Our second base was the city of Caen. It is much larger and industrial than St. Lô or any of the towns we had visited, and I felt more at home here than any of the previous towns and villages. It's an ancient and historic city and was first prominent as William The Conqueror's capital.

At various times over the next four hundred years ownership changed hands between the English and French nobility. Famous names amongst these include: Edward III, Henry IV and V, and Charles VII of France. Then on the 18th June 1940 the latest invaders arrived and almost led to the total destruction of the city.

We were here for the 5th of June and D-Day itself. The security was very tight, with a visible presence of gendarmes, C.R.S. and helicopters in evidence.

Caen city centre

Advertising hoardings

Caen Memorial

Caen Memorial

History within touching distance

Celeb spotting

Demonstrations

Caen

Caen city centre