Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The Conquest of England by William of Normandy ( the Conqueror )



On this day September 28, 1066 after a two day long crossing of the Channel,  William I , Duke of Normandy and his army landed on the coast of England in Penvensey Bay to claim the throne of England from "usurper" King Harold.   He met the Anglo-Saxon army of king Harold at Hastings on October 14 and in the battle that ensues Harold was killed.  William, then went on to conquer England and was crowned King in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.

Ships set Sails- 

You can visit a colorful pictorial rendition of the Conquest of England by William the Conqueror in Bayeux.  Dating from the 11th century, it is believed the embroidery was commissioned by Bishop Odo, a half brother of William and for centuries it was displayed in the Cathedral of Bayeux.   This amazingly well-preserved needlepoint measures 70 meters long and 50 centimeters tall and is made up of fifty scenes which depict the preparation of the invasion, the crossing of the Channel and  the battle of Hastings.

Having survived for so many centuries the ravage of the Revolution and numerable wars, the tapestry is now  inscribed as a  UNESCO World Heritage site and can be viewed  at the Tapestry Museum in Bayeux, a visit you should not miss.

Battle of Hastings



#Bayeux #BayeuxTapestry #Normandy
pictures courtesy of BayeuxTapestry.org




Saturday, September 24, 2016

France Gastronomy Fair 2017

This weekend, France celebrates its gastronomy. Ever since UNESCO declared  France's gastronomy as a World Intangible Heritage in 2010, the country has devoted a weekend in late September to rejoice in its culinary traditions.  All throughout France and its overseas departments, people will get together to partake at banquets, picnics, chef demonstrations, even conferences.   The theme this year centers around the cuisine of the people.   It is not necessarily about Haute Cuisine, it is everyday cooking prepared at home
with care using fresh locally grown products and shared convivially with family and friends or eaten at the local bistro and country inn.  Each region has its specialties from the Choucroute of Alsace to the Fondue from Savoie, from the escargots de Bourgogne to Bouillabaisse from Marseille and what about the Cassoulet of Toulouse and Crepes from Brittany or the Quiche from Lorraine ?.  This sampling of specialities have been popularized around the world and tourists from far and wide have come to France to taste these famous dishes.   In France  these culinary wonders  are simply served at a family get-together Sunday meal and even in children's school lunch dining halls.  As we celebrate French gastronomy , let me
 call.. A table everybody!!




Enchanted France specializes in custom travel to France.  Visit www.enchanted-france.com

#France #FetedelaGastronomy #FrenchCuisine #frenchGastronomy