Day 27 Tuesday 15th June:
Had a very good night sleep at the Aire at Courville-sur-Eure – understandable given the way we had been pushing things over the last week. Went for an early morning walk into this fascinating French village – people going about their daily business, three or four Boulangerie & Patissiers – a wonder how each can stay in business, but the French do love their baquettes! Yes we did buy some baquettes and pastries for lunch!
Left Courville mid-morning and passed through lush farming areas on the way to Digny and Senoches where we had morning tea. Parked in the old square and the enjoyed the pastries purchased earlier. Took a look at the Chateau being renovated in the town before leaving St Evroult-Notre Dame-du Bois for lunch by the lake.
Met an Australian and Irish couple who live in Chambois. They related many stories about the town and district.After lunch we discovered the ruins of the old Benedictine Monastery and Abbey on the lake - marvellous history at every turn. Drove on to Chambois, stopped at the Polish/US/Canadian memorial in the town which is situated in front of the Norman castle – the only such twin castle to the Tower of London, and thought to be built at the same time. It was apparently fought over by many generations of Huguenots and Catholics.
Left to find the”Falaise Pocket” museum at Mont-Ormel. This is where Helene’s father fought with the 1st Polish Armoured Division whose purpose was to stopped the German army escaping from the encirclement that had occurred by August 1944. The Poles were the key to the “corking” of the Falaise pocket, one of the fiercest battle of WW2 – often referred to as the last battle for Normandy and also the beginning of the end of the German campaign. The history of the battle was well documented at the museum – situated over the Hill 262, overlooking the battle field.
Met another couple from Melbourne who were on a finding mission for a father’s past that they were piecing together. Again, a very moving experience.
Drove to the Polish Memorial down the road and then, along very narrow roads to Vimoutier, home of Camembert, for the night – another French Aire in a great location.
Walked into town - read a plaque stating that the town was destroyed in 20 minutes by US bombing in 1944 when the Germans occupied the district – very sobering!
Home for dinner and bed.
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