There is a sign near where I took this photo that stated that Suisse Normandie is a little paradise. It is not far wrong. This is where Mr and Mrs Mirey (the not so recently married couple) lives. It is a beatiful area of every so hilly country side. It derives the name Suisse because of its hilliness!

Helen and agree with the intent of the sign proclaiming it to be a little paradise. In Normandie you’ll certainly eat and drink well1 Pommeau, Camberet, fine seafood is just a part of daily life!

It doesn’t rain in Normandy – it is the sunning crying. However as it was approx 10.30 at night, it was the moon. There is nothing like a good BBQ – and being prepared for the weather. The head Chef was Jean Pierre.

On the way back from Mont St Michel, we visited the last working bell foundary in France (for at least the last 200 years). Out tour guide spoke English and French really well – so the tour was conducted in both languages as we were the only group on the English language tour :) It was fascinating to walk around a working factory, amongst the dirt. The photo is of a bell that was cast at the end of June, which they are slowly removing from the mould.

We visited here on Tuesday 5 July. A very stunning church which was started in the 8th century. It is at the mouth of the river Couesnon, in Normandy (not Brittany!). It is linked to the mainland by a causeway – which I am happy to report is going to be removed in 2012 :) It is one of hte most beautiful buildings in France I have seen. While we were there (with the other 1000’s of tourists), we had a fantastic guide who was French but had very good humour – which made it entertaining for us (ask me about the bus that got caught in the tide).

Just a short post to let everyone know that my passion for photographs of public transport vehicles has not yet passed. This modern tram is operating throughout the Normandie city of Caen. I was not able to ride it because we were on our way to another wonderful dinner!

On Friday we were taken to visit the castle by Virgine & Stephan, who were very kind to us (we apologise if the spelling is wrong). Neither of these people spoke English, however Kym’s French got us through the day, with the help of a dictionary.

The castle was magnificant as you can see by just the outside photo. Inside was just as iporessive with marbled halls, paintings and tapestries. The gardens were huge (including great conical trees that I adore) and the rear of the castle is surrounded by a huge forrest of trees. Thankfully there weren’t many tour groups that we saw either!

Afterwards we also visited a small lovely town called Barbizon – which contains a lot of modern impressionist paintings as well is very arty little shops. One of the museums also contained a picture that inspired the movie the gleemers.

Here is a photo of a bike with baguettes attached. (Ok it’s not mine)

I understand the obssession with baguettes; They are really very good and best fresh!

The food at the wedding was magnificent!

We started with apertif, then the first course was foie gras – yummy. Then there was a fish pie and scallops – fantastic! Afterwards there was a sorbet (unsure what kind but it tasted great). For the main we had beef, which was very tender with shredded potatoe and tomatie with breadcrumbs on top. After which we then had cheese and bread followed by the wedding cake which was profiteroles ans a cake with strawberries and cream and toffee. C’est magnifique!!! Not to mention an abundance of wine throughout the meal. While everyone arrived at the reception 7pm, we didn’t sit down to eat until approximately between 9 & 10pm. But the meql itself was not finished until 1:30ish in the morning. We left at 5pm!

At the wedding reception we were greeted by a giant papier mache kangaroo. It was great!

The kanagaroo’s pouch accepted gifts from the guests.

We understand that in France the wedding is themed according to the wishes for the future of the couple. Christophe and Vanessa wish to return to Australia.

et voila the Kangaroo!

Each table was named after an Australian city. We sat at the Adelaide Table, which was the head table. There was a picture of Victoria Square which had the unfortunate consequence of me thinking about work for about … hmmm 10 seconds. Sorry guys!! Hey any interesting news on the restructure (oops make that 20 seconds – and no reply is neccessary!)

What a beautiful wedding! When we left the church Christophe’s we saw fire trucks. But fortunately there was no fire.

The fire trucks brought Christophe’s colleagues to greet the newlywed couple. Here is a good photo of them. They provided an honour guard as Christophe and Vanessa left the church.

We were glad that there were no fires to occupy his colleagues at the time.