Nearly 84 years ago, on the 31st July 1944, General Patton of the US army, led 7 divisions over the bridge that I crossed this morning at Pontaubault, crossing the River Sélune, and heading to liberate Paris.

This morning, you might have been forgiven for thinking that you could still hear cannonfire. The distant crashing of highly amplified drums at a rapid techno beat from a rave that has been going non-stop for two days, would have brought back memories in those who still have them.

We bought water (3l), a large baguette and my favourate: a croissant. As well as a litre of milk. We downed the milk outside the boulangerie by tbe bridge, then collapsed in some shade by rhe river. We aim to leave about 5PM, when it is cooler, leaving the Atlantic behind, and heading for Avranche … and the Med.