause, and also triumph—emerging from tragedy with grace and strength.

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🔹 Base with Sea Motifs
• The base of the statue has flowing, wave-like forms, reinforcing the idea of the ocean as the point of origin—both for the soldiers’ physical arrival and their symbolic ascension.
• It also connects them with eternity and timeless remembrance, as the sea is vast, deep, and eternal.

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🔹 Black Bronze Material
• The dark, powerful tone of the bronze gives the statue a solemn, reverent presence. It also suggests durability and permanence—fitting for a memorial.

⸻

Overall Meaning

This statue encapsulates the heroism, vitality, and ultimate sacrifice of American soldiers who died during the Normandy campaign. It transforms their loss into a spiritual triumph, celebrating them as eternal guardians of liberty, rising gloriously from the chaosRead more
Traveler This striking sculpture is “Les Braves,” a powerful memorial located on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France — one of the key landing sites during D-Day on June 6, 1944. About Les Braves: • Artist: Anilore Banon (2004) • Purpose: To honor the courage of American soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach. • Design meaning: • The Wings of Hope – evoke uplift and renewal. • Rise of Freedom – the tall, vertical elements represent men standing against oppression. • Wings of Fraternity – symbolize the unity and brotherhood of those who fought and liberated France. Location: • Right on the sands of Omaha Beach, near Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. • Visible at both low and high tide, though partially submerged when the tide is in — giving it a living, dynamic quality. It’s a stunning and solemn tribute that visually embodies both the violence and the valor of that historic day.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This powerful bronze statue is “The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves,” located at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. About the Sculpture: • Artist: Donald Harcourt De Lue (1897–1988), an American sculptor. • Unveiled: 1956, as part of the cemetery’s dedication. • Symbolism: It depicts an idealized, muscular young man soaring upward from the waves — representing the thousands of American soldiers who stormed the beaches during the D-Day landings and gave their lives for freedom. • Material: Cast in bronze, set on a pink granite pedestal. Surrounding the Statue: • The semicircular memorial colonnade behind it is engraved with the names of U.S. military operations and locations. • The cemetery itself is the final resting place for 9,388 American servicemen and women, most of whom died in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. • A reflecting pool and chapel also form part of the sacred grounds. This is one of the most poignant and iconic sites in Normandy, embodying both grief and gratitude.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This is a fantastic and very informative image from the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial overlook, showing a relief map of the D-Day landing beaches from 6 June 1944. Your guide is using a pointer to describe key locations in the Allied invasion of Normandy. Highlights of What You’re Seeing: • Beaches Labeled: • Utah Beach (far west, U.S. forces) • Omaha Beach (central west, U.S. forces) • Gold Beach (British) • Juno Beach (Canadian) • Sword Beach (British) • Landing Dates: June 6–8, 1944, with D-Day being June 6. • Color Coding & Units: Each beach is color-coded and associated with the respective nation’s forces. The arrows indicate the direction of troop movements inland. • Scale and Orientation: The table includes compass points and a scale in kilometers. • Key Places Marked: Towns like Caen, Bayeux, Carentan, and St. Lô—major strategic objectives following the landings—are labeled. • Context: This map helps visitors grasp the enormous scope of Operation Overlord, both geographically and strategically, from the sea to the hedgerows inland. It’s a powerful way to visualize the Allied coordination and scale of effort—and to appreciate how close each sector was, yet how distinct each nation’s role was in the battle.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This is a powerful and beautiful mosaic-style installation made from stones gathered from Omaha Beach — one of the most iconic and bloodiest D-Day landing sites on June 6, 1944. Significance: • Material: Each stone represents a piece of the beach where thousands of American soldiers landed and fought. These stones were actually collected from Omaha Beach, making this a deeply personal and tactile memorial. • Design: The stones are carefully embedded into concrete, creating an evocative and almost flowing pattern, perhaps symbolizing waves, movement, or the mass of soldiers storming ashore. • Emotional Impact: It quietly honors the memory of the fallen without needing names or statues — just the very earth from which the battle took place. Location: This type of stonework is commonly found within or near the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, or along the Omaha Beach Memorial Walk. It’s subtle, respectful, and powerful — a tribute that lets the ground itself speak.
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Day 9
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 12:46 PM
🌬 68 °F
Altitude: 144 ft
France Sainte-Mère-Église 49.408712, -1.31589249°24’31” N 1°18’57” W
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Sainte-Mère-Èglise
June 23 in France ⋅ 🌬 68 °F
Was here in 2014. The soldier is still hanging from the church. Story to follow. Didn't have enough time on the tour to explore the museums here (I was lucky enough to have done that in 2014 and since then they've added on a few more buildings)

The story of the American parachutist at Sainte-Mère-Église is one of the most iconic and human moments of D-Day—and it’s based on a real soldier: Private John Steele of the 82nd Airborne Division.

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🇺🇸 The True Story: John Steele at Sainte-Mère-Église

In the early hours of June 6, 1944, American paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division began dropping into Normandy ahead of the beach landings. Their mission was to secure key towns and crossroads, and Sainte-Mère-Église was a vital target near Utah Beach.

That night, the town was already on fire—a house near the town square had caught fire from earlier bombing, and German soldiers and townspeople were fighting the blaze. The fire lit up the night sky, making the descending paratroopers easy targets.

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🪂 John Steele’s Parachute Gets Snagged

Private John Steele, a paratrooper from the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, came in low over the town square. As he descended, anti-aircraft fire hit his leg, and his parachute got caught on one of the pinnacles of the church steeple.

He hung there for over two hours, pretending to be dead so German soldiers wouldn’t shoot him. Eventually, he was taken prisoner—but later escaped and rejoined his unit.

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🕍 Legacy and Memorial

Today, in Sainte-Mère-Église:
• A dummy paratrooper with a parachute hangs on the steeple of the church as a tribute to Steele.
• Inside the church, stained glass windows honor the paratroopers, showing the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus surrounded by American troops and parachutes.

John Steele’s story became widely known thanks to the 1962 film “The Longest Day,” where he was portrayed by actor Red Buttons.

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🕊️ Why It Matters

The image of Steele dangling helplessly during the most massive invasion in history captured the chaos, courage, and tragedy of D-Day in one haunting moment. Sainte-Mère-Église became the first town liberated by U.S. forces on D-Day, and Steele lived to see the town honor him and his comrades.

Let me know if you’d like to see photos of the church or windows, or details about how the 82nd and 101st Airborne carried out their missions.Read more
Traveler This image is from Sainte-Mère-Église, a town in Normandy that played a pivotal role in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. The figure hanging from the church is a life-sized mannequin representing U.S. paratrooper John Steele of the 82nd Airborne Division. Historical Significance: • Private John Steele parachuted into the town during the early hours of D-Day. • His parachute got caught on the church steeple, leaving him hanging there for two hours, feigning death while chaos unfolded below during the German counterattack. • He was eventually captured by the Germans, later escaped, and rejoined American forces. • His story was popularized in the book and film The Longest Day. About Sainte-Mère-Église: • It was one of the first towns liberated by American forces on D-Day. • The church and the hanging paratrooper have become iconic symbols of the airborne invasion. • Inside the church, there are also stained glass windows honoring the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. Your photo captures one of the most recognizable and poignant symbols of the D-Day invasion, often featured in WWII documentaries and history books.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This beautiful image shows the interior of the church in Sainte-Mère-Église, the same church featured in the previous photo with the paratrooper hanging from the steeple. Key features: • Gothic architecture with ribbed vaulting and stone columns, typical of medieval Norman churches. • The altarpiece is richly adorned with gold and classical religious paintings and statues, likely representing major saints or events from the life of Christ. • The crucifix suspended from the ornate arch is a striking focal point of the nave. • You can see the lectern shaped like an eagle (symbol of St. John), a traditional feature in many Catholic churches. Historical context: • This church gained fame due to the events of D-Day, specifically involving John Steele, the paratrooper whose parachute got caught on its steeple. • Today, the church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a memorial to the American Airborne troops, with commemorative stained glass windows depicting parachutists and the Virgin Mary. Visiting this church in person — seeing both the exterior tribute and the solemn interior — creates a powerful and reverent experience that blends sacred history with military heroism.
7/21/25Reply
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What? [Mark Holmes]
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Day 9
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM
🌬 68 °F
Altitude: 92 ft
France Cricqueville-en-Bessin 49.39299, -0.98854949°23’35” N 0°59’19” W
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Pont du Hoc
June 23 in France ⋅ 🌬 68 °F
“Rangers, lead the way!” — Pointe du Hoc, 6 June 1944

Why the mission mattered
Pointe du Hoc was a knife-edge promontory midway between Utah and Omaha Beaches. On it the Germans had emplaced six captured French 155 mm guns whose 25-km range threatened every ship and landing craft approaching either beach. Destroying those guns was therefore phase-one of the American plan for D-Day. General Bradley assigned the job to Lt. Col. James Earl Rudder’s 225-man 2nd Ranger Battalion.

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Training & preparation
• Cliff work: In England the Rangers practiced on seaside cliffs using rocket-fired grapnels, ropes, extension ladders borrowed from the London Fire Brigade, and tubular steel “bangalore” torpedoes to blast barbed-wire at the top.
• Timing: H-Hour for the assault was set for 06:30—just before the main landings—to ensure the big guns could not rake Omaha’s approaches.

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The assault
• Rough seas & navigation error delayed the nine LCAs and four DUKWs; they reached the cliff base at 07:10, forty minutes late and understrength (one troop-carrier had sunk and two supply craft were lost).
• Scaling the 100-ft cliff: Grapnels fired; some ropes burned when cordite ignited, others were cut by German defenders. USS Texas and destroyers laid down covering fire while Rangers climbed ladders and knotted ropes hand-over-hand.
• Top secured by 07:40: Once up, three companies fanned out through the bomb-pocked battery.

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The missing guns

Bombardment had convinced the Germans to move the 155 mm guns about 1 km inland the night before. A patrol led by Sgt. Leonard Lomell and Cpl. Jack Kuhn followed rail tracks, found the guns camouflaged in an apple orchard, and disabled them with thermite grenades and rifle fire on their sights and traversing gears—completing the primary mission within 90 minutes of landing.

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Two days of holding out

Cut off from the beaches and ringed by counter-attacks from elements of the German 352nd Infantry Division, the Rangers dug in among the craters:

Time Event
D + 0 afternoon German probes pushed to within grenade range; naval gunfire forced them back.
Night 6/7 June Ammunition and water ran low; medics treated wounded in a captured bunker.
Morning 7 June Weather cleared; aerial resupply finally reached the point.
Noon 8 June Relief column—companies from 5th Ranger Battalion and the 29th Infantry—fought through and linked up.

Only ≈90 men (about one-third of the original assault force) were still able to fight when they were relieved.

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What the action achieved
• Guns neutralised: The 155s never fired a shot on 6 June, sparing thousands of troops approaching Omaha and Utah.
• Proof of concept: The climb validated commando tactics Bradley and Eisenhower were hesitant about.
• Enduring motto: The episode cemented the Ranger creed—“Rangers lead the way”—spoken by Gen. Norman Cota on Omaha as word of the Pointe du Hoc seizure spread.

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Today the shattered casemates, bomb craters, and a granite needle-shaped memorial atop the cliff preserve the site. Visitors can still trace the desperate 15-metre rope climbs and stand in the orchard where Lomell’s patrol rendered the battery forever silent—a testament to what 225 determined Rangers accomplished against sheer rock, heavy fire, and long odds. Read more
Traveler This photo shows part of the Pointe du Hoc site in Normandy, France — a key D-Day landmark. What you’re seeing: • Foreground: A large German concrete gun casemate (bunker), part of the Nazi Atlantic Wall defenses. • Background (centered): A tall granite obelisk monument, which commemorates the U.S. 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions, who scaled the 100-foot cliffs here on June 6, 1944, to destroy German artillery positions threatening Utah and Omaha Beaches. • The fenced area and craters beyond indicate where heavy Allied bombardment took place. Context: Pointe du Hoc was one of the most daring missions of D-Day. The Rangers had to climb sheer cliffs under enemy fire, and despite heavy losses, they succeeded in neutralizing the threat — a critical contribution to the success of the Normandy landings. It’s now a preserved site and one of the most powerful WWII memorials in the region.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler Yes — that photo perfectly illustrates the sheer cliffs at Pointe du Hoc that the U.S. Army Rangers had to scale under enemy fire on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Context: • These cliffs are about 100 feet (30 meters) high. • The Rangers used rope ladders, grappling hooks, and rocket-propelled ropes while being shot at from above. • Their mission: to destroy German artillery pieces believed to be aimed at Omaha and Utah Beaches. Although the guns had been moved inland, the Rangers still secured the position and held it for two days until reinforcements arrived — at great cost. Why it mattered: The German guns at Pointe du Hoc could have devastated Allied troops landing on the beaches. Neutralizing this position was considered essential for the success of Operation Overlord. What the Rangers accomplished is still regarded as one of the most heroic and audacious actions of D-Day. Your photo beautifully captures the dramatic geography that made their mission both so difficult and so significant.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler That makes perfect sense — Pointe du Hoc is one of the most iconic and haunting sites on the Normandy coast. This bunker you were inside is part of the German cliff-top battery complex that the U.S. Army Rangers assaulted on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Here’s what you were standing inside and around: 🔹 What You Saw: • The concrete bunker in your photo is likely part of the casemates or observation posts the Germans used to direct artillery fire over Omaha and Utah Beaches. • Those small horizontal openings (like the one visible in your photo) are called embrasures, used to fire machine guns or observe the sea. • The pockmarked ceiling might show long-term wear, or it could be a result of Allied bombardments during the pre-invasion airstrikes and naval shelling. 🔹 The Historical Significance of Pointe du Hoc: • It was believed to house long-range 155mm artillery guns that could devastate the landing beaches. • On D-Day, 225 U.S. Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs using ropes and ladders under fire to neutralize the threat. • When they reached the top, they discovered the guns had been moved inland, but they found and destroyed them shortly after. • Only 90 of the original Rangers were still able to fight by the time reinforcements arrived two days later. Y
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This is a photo of the “Kilometer Zero” marker of the Voie de la Liberté (Liberty Road) at Utah Beach, one of the five D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. What This Marker Represents: • “Km 00”: Marks the starting point of the Voie de la Liberté, a commemorative route tracing the path of the Allied liberation of France beginning with the U.S. landings on June 6, 1944. • Flaming Torch Symbol: Represents freedom and liberation, and is the iconic emblem of the Liberty Road. • Text in French: “ICI ONT DEBARQUÉ LES ARMÉES AMÉRICAINES 6 JUIN – 8 NOVEMBRE 1944” Translation: “Here landed the American armies, June 6 – November 8, 1944” • Utah Beach: One of the American landing sectors, where the U.S. 4th Infantry Division came ashore with relatively fewer casualties compared to Omaha Beach. Background: • The Voie de la Liberté continues all the way to Bastogne, Belgium, commemorating the route taken by General Patton’s Third Army and others as they moved inland to liberate occupied towns and cities. Your photo beautifully captures a symbolic and emotional starting point for the liberation of Western Europe.
7/21/25Reply
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Day 9
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:32 PM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
France Arelaune-en-Seine 49.521935, 0.73011349°31’19” N 0°43’48” E
Dinner on board - stroll through town
June 23 in France ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Another great dinner w/conversation and then we prowled the town till 10 pm (still light out at 10 pm)
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Day 10
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 7:30 AM
☁️ 57 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
France Rives-en-Seine 49.523785, 0.72413349°31’26” N 0°43’27” E
Days schedule/ Breakfast
June 24 in France ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F
Overslept. Wolfed breakfast in about 10 minutes. On the bus for trip to Honfleur now. Honfleur is a picturesque port town located in Normandy, in northern France, on the southern bank of the Seine estuary where it meets the English Channel. It’s part of the Calvados department and is widely celebrated for its charming harbor, historic architecture, and its connection to Impressionist painters.

Highlights of Honfleur:

🌊 Old Harbor (Vieux Bassin)
• The heart of Honfleur. This 17th-century harbor is lined with tall, narrow slate-covered buildings—many of them now cafés, galleries, and shops.
• Artists like Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin painted the harbor often, helping to define the early Impressionist movement.

🎨 Artistic Heritage
• Eugène Boudin, born in Honfleur, mentored Claude Monet. His museum, Musée Eugène Boudin, displays works by Boudin and his contemporaries.
• The town attracted painters like Monet, Courbet, and Jongkind, all drawn by the town’s light and scenery.

⛪ St. Catherine’s Church (Église Sainte-Catherine)
• France’s largest wooden church with a separate bell tower.
• Built by shipwrights in the 15th century using naval construction techniques, giving the ceiling the appearance of an upturned boat.

🚢 Maritime Museum (Musée de la Marine)
• Located in the former church of St. Etienne, it explores Honfleur’s seafaring history, from fishing and trade to exploration.

🌉 Pont de Normandie
• A striking modern cable-stayed bridge linking Honfleur to Le Havre. When it opened in 1995, it was the longest of its kind in the world.

🏖️ Nearby Nature
• The Côte Fleurie (Flowery Coast), with towns like Deauville and Trouville, is a short drive away.
• The Normandy countryside and apple orchards also surround Honfleur—ideal for cider and Calvados tastings.

History in Brief:
• Dates back to at least the 11th century.
• Played roles in the Hundred Years’ War and during the Age of Exploration. Ships from Honfleur sailed to the New World, including voyages to Quebec.
• Was not heavily bombed in WWII, so much of its historic charm remains intact.

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Today, Honfleur is a major tourist destination, beloved for its blend of history, romance, and artistic inspiration. It’s ideal for strolling, relaxing, enjoying seafood, and soaking in a unique Norman ambiance.Read more
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Day 10
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 9:38 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
France Honfleur 49.421525, 0.23291749°25’17” N 0°13’59” E
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Honfleur
June 24 in France ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
Cider and crepes stop before our walking tour
Traveler Thank you — this wider photo confirms it perfectly. This is Saint Catherine’s Church (Église Sainte-Catherine) in Honfleur, Normandy — the largest wooden church in France with a separate bell tower. Highlights of this remarkable building: • ⛪ Built by shipbuilders in the 15th century after the Hundred Years’ War using naval construction techniques. The roof resembles an upside-down ship’s hull. • 🪵 Constructed almost entirely out of wood, including oak and chestnut — no nails or stone vaulting like traditional churches. • 🔲 The diamond-patterned leaded windows with hand-forged iron bars (from your earlier close-up) are part of the original architectural features preserved in the façade. • 🕍 The cladding on the upper walls is chestnut shingles, weathered beautifully over centuries. • 🛐 Inside, you’ll find two naves, wooden columns, and a ceiling that feels like the hull of a boat, further tying in with its maritime craftsmanship. • 🎨 Honfleur is closely associated with painters like Eugène Boudin, and this church has inspired countless works of art. ⸻
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This photo shows a beautifully aged leaded glass window with small diamond-shaped panes (called quarries), reinforced by wrought iron bars — and those bars have pointed metal spikes or “prongs,” almost like thorns. Here’s what stands out: 🪟 Architectural Features • Leaded glass: This traditional technique involves small panes joined by lead cames, common in medieval and early modern Europe. • Iron crossbars with spikes: These are functional and symbolic. • Protection: Meant to keep intruders (or animals) out. • Deterrent: The spikes might evoke a defensive, almost aggressive look — like a crown of thorns or a warning. • Age: The rust and patina suggest it’s genuinely old, not just decorative. 🪵 Timber Framing The wood surrounding the window is roughly hewn and clearly weathered — typical of medieval timber-frame buildings, possibly from the 15th–17th century. This kind of construction is particularly common in Normandy, including Rouen, where you’ve shared photos from. ⸻ 📍
7/21/25Reply
Traveler That prowling black cat sculpture perched dramatically on the chimney is a charming and slightly mysterious piece of rooftop art — and it’s quite well known in Honfleur, Normandy. What you’re looking at: • 🐈‍⬛ “Le Chat Noir” (The Black Cat) is a local fixture mounted high above one of Honfleur’s half-timbered houses. • 📍 Located on Rue des Logettes, just a short walk from Saint Catherine’s Church and the old port. • 🧱 The cat is mounted on a stone and brick chimney, often spotted by sharp-eyed visitors gazing upward in Honfleur’s historic center. • 🎭 The sculpture adds a whimsical, almost theatrical touch, typical of Honfleur’s artsy character — the town is famous for its bohemian spirit and connection to Impressionist painters. There’s no single, universally accepted legend attached to this cat, but it tends to delight passersby and photographers alike.
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Day 10
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 12:51 PM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 587 ft
France Croix-Mare 49.591728, 0.8667349°35’30” N 0°52’0” E
Rouen
June 24 in France ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
1 1/2 hour bus ride to Roen for the ship and lunch before a 2 hr walking tour Rouen. A bit of history:

Rouen is a historic city in Normandy, northern France, known for its rich medieval past, stunning architecture, and deep connection to Joan of Arc.

Highlights of Rouen:

🏰 Old Town & Half-Timbered Houses
• The city center is filled with charming medieval buildings and narrow cobblestone streets.
• Many homes feature colorful half-timbered facades from the Middle Ages.

⛪ Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen)
• A Gothic masterpiece, famously painted over 30 times by Claude Monet at different times of day.
• Burial place of Richard the Lionheart’s heart.

🔥 Joan of Arc
• Rouen is where Joan of Arc was tried, condemned, and burned at the stake in 1431.
• You can visit the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, an interactive museum inside the Archbishop’s Palace.
• The Church of Saint Joan of Arc stands on the site of her execution, with modern architecture and beautiful stained glass from a ruined church.

🎨 Museums and Art
• Musée des Beaux-Arts houses works by Monet, Delacroix, and Caravaggio.
• Musée Le Secq des Tournelles (ironwork museum) is uniquely devoted to wrought iron objects.

🕰️ Gros Horloge
• A spectacular astronomical clock from the 14th century set in an archway above a bustling pedestrian street.

🏞️ Seine River
• The city straddles the Seine, with scenic river views and walkways.

Rouen is about 1.5 hours from Paris by train and is often a favorite stop for travelers exploring Normandy. Let me know if you’re planning a visit—I can recommend specific places to eat or stay!Read more
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Day 10
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 2:30 PM
☀️ 77 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
France Rouen 49.43718, 1.09466249°26’14” N 1°5’41” E
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Walking tour of Rouen
June 24 in France ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
As we walk to explore the cathedral, I'm reminded of the classic Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. If you haven't read this and are planning to visit Europe , then you should put this at the top of your list. It's a novel so it will hold your attention.Read more
Traveler This photo captures a great candid moment from what looks like a guided tour in Rouen, likely right outside Rouen Cathedral. The tour guide is holding a laminated visual guide — and based on the colorful grid of images she’s showing, she appears to be discussing Claude Monet’s series of Rouen Cathedral paintings. Here’s what this guide is likely talking about: • 🎨 Monet painted over 30 versions of Rouen Cathedral, all from the same viewpoint but under different lighting and weather conditions. • 🕰️ He captured the changing light, shadow, and atmosphere at different times of day. • 🖼️ Many of these paintings are now in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and private collections. • 🧠 Monet said he painted “what the light made me see, not what the object was.” These kinds of on-site insights bring art and history to life — and you’re lucky to have seen it explained firsthand in the very spot Monet once stood sketching.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This is a tomb effigy, and from the style and details, it strongly appears to be that of Richard the Lionheart’s heart burial in Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen). Here’s what you’re likely seeing: • 🦁 The Lion at His Feet: This is symbolic of courage and nobility, fitting for Richard I of England, nicknamed “the Lionheart.” • ❤️ Only His Heart Is Buried Here: Richard died in 1199 and was buried in parts: • His heart in Rouen Cathedral, Normandy (because Rouen was his capital in France) • His body at Fontevraud Abbey, alongside his father, Henry II • His entrails in Châlus, where he died • 🪦 The Latin inscription on the tomb likely notes his name, title, and the fact that it contains only his heart. • 🏰 The carving style and recumbent pose are consistent with 12th–13th century royal tombs, emphasizing piety, nobility, and eternal rest.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler Great question — it might sound strange today, but in the Middle Ages, dividing a person’s body after death for burial in different places was actually a respected and symbolic practice, especially for royalty and high-ranking nobles. Here’s why: ⸻ 🛡️ 1. Political Symbolism & Loyalty For someone like Richard the Lionheart, who ruled over both England and large parts of France (Angevin Empire), splitting his remains honored the places he had strong connections to: • Heart in Rouen (Normandy): Rouen was the capital of his French territories and a center of his rule. Burying his heart there was a symbolic gesture of loyalty and affection for his Norman subjects. • Body in Fontevraud Abbey (Loire Valley): This was the royal burial place for his family — including his parents, King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. It emphasized dynastic unity. • Entrails in Châlus (where he died): Medieval embalming was primitive, so organs were often removed at the place of death for preservation and practical transport of the body. ⸻ 🕊️ 2. Spiritual Beliefs In medieval Christianity, people believed that: • The heart symbolized the soul and love. • Burial in multiple places allowed more masses and prayers to be offered for the deceased — increasing their chances of salvation. ⸻ ⚰️ 3. Practical Reasons • Transporting a full corpse across long distances without refrigeration was difficult and risky. • Removing organs helped prevent decomposition during travel. This was known as “mos Teutonicus” — a medieval practice especially used for nobility who died far from their chosen burial sites. ⸻ 🏰 Other Famous Examples: • Philip the Bold (Duke of Burgundy): body, heart, and entrails buried in different churches. • Queen Eleanor of Castile: Her viscera were buried in Lincoln, her heart at Blackfriars London, and her body at Westminster Abbey. ⸻ If you’d like,
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Day 10
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
⛅ 79 °F
Altitude: 98 ft
France Rouen 49.441517, 1.09128149°26’29” N 1°5’29” E
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More Rouen and dinner
June 24 in France ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
Visited Cathedral and downtown and Joan of Arc church and the spot where she was executed
Traveler This stunning photo captures the ornate underside of the Gros-Horloge arch in Rouen, France. 🏛️ What You’re Looking At: • This richly sculpted vaulted ceiling belongs to the Gros-Horloge (Great Clock) archway. • The carvings show pastoral and mythological scenes, including: • A shepherd figure with animals • Likely depictions of Apollo or classical gods with spears • Numerous deer and forest creatures, adding to the pastoral theme • Inscriptions in Latin are visible, referencing classical or allegorical themes. 📍 About the Gros-Horloge (Great Clock): • Location: Rouen, Normandy, France • Date: The mechanism dates to the 14th century; the arch and clock face were completed in the 16th century • Function: Originally part of the city’s gate, it housed one of the oldest working clock mechanisms in Europe • Style: Renaissance, with Gothic elements on the surrounding buildings You’ve captured one of Rouen’s most iconic landmarks — an extraordinary fusion of architecture, sculpture, and timekeeping.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler This distinctive structure is the Church of Saint Joan of Arc (Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc) located in Rouen, Normandy, France. 🕍 About the Church: • Completed: 1979 • Architect: Louis Arretche • Style: Modernist / Expressionist • Purpose: Honors Joan of Arc, who was executed in Rouen in 1431 in the square nearby • Location: Place du Vieux-Marché (Old Market Square), the exact site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom 🔺 Notable Features: • The sweeping, curved roof is designed to evoke: • The shape of a fish, an early Christian symbol • Flames rising — symbolizing Joan of Arc’s execution by fire • A Viking ship — reflecting Rouen’s Norse heritage • Inside, it houses 15 original stained-glass windows from the 16th century, rescued from the old Church of Saint Vincent (destroyed in WWII). It’s a powerful blend of historical memory and modern design, deeply rooted in French identity.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler Thank you for sharing this stunning interior photo — it beautifully captures the serene and spiritual atmosphere inside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen. 🪟 The Stained Glass Windows: • These windows are not original to this modern church — they date back to the 16th century and were saved from the destroyed Church of Saint Vincent, which was bombed during World War II. • The windows were painstakingly preserved and reassembled here, acting as a symbolic and literal preservation of Rouen’s religious and cultural heritage. • They depict scenes from the New Testament, the life of saints, and include intricate medieval storytelling in colored glass. 🛋️ The Interior Design: • The wooden ceiling mimics the hull of an overturned boat — possibly a nod to both early Christian symbolism and Normandy’s maritime history. • The walls and benches maintain a minimalist, organic style, emphasizing simplicity and reverence. • Light enters gently through both the small side windows and the majestic stained glass — creating a play of natural and colored light across the space. ⚜️ Final Touch: • The blue flag with gold fleur-de-lis visible in your photo honors Joan of Arc’s association with the French monarchy. • This church stands not just as a religious structure, but as a memorial — a deeply contemplative place marking the exact square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.
7/21/25Reply
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Day 11
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 7:34 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
France Vernon 49.095448, 1.49316249°5’44” N 1°29’35” E
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Giverney (Monet)
June 25 in France ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
You can browse today's itineraries. Back later to add photos. Janet has caught herself a bad cold but she is hanging in like a trooper as always.

A bit about Monet - Certainly! Here’s a summary about Monet and Giverny in English:

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🎨 Monet in Giverny – A Living Masterpiece

📍 What is Giverny?

Giverny is a small village in Normandy, France, where the Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked for 43 years, from 1883 until his death in 1926.

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🏡 Monet’s House and Gardens
• Monet discovered Giverny from a train window and decided to move there with his family.
• He bought the house and land in 1890 and began transforming the property into a vibrant, living canvas.
• He created two main gardens:
1. The Clos Normand – A colorful flower garden in front of the house, arranged in formal beds but with informal planting.
2. The Water Garden – Inspired by Japanese prints, it features a pond, water lilies, bamboo, and the famous Japanese bridge, which he painted many times.

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🎨 The Inspiration for His Art
• The water lilies (Nymphéas) in the pond became the focus of some of Monet’s most iconic series of paintings.
• He treated the garden like a living painting — planning the layout, colors, and flowering times with the same care as a canvas.
• Monet painted the same scenes many times in different light and weather, especially the pond and bridge.

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🖼️ The House
• The house is charming with pink walls and green shutters.
• Inside, Monet decorated the rooms with bright colors, including a yellow dining room, and filled them with Japanese prints and his personal art collection.
• His large studio, where he worked on the massive water lily panels now in the Orangerie Museum in Paris, is also preserved.

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🏛️ The Foundation and Today
• After Monet’s death, the house fell into disrepair. It was restored and opened to the public in 1980 by the Claude Monet Foundation.
• Today, it welcomes 500,000 to 750,000 visitors a year, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Normandy.
• The gardens have been painstakingly restored to look just as Monet designed them, using the same plants and layouts.

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🌟 Why Visit?
• To walk through the real-life scenes of Monet’s most famous paintings.
• To enjoy the colors, peace, and light that inspired one of the world’s greatest artists.
• To see a perfect blend of art, nature, and history in one breathtakingRead more
Traveler This beautiful scene shows the Japanese Bridge in Claude Monet’s water garden at Giverny — one of the most iconic and beloved subjects in Impressionist art. ⸻ 🎨 About This Bridge: • Monet designed and built this Japanese-style wooden footbridge in 1895, shortly after establishing his water garden. • He painted it more than a dozen times in different seasons and lighting conditions. • The bridge is most famously featured in works such as: • The Japanese Bridge (1899) • The Water Lily Pond series ⸻ 🌿 In the Photo: • The vibrant green paint is historically accurate — Monet chose this color to harmonize with the surrounding foliage. • The lush vegetation, including willows, irises, and water lilies, was all planted by Monet himself to create the exact visual environment he wanted to paint. • The reflection in the water captures the impressionistic beauty that fascinated Monet — how light, water, and shape constantly shifted. ⸻
7/21/25Reply
Traveler The vibrant flowers in your photo are Astilbe, known for their feathery plumes and rich colors — in this case, a stunning magenta-pink. These shade-loving perennials are a popular choice in gardens like Monet’s at Giverny, especially along water edges where their foliage stays lush. ⸻ 🌺 About Astilbe: • Botanical name: Astilbe spp. • Bloom time: Late spring to mid-summer • Preferred conditions: Moist, rich soil and partial shade • Colors: Shades of pink, red, white, lavender, and peach • Garden use: Great for borders, water features, and woodland gardens ⸻ To the right of the astilbes in the image, there’s also a white Salvia or possibly Gaura, based on the delicate, upright bloom stalks. Both are often used as companions in pollinator-friendly gardens. This type of planting beautifully reflects Monet’s style — he favored texture, color contrast, and natural, slightly wild arrangements in his flower beds.
7/21/25Reply
Traveler The flowers in your photo are a lacecap hydrangea — a lovely variety of Hydrangea macrophylla. ⸻ 🌸 Lacecap Hydrangea Overview: • Botanical name: Hydrangea macrophylla (lacecap type) • Bloom form: A ring of showy sterile flowers surrounds a center of tiny fertile ones, resembling a lace doily • Color: This variety is pink, which typically indicates neutral to alkaline soil (in acidic soils, they may appear blue) • Bloom season: Late spring through summer • Sun/Soil needs: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil ⸻ These are especially fitting in Monet’s garden at Giverny, where the painter cultivated lush, layered, and color-rich plantings that changed with the seasons. Lacecap hydrangeas contribute a softer, more naturalistic look compared to the round mophead types, which complements the garden’s painterly feel.
7/21/25Reply
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Day 11
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 9:59 AM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
France Vernon 49.094514, 1.4884549°5’40” N 1°29’18” E
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More pics from Giverney
June 25 in France ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Traveler This lovely open window scene is from Claude Monet’s house in Giverny, located in the Normandy region of France. You’re looking out from one of the rooms of his famously color-rich home into the flower garden (Clos Normand) that he personally designed and tended. ⸻ 🌿 What You’re Seeing: • 🪟 The green-painted window frame and delicate lace curtain are characteristic of Monet’s upstairs bedroom, which he carefully decorated with light and color in mind. • 🌸 The view opens onto his front garden, where rows of roses, tulips, and hollyhocks bloom in rich succession throughout the seasons. • 🌳 The path outside leads through the Clos Normand, which eventually connects to the Japanese water garden (with the famous lily pond and arched bridge) on the other side of the road. ⸻ 🖼️ Why It’s Special: • This view likely inspired dozens of Monet’s landscape paintings and color studies. • The Giverny house and gardens were Monet’s home from 1883 until his death in 1926 and remain a vivid reflection of his artistic philosophy — that life, art, and nature should be in constant dialogue. • He designed the gardens as living compositions, painting them repeatedly in different light, weather, and bloom stages. ⸻
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Day 11
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 1:32 PM
⛅ 82 °F
Altitude: 59 ft
France Vernon 49.09433, 1.48803349°5’40” N 1°29’17” E
Vernon stroll
June 25 in France ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
After another big lunch, we took a stroll into town. Getting hot out - 85 and climbing. Stopped in the church- some very cool stained glass windows. Then pounded around various streets until it was time to give Janet a break. I will say I've been very glad I bought suntan lotion on this trip - this fair skinned boy would have been lobster boy. We sail at 3:45 today towards Paris.Read more
TravelerOn the walk back to the ship captured these two buildings. Here's their significance. This is a beautiful photo of Vernon, and you’ve captured two of its most iconic landmarks in one frame: 🏰 Left: Tour des Archives (Archive Tower) • This round stone tower with conical rooftops is part of the remnants of Vernon’s medieval castle, dating back to the 12th century. • It’s one of the few surviving parts of the town’s original fortifications. • Though not always open to the public, it stands as a historic symbol of Vernon’s medieval past. 🏠 Right: Le Vieux Moulin (The Old Mill) • This is perhaps Vernon’s most famous structure — a 16th-century timber-framed mill house dramatically perched on the remains of an old stone bridge over the Seine. • It’s no longer a functioning mill, but it remains one of the most photographed scenes in Normandy. • The view you captured is especially evocative — water, architecture, and greenery all in one. ⛴️ In Front: Barge on the Seine • The Seine River remains an active waterway through Vernon, used by both leisure boats and working vessels like the one in your photo. • Strolling along the riverbank in Vernon offers stunning views like this — a mix of Norman charm and natural serenity.
6/25/25Reply
TravelerThe Plane tree seen in the photos is described as such : This is a London plane tree (Platanus × acerifolia), a hybrid of the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis). It’s very recognizable by: • 🟤 Thick, patchy bark that flakes off in plates, revealing creamy or greenish underbark • 🍃 Large maple-like leaves • 🌳 A massive trunk and wide canopy, especially in older specimens like the one you’ve photographed ⸻ 🌍 Why It’s Common in Europe — Especially in Vernon The London plane is one of the most widely planted urban trees in Europe, especially near rivers and boulevards. It thrives in polluted or compacted soil, making it perfect for cities — and it handles flooding or drought well. In Vernon, these trees are commonly found: • Along the Seine riverbanks for shade and erosion control • Near historic areas to complement the town’s old-world charm ⸻ 🌳 Possible Significance of This Tree: While this specific tree may not be officially famous, its size and age suggest it’s likely been there for well over 100 years, silently witnessing: • Changes in river traffic (from working barges to scenic cruises) • Historic events, including the German occupation during WWII • Generations of artists, walkers, and tourists pausing in its shade Its presence near the cruise boat docking area makes it a natural landmark for visitors arriving in Vernon — a majestic first impression of the town’s leafy, historic beauty
6/25/25Reply
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Day 11
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 56 ft
France Vernon 49.095043, 1.48884149°5’42” N 1°29’20” E
Cheese Tasting
June 25 in France ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
Getting ready to sail so gotta fuel up with some cheese!! A splash or two of Calvados and a bit of accordion music!

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Day 11
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 7:11 PM
🌩️ 90 °F
Altitude: 118 ft
France Juziers 48.982123, 1.82386748°58’56” N 1°49’26” E
Special Dinner night
June 25 in France ⋅ 🌩️ 90 °F
Big dinner tonight. Chef will be outdoing himself. Our chef has a Michelin star to his credit. That is the big time. Pics of us dining with our good friends John and Jessica.
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