Normandy with My History-Buff Son (Emphasis on Buff): A Tale of Beaches, Baguettes, and Unexpected Tears

Ah, Normandy. Land of D-Day beaches, creamy Camembert cheese, and...my son, Enzo, who, according to him, is a "certified history buff" (emphasis very much on the "buff"). Let's just say his enthusiasm for medieval weaponry puts my knowledge of the French Revolution to shame.

Deauville Dreams (and Delights):

Our base camp for this history-infused adventure was the charming seaside town of Deauville. Picture wide, sandy beaches, adorable little shops selling everything from berets to baguettes (key priorities, obviously), and Enzo practicing his best "Bonjour, monsieur!" on every unsuspecting pastry chef.

Honfleur: A Night of Mussels and Memories:

The first night, we explored the picturesque town of Honfleur. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses lining the harbor, and the most incredible moules-frites (mussels and fries) I've ever tasted (though Enzo, ever the adventurous eater, opted for a hotdog – some traditions are meant to be broken, I guess).

A Day of D-Day and Deep Thoughts:

The next day, the mood shifted. We spent the morning touring the Normandy battlefields, a place where thousands of American soldiers bravely fought for freedom. The 80th-anniversary commemoration added a layer of poignancy to the visit. Walking through the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, row upon row of white headstones stretching towards the horizon, was a humbling experience. Even Enzo, usually a chatterbox, was uncharacteristically quiet.

Later, we visited Omaha Beach, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day. Standing on the very sand where soldiers stormed the shores, the stories of bravery and loss came alive. Back at the car, Enzo surprised me by asking thoughtful questions about the war, a stark contrast to his usual inquiries about video game strategies.

Mont Saint-Michel: A Majestic Shift in Tone:

Needing a lighter mood, we headed to Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent island monastery perched on a rocky outcrop was breathtaking. We climbed the steep cobbled streets, marveled at the intricate architecture, and even managed to snag some delicious crepes (Enzo, ever the opportunist, snagged two).

As we drove back to Deauville, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, there was a comfortable silence between us. Maybe, just maybe, a little history lesson had seeped into Enzo's video game-obsessed brain.

Normandy Nuggets:

This trip to Normandy was a beautiful mix of historical exploration, delicious food (except for Enzo's hotdog), and unexpected moments of reflection. It was a reminder that even the most history-buff 12-year-olds can be touched by the power of the past. Plus, I learned a valuable lesson: always pack extra napkins for those pesky French pastries.