Walking Through 1,000 Years of France

In this episode of The University of Movement, I leave Paris and travel through Normandy and the Loire Valley, discovering how movement through landscapes can deepen our understanding of history, memory, and storytelling. Over eight days, I explore some of France’s most remarkable locations, including Mont-Saint-Michel, the D-Day beaches of Normandy, Rouen Cathedral, Honfleur, Saint-Malo, Chenonceau, Amboise, Chartres, and the beautiful Loire Valley. But this is not simply a travel video. As I journey through medieval abbeys, war-scarred landscapes, royal châteaux, and centuries-old towns, I reflect on how places shape stories, how landscapes hold memory, and how movement changes perspective. Along the way, I discover that some of the most valuable lessons are not taught in classrooms—they are encountered through experience. This video forms Part Three of my 2026 European Odyssey and continues the theme of The University of Movement: Learning While the World Moves. If you enjoy thoughtful travel, memoir writing, history, creativity, and lifelong learning, I hope you’ll join me on the journey. Featured Locations• Mont-Saint-Michel• Rouen Cathedral• Normandy D-Day Beaches• Honfleur• Saint-Malo• Chenonceau• Amboise• Chartres Cathedral• The Loire Valley The University of Movement SeriesPart 1 — The Marais Workshop: Turning Memory into StoryPart 2 — The Future University: Learning While the World MovesPart 3 — Walking Through 1,000 Years of France Thank you for travelling with me. — Michael Williams #MemoirWriting #CreativeRetirement #UniversityOfMovement #TravelMemoir