Normandy B&B

This is the B&B (chambre d'hôte) in Cocherel, near Giverny, where we spent the last two nights. We were received with real warmth by our two hostesses (the owner and her mother) and we had a great time.

The long house has a thatched roof, not common in Normandy (the half-timbered style, only partly visible, is found everywhere). Our room was at the far end of the house, and the family lived in the rest of it. It has a very scenic, peaceful location on the Eure, a tributary of the Seine.

We drove about 100 km to another B&B, in Jumièges. We briefly visited its ruined abbey--a magnificent 12th century structure (unfortunately under extensive renovation), and then went on to the Abbey of St. Wandrille (in the town of Wandrille, about 25 km further). As a functioning Benedictine monastery, partly in ruins, it offered a much more spiritual experience. We expect to return tomorrow for morning mass, to hear the Gregorian chants which we missed this afternoon. (Expect a blip!)