Tuesday, March 10, 2015

By Invitation Only

photo by quizz.biz

With the topic of the month flower power, I am in the right place. I am on La Côte Fleurie in Normandy France.  The floral coast begins in Honfleur one of the most beautiful cities in France.

The name "Côte Fleurie" has become a "tourist concept" propagated with the development of tourism and the need to distinguish the different landscapes of the French coast, while summarizing the main feature that distinguishes it from other Cotes  in France.

The term refers to the pleasant countryside and flowers of the hinterland and the many seaside resorts. 

There are flowers everywhere, beautiful flowers. 

We stayed at the fabulous Normandy hotel in Deauville. The magnificent beauty and luxury of this fabulous hotel prepared us for what was to come.

Photo by booking.com

We went to the Normandy beaches and the American cemetery where the soldiers that gave their lives during the second world war are buried, all 9300 of them.  It was a very emotional moment for all of us, hard to believe. 

We started at Omaha beach, where the invasion took place, then we went to the cemetery with all the white crosses and star of Davids.

Though I had seen pictures numerous times, seeing it for real was unbelievable.  I viewed it through tear filled eyes.



The Normandy landings (codenamed Operation Neptune) were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the invasion of German-occupied western Europe, led to the liberation of France from Nazi control, and contributed to an Allied victory in the war.

There are flowers everywhere, here are some pictures of veterans returning to the area.


What a wonderful week I had.  We finished the week in Paris which continues to show me something new no matter how many times I have been there.


Roses from the flower shop next to the Hotel Costes.

Wishing you all a beautiful flowery day.

A Bientôt

Audrey


9 comments:

  1. THAT AUDREY was GORGEOUS!THANK YOU for sharing.....................

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  2. Beautiful post Audrey...it sounds like you had an amazing and emotional week.
    Wishing you a beautiful flowery week :)

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  3. Audrey, not only did you give us a bit of geographical information, which was lovely, but a history lesson as well. I know what it is like to be at Arlington National Cemetary so I believe I know how you felt. It is impossible to not feel this overwhelming loss. And, it is personal to all of us. A truly beautiful tribute! You have blessed all of us with your accepting our invitation to join our international group, By Invitation Only. xx's

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  4. What a beautiful place to see flowers and a beautiful tribute to all those who so bravely fought on the beaches of Normandy. Love the simple rose in your last image…gorgeous!

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  5. Oh Audrey,
    What a beautiful and poignant post for our By Invitation post this month. We must never forget those who fought for us.
    I think that your post is the most beautiful interpretation of the inspiration of flowers. XXXX

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    1. Perfectly said, Jackie. Thank you for bringing something so important to this theme Audrey...

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  6. I thoroughly loved this take on the topic Audrey - history, wisdom and reflection - right down my street! But it has left me wondering....why do we actually use flowers as a symbol of remembrance for those who have fallen in fighting...they are lovely, and a fitting tribute...And the poppies of Flanders are perhaps the most poignant symbol of all...but I do wonder what the origins of the practice were?

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  7. aptly put, Jacqueline + we shall never forget. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  8. Thank you for the information.
    I know what I need to see in France next time :)

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