Flanders Fields en route to Brussels

We left our wonderful B&B in Bruges on Saturday morning and took the scenic route to Brussels. We had some World War 2 history in Normandy, so we added a stop for some World War 1 history.

Tyne Cot Cemetery in the Flanders Fields pays honor to almost 12,000 British soldiers who fought in the war

 A walk around the town of Ypres

 We made it to Brussels! Starbucks in The Grand Place

 Taking a picture of Chris and the kids from our apartment window in the center of the city

Bruges

Bruges, I have heard so many great things about you. When we started planning this road trip up north, I immediately wanted to add you to our itinerary. You amazed us with your charm, beauty, and delicious food!

Market Square Bell Tower

 Must have Belgian-style fries 

 Evening stroll around the city

Floor to ceiling beer!

With over 400 to choose from, it was overwhelming picking our first Belgian beer

Yummy waffles for dessert

Friday morning began with a visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This relic contains several drops of Christ's blood that were preserved in a vial.

 Chocolate museum 

 My favorite church in Bruges: Saint Walburga's 

 A walk to the northern part of the city

 One of the windmills of Bruges

Michelangelo's Madonna and Child in the Church of Our Lady

De Halve Maan Brewery tour

 Silliness after the Beer Museum tour

Grande finale:  Mussels for dinner

Mont Saint Michel

Wednesday's adventure took us a few hours west to Mont Saint Michel. This sixth century abbey built on an island is unlike anything I've ever experienced!

 Mont Saint Michel has some of the world's most extreme tides. When we arrived around lunch time, we took advantage of the low tide and walked around the island.  The mud flats are known for their quick sand. We soon found out you needed to be careful where you stepped, or your foot would easily sink.

 Camden and Emma climbing on the rocks with the abbey rising above them

 If we were unsure how high the tide would come in, this boat was here for a reason!

 Walking into the medieval town at the base of the island. The number of people jammed into this tiny street was a bit much, but the steamed mussels we found on our lunch stop was worth it. :)

 We made it to the abbey...

Here is the view back to the main land

 The tide is coming in and had made some rivers out on the mud flats.  We were entertained watching a few groups of people make their way across these rivers.  I guess they didn't read all the warning signs posted...

 Emma in the abbey cloisters 

 Camden being Camden

 Chris, Camden, Steve, & Emma 

 I think I'll leave these statues here :)

 Our terrific travel group

 Au revoir, Mont Saint Michel!

Bayeux & Arromanches

On Tuesday we visited the Bayeux Cathedral. It's as big as Notre-Dame and was quite a sight to see!

At our lunch stop, Chris learned that "rose" and "rouge" are 2 different wines

Wading in the English Channel at Arromanches

Remnants of Port Winston Artificial Harbor made just after D-Day 

 A beautiful view looking down at Gold Beach

 Arromanches has a FANTASTIC mini golf course!  In true French fashion, Chris takes his first putt while eating a baguette.

 Hole #17 is a wheel of Camembert Cheese

 After dinner, we headed back to Bayeux to take in the light show. Dusk in this part of the world is well after 10:00, but it was worth the wait!