Our baggage arrived shortly after we got to the baggage claim area. From there we picked up our rental car from Hertz with Chris making sure that we could drop off the car in Saint Germaine en Laye on our return to the city on Wednesday evening. Chris DID NOT want to drive in Paris beyond maneuvering out of the city toward the Normandy coast.
It was a bit of a squeeze for the five of us to fit in the car along with all of our luggage, but it worked.
It was morning rush hour in Paris and subsequently took a couple of hours for us to make our way on the Boulevard Peripherique out of the city. Once we hit the freeway, the speed upped to 130 km/hr or about 80 mph. Our first stop was in Caen for lunch. We stopped at "Le Subway" for lunch. It was lunch. Chris and Misha actually purchased a gyro from the shop next door. Since it was still before lunchtime, both shops were equally unbusy.
We continued on to Mont Saint Michel, an island commune, a little more than half a mile off the coast. The day was overcast and a little cool. The tourist attraction was very busy. We parked the rental car and found a bus to board to drive the 3 km to the Abbey. The place was packed. To. The. Gills. It was very frustrating to want to take a picture and not be able to because so many people were blocking the view. I tried to get a few pictures and then had to be happy with what I was seeing.
Our next destination was Ville de Bayeux. We had rented an AirBNB there. The directions via Google maps took us through the French country side. It was simply beautiful with these tiny little villages and brilliant pink hydrangeas, white hydrangeas, roses, and red geraniums. It was amazingly picturesque. That is, when we weren't dozing off every other minute. Ahhh, so tired. Chris had to keep waking us up. We found parking in Bayeux and walked around until the restaurants opened at 7 pm. Our host at the AirBNB had recommended Le Moulin de le Galette Restaurant ~ Creperie for our evening meal. He had us at Creperie.
While we waited for 7 pm when most restaurants opened for the evening meal, we explored the old town of Bayeux. The girls wanted a French Baguette. Chris gave them some cash, a quick lesson on what to say, and sent them in to the patisserie (a shop specializing in pastries, cakes, and breads). At this time of the day, most of the bread and pastries were old or sold out already. They were happy to try a half of a baguette. For me, eating the baguette was a workout for my jaw.
We were outside the creperie a little before 7 pm when the host seated us. We weren't too sure what galettes were, but deduced from the menu (having English subtitles) that they were similar to crepes but made with buckwheat flour. Each of us ordered a galette, all filled with different fillings. Mine was filled with a bolognese sauce and cheese. Quite tasty. Amy's was full of cream and cheese. Because she didn't have her lactaid pills with her, she just tried to eat around the dairy that she couldn't have. We did order one chocolate crepe for dessert; it was quickly consumed.
Google maps continued to assist us in finding addresses today, mispronouncing words all along the way. We finally reached our place to stay for the night in Vaux-sur-Aure, meeting the hosts Patrick and Patricia. Patrick only spoke a little English, Patricia fared better. Chris could speak a little French and usually working together, they could each get their points across.
Our two rooms were located at the back of the home, up narrow wooden stairs, the kind you might want to walk sideways up in order to keep from falling.
The first room was for Chris and I. The second room, separated from us by a bathroom, had a queen size bed and a twin. Perfect for three girls. We quickly settled in. Chris and Kristen went for a walk around the church and cemetery.
The wifi signal in the rooms was not good, nonexistent in fact. It was mediocre in the back courtyard, and so so inside the house.