Signing on for the adventure and wishing you a happy anniversary.

I'm on too!

Moi Aussie!

ttt

My iPad made that spelling mistake. aussi.

Can't wait for more. We did Paris and Normandy a few years ago. We had a week in Paris and then our daughter met us and we went to Bayeux for 2 days and did a tour of the D-Day beaches. It was a wonderful trip and fabulous memories.

Congratulations on your anniversary!! Isn't wonderful that you can spend that time with your spouse or SO and remember why it was that you connected in the first place? Since I am lucky enough to have a DH who feels about Paris as I do and have another trip planned for March, I am looking forward to the rest of your trip report.

That was a long travel day! Did you have trouble finding the Chateau de Bouceel? We stayed there in 2007. We were celebrating our 40th anniversary. Coming back from dinner the first night, we almost had to sleep in the car. We could not retrace our route!

I am eager to read about your travels. It sounds like a lovely trip!

Wow that's an awesome deal you found, $860 nonstop from LAX.

How wonderful that the trip exceeded your expectations - and you're a smart woman for adding the Normandy portion.

I've had many different travel companions over the years, but my husband is by far the most compatible (thank goodness!) in terms of likes, dislikes, pace, planning, etc.

Looking forward to the adventure, and happy anniversary!

Wonderful for your 25th!

I have always found on my arrival day that I have so much adrenaline coming out of the airport that I can keep going for hours without feeling tired. That's why I'm always so surprised by people who claim that you are going to be so tired upon arrival from North America that you should not consider touching a steering wheel.

One time, I remember that I flew from Paris to LAX, which is a pretty hefty flight, and picked up a rental car at the airport. I had very vague plans about how to spend the next two weeks, so I drove to Las Vegas the very same evening without any problem at all, and it isn't exactly right next door. And of course I had to spend a couple hours in a casino before going to bed...

Glad you're all here! Thanks for the anniversary well wishes. It's an accomplishment that I'm proud of. It's not always been easy, and I'm so happy that we're so happy!

AGM_Cape_Cod, we found the chateau pretty easily, paying VERY close attention to the directions I had printed off the chateau's website and brought with us. I had read here how difficult it was to find. For good measure, I also printed directions from viamichelin.com, because I get lost so easily! I

kerouac, even with my 6 hours of sleep, I'm glad DH was the one driving, and not me. After all, he drives so much in his every day life, he's used to driving while asleep!

Going to write the next installment now.

Chateau de Bouceel (http://www.chateaudebouceel.com) is a very special place, for many reasons. It is an elegant, lovingly maintained chateau from the 17th century, and from its inception, has been passed down from generation to generation within the Roquefeuil family. It is located about 20 minutes from Le Mont St. Michel. I chose to stay here in large part because though I wanted to see the mont by day, I really wanted to see it lit up at night. I was not dissappointed.

There are 5 guest rooms, each named for the relatives who previously occupied each room. We stayed in Oncle Francois' bedroom, which was quite large, and richly appointed, with a canopied bed and lovely antique furniture. The views out onto the front lawn, with it's meandering stream, lazy geese and 2 donkeys, was a special treat to awake to when throwing open the shutters in the mornings.

Regis pays special attention to the beds (he used to be a chiropractor) and linens, and it was so comfortable. The grounds and the common areas are truly gorgeous.

What really makes this property a gem is the Comte himself. He is a charming, gracious host, who joined us each morning for breakfast, telling us rich stories about the property, the area, his family and his home. He is especially proud of his father, who was a very important man during the war years. Comte Regis suggested our day's itinerary and secured our dinner reservations while we were there. I could not recommend this place more highly. Our room, with simple but delicious continental breakfast (coissants, cereals, toasts, homemade cakes and jams, coffee, tea or chocolate) served in the formal dining room, was about 190€ per night. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

We arrived at nearly 8pm, and Regis helped us to our room, then whisked us out the door to dinner. Our first dinner in France was had at Ferme St. Michel, Beauvoir, in the shadow of the glowing mount. We each had a 3 course menu for about 20€, including the regional specialty, grilled salt marsh raised lamb. The highlight of this meal for me was a delicious carrot soup, swirled with pureed chestnut. For our first night in France dessert was, of course, fromage!

We spent a bit of time admiring the lighted mount, before retreating, directions firmly in hand, to "our" chateau for the night. It had been one long day, and we were ready to rest.

Looking forward to more. We only saw MSM during the day. I'm sure it looks pretty cool at night.

Also, if I remember correctly, didn't you go to Le P'tit Resto in Bayeux? I'll be interested to hear your thoughts about it. Tracy and I went there, too.

Hi Tom! Glad you and your crew had such a nice time. I must say I was a bit intimidated when I hit "submit" on my first post on this thread, and then saw YOUR trip report at the head of the line! Everyone knows you can't compete with an honest-to-goodness maitaitom report!

Yes, we went to P'tit Resto, on our anniversary. As a gift, they spilled a glass of red wine on Bill! Better him than me

Will report all about it below.

Oh what a wonderful report! Happy Anniversary!!! I am now on your "subscriber" list, too!

Does your DH realise he has set a bit of a precedence by taking you to Paris for a significant anniversary? 25 years for us was three children and a mortgage. But 40 in a 2015 is looking promising. But then, who needs an excuse to go to Paris!!

Sounds a great trip. One you will remember for a long time.

On our first full day of vacation, we got to sample a part of France that we haven't before: Brittany. At our host's suggestion, we visited the medieval walled towns of Dinan and St. Malo, before heading back to Mt. St. Michel late in the afternoon. This way, Regis said, we'd avoid the hoards of tourists.

We very much enjoyed meandering through the old town in Dinan, with it's well preserved medieval walls and gates, spectacular basilica, monestary, half timber buildings and authentic dungeon! Parking in an underground lot was cheap and easy. We lunched in town at a tiny but packed creperie. when in Brittany...

Then on to the seaside, medieval walled town of St. Malo. Once again, beautiful medieval architecture, this time abutting a low tide sea. It was a beautiful day, with puffy white clouds against a bright blue sky, and many people were out strolling at the water's edge. This town afforded many great photo opps.

Our host had suggested we arrive at the MSM monestary at 4pm. We misunderstood, not realizing he meant AT THE TOP by 4. Well, we took the scenic route, driving along the coast, and arrived on the premises at nearly 4:30, thinking we could gain entry to the monestary until 6. WRONG! The last entry was at 5, and there was no way we were going to hoof it up the 900 steps (even if we could!) So, we had to settle for walking around the lower parts of the mount, which is nice, but VERY touristy. It was well into dusk when we descended, getting some fabulous photos of the mount lit up agains the blue-black sky. It was good timing afterall.

Dinner that night, also suggested by our host, was a treat, with a little unintended live entertainment to boot. We dined at the tiny L'Auberge du Terroir in Servon. (Aubergeduterroir@wanadoo.fr) This is a charming little inn and restaurant in the smallest of towns, I'm shocked we actually found our way. Madame is the warm and friendly hostess and server, while her husband is the chef. Their cat is also in attendance in the dining room! I had duck confit for my main, and it was good and crisp.

When we sat down, madame let us know that earlier in the day, her cat had brought in a tiny mouse to play, which, she was pretty sure, was still inside. Thoughout our evening, the little guy would scurry out from the cupboard, and scurry back, to the delight of (most) all of the diners! One American woman shrieked and nearly turned their table over! It made for some good laughter, and a most enjoyable evening.

The next morning, after visiting with our host and the other guests over breakfast, it was time to say goodbye, donkeys, geese, cats and all, and head to our next destination. Before we did, Regis informed us about a little known American cemetery, close by in the town of St. James, with about 5,000 WWII American veteran graves. Having never heard of an American cemetery other than that at Colville, we were eager to go and pay our respects. Regis assembled a freshly cut bouquet of hydrangeas from his garden for us to place on the grave on his "adopted" American soldier, Sgt. Theodore Fettinger, who died in the war on Sept. 17, 1944. We were honored to have this opportunity. The cemetery was beautiful, and really so peaceful. An interesting note...the French have deeded to the U.S. the land on which the American graves reside. So, when you visit these cemeteries, you are really on American soil. Who new???

We drove about an hour to Caen and spent the next 4.5 hours at the Caen Memorial Museum. Wow! What an amazing place! It is an incredibly comprehensive, "user friendly" museum covering the war and geopolitics, both before and after 1945. We were fascinated, and ran out of steam before running out of exhibits. This museum is an absolute must, and, I believe, a perfect precursor to visiting the D-Day sights.

It was on to Bayeux, and the new, luxurious Hotel Villa Lara. http://www.hotel-villalara.com/en/#/index.php This should have been a 20 minute drive, but we got lost (again) and took the scenic route (again).

The Villa Lara is brand new, opened in May of this year. 25 rooms, I believe. We had their standard room, about 150 euros, which was well put together, richly appointed and spacious. Marble bathrooms are quite large and the location is perfect, on the Place du Quebec. We also had a lovely view of the Bayeux cathedral from our room. The service is top notch; friendly and accommodating, without being intrusive. I am sure they will do well.

By the way, this is D-Day country, and the hotel plays the movie "Saving Private Ryan" on a 24 hour loop in all the rooms. The movie becomes even more meaningful after you visit the sites.

I had dinner reservations in Bayeux for each night but this. We took a short walk and tried to get in to L'Alchimie, but they were booked. We were hungry and tired and settled for a casual dinner of pizza and (duck) salad at the family friendly Brasserie Reine Mathilde.

Another beautiful day in paradise.

Bookmarking in anticipation!

Enjoying this so much!

Happy Anniversary! Enjoying your report. Glad you had such a wonderful anniversary trip.

I'm glad you loved the Memorial in Caen. I tell people until I am blue in the face that it is an absolute must, but not everybody believes me.

kerouac, it's so hard to pick a "favorite" part of our trip, as we had such a great time, but I will say that the Caen Memorial is right up there near the top. I learned so much about the history of the world. It's embarrassing to admit how much I learned!

"Yes, we went to P'tit Resto, on our anniversary. As a gift, they spilled a glass of red wine on Bill! Better him than me

Will report all about it below."

AND????????????????

Iregeo...so glad I happened upon your report. Romance, humor, helpful information--it's got it all !! We've had some wonderful trips to France over the years, but never yet for an anniversary--you've inspired me to start lobbying now for next years' celebration in early February.

I wanted to comment on your sidetrip to the Brittany American Cemetery in St. James, a place which, as you note, receives very little mention. Having an uncle (who was killed before I was born) buried there, I have been blessed to visit several times---among the most memorable experiences of my life. Thank you for recounting the story of your visit. Your hydrangeas brought a tear to my eye, as I am told they always grew in abundance in my grandparents' yard when Uncle K. was growing up.

A lovely report--thanks again !

Will try to make the time to finish this report.

Bookmarking

I cannot rest until I hear what happened at P'tit Resto.

Let me first off my congratulations .
We too are going to Paris in May.(This is our 9th visit.)
This will be our first visit to Bayeaux, we are taking the train, and spending 2 nites there.
Thanks for the tips.
We are looking forward to it.

Thank you, lainie 2285. I hope you have the trip of a lifetime!

Hi Tom. I haven't been closely following your post, but I do hope that you are feeling well.

I hate to disappoint you, but our story at Le P'tit Resto is not an exciting one. I had booked this restaurant for our anniversary dinner. As you know, the space is tiny. I don't recall what we ate, but recall that it was very good. What I recall the most is that our server spilled a partial glass of red wine on Bill. Somewhat coldly, she said she was sorry, and it was over. It did "color" our experience! (No pun intended.)

We much preferred our dining experience the next evening at La Rapiere. Again, I don't recall what we ate, but that it, was excellent. (Good bet that it was fish, duck or lamb!) The service, however, was warm and friendly and the space classically french and attractive...more to my liking. The manager and server were particularly initerested in me, as they honestly thought that I was someone famous! I don't know who they thought I was (people often tell me I look like Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) but I enjoyed the friendly attention! Overall, it was a lovely evening.