On Wednesday we explored the city of Bayeux!
In the morning we headed into town for our market assignment. Our task was to shop for food we could use to make the most appealing lunch. The market was bustling and everything looked and smelt savoureux! It was hard to decide on what to buy, especially as we were trying to stick to a €25 budget. We used French conversational skills to greet locals, and make our purchases. We worked in our day groups to choose which items to buy, most groups picked up fruits to go alongside either baguettes, meats and cheese or crepes. Those of us that budgeted well were able to also buy whip cream, which made our dishes extra delicious – Oh quel plaisir!
Back at the château we worked together to make our lunches while the staff here judged our efforts. Everyone worked really hard to prepare the food and ensure the presentation was perfection. The best part was, of course tasting our food. We would later find out Mrs B’s group won the challenge, though it was a close competition!
In the afternoon we went back to Bayeux, this time to see the Bayeux Tapestry and the Bayeux Cathedral. Visiting the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux and seeing the tapestry was very interesting. We were given audio guides to listen to as we went around the tapestry seeing the scenes and history unfold of William, Duke of Normandy, and his eventual loss against Harold II, King of England.
Our visit to Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux was so lovely and peaceful. The building was grand and beautifully designed, we looked inside the crypts and saw many of the detailed stained glass windows.
We also stopped at the Bayeux War Cemetery. We learnt about Corporal Sidney Bates, a British soldier from Camberwell, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry. Corporal Bates charged the enemy alone, forcing them to retreat despite being shot several times. It was so hard to believe just how young some of the servicemen and women were when they died. It was an incredible experience which we all found moving.
After our very jam packed day, the Kelvin Groovers – I mean Kelvin Grovers – took over Le Château du Molay’s dance floor, where they enjoyed an evening of moving, shaking and grooving!
We’re very excited for our last full day of exploring on Thursday.