Normandy was a region of France that we hadn’t really toured around much previously; we’d often headed south to visit the sun-kissed regions of Provence & Cote d’Azur or east to Champagne and Alsace.

This time we wanted to discover more about our close neighbours and the history that links us.

Normandy was a region of France that we hadn’t really toured around much previously; we’d often headed south to visit the sun-kissed regions of Provence & Cote d’Azur or east to Champagne and Alsace.

This time we wanted to discover more about our close neighbours and the history that links us.

Visiting the historic beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno & Sword and the touching cemeteries, holds so many poignant memories.

This is one of France’s most visited sights, and it’s not surprising.

While we were driving the ‘Route de Cidre’ through the Normandy countryside, we came to the quaint village of Beuvron-en-Auge.

The colourful city of Caen has a bit of everything, a harbour, pleasant relaxing squares, ‘his’ and ‘hers’ abbeys and of course a castle!

If you are also planning a road trip around Normandy, this is one to add to your list.

As the 40km (25-mile) scenic route winds you through some lovely rural lanes and villages, where you can buy a bottle the local tipple to try once your car is parked up at the end of the day.

If you are a fan of Monet like me, you may already know of the French impressionist's colourful home in Giverny.

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On this journey I discover this simplest of egg dishes. Whilst struggling to find a starter that appealed, Gary suggested I try an oeuf cocotte with bacon and red wine. It was delicious, which begs the question why hadn't Gary suggested this before?

The unforgiving white cliffs at Étretat, do draw a few crowds, so parking may be tricky in town.

However, you can see why artists have been flocking here over the decades, as it is a beautiful view and worth the visit.

Perhaps not prominent on the tourist map, but that was part of its appeal.

However, the free light display of Rouen’s ancient history projected across the front of the cathedral was impressive. The show lasted around 15 minutes and charted through sight and sound the lives of William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc.

We came across Lyons-la-Forêt while we were touring, and couldn’t resist pulling up and enjoying some petit déjeuner.

As with any place Gary & I visit, we are always in search of the local history and this region of France has so much of it.

I found that the museum at Pegasus Bridge was indeed worth a visit, the incredibly touching military stories are not for the faint-hearted.

I know it’s a cliché, but we love France.

Seeing Gary’s face when I drag him around another cemetery.

The disappointment was that we had visited Honfleur 10 years previously, and I wanted to match those memories.