Some memorable experiences of my first visit to France: Blackberry picking in a picturesque woods near Segre; dining in front of the centuries-old Château d'Angers in Angers; exploring the medieval walled city of Dinan; and strolling on the beaches of Normandy when the tide was out. Being there in the tranquility of the morning, taking in the natural beauty, it was hard to imagine that just over 70 years ago, those beaches were far from peaceful during the D-Day landings.