THE FIRST thing I noticed at Southend Airport was how blissfully quiet it was.

Queues for check-in were non-existent and we practically flew through security - a world away from tortuous experiences at larger airports.

Boarding the plane for our Flybe flight, operated by Stobart Air, was quick and organised with none of the typical frantic rushing for the gate and, with assigned seats, there were no squabbles over window seats once on board.

Our 50 minute flight to Caen could not have been smoother and we were treated to the same swift service through the petite Caen-Carpiquet Airport.

Our first stop was at the picturesque town of Bayeux, known for its close proximity to the D-Day Landings beaches the Bayeux Tapestry.

Although I’m interested in history, I did not expect to be so entranced by the 70m long tapestry, which tells the tale of the conquest of England, led by William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, in 1066.

But as a recording, complete with medieval music and battle sounds, explains each panel of the tapestry as you walk around it would be difficult not to be captured by the tragedy and victory of the story and it was definitely one of the highlights of my visit to Bayeux.

After our museum visit, we went for a tour around the town, taking in the sights of the winding streets, architecture and Bayeux Cathedral, as well as trying some local cider in one of the many specialist shops dotted about the streets.

We had a special treat from Chantal James, of Bayeux Broderie, who is the only person allowed to sell and teach the intricate Bayeux stitch used to create the tapestry.

She demonstrated the stitch and showed us examples of her work before letting us have a good look around her shop, situated in the heart of Bayeux.

We then moved on to Caen, where we were given a detailed tour of the town where we visited the magnificent Abbaye-aux-Hommes, home to the tomb of William the Conqueror.

Having already visited the Bayeux Tapestry, where we leant about his bravery and determination, it was quite a solemn and poignant moment of our visit.

After enjoying a specially prepared cocktail in new bar Guillaume & Mathilde and a meal in one of the town’s popular restaurants, Avenue 21, we headed back for a sound night’s sleep at the Hôtel des Quatrans.

Finally, we boarded a new shuttle bus for a quick journey back to the airport after a short but very sweet trip.

Fly from Southend Airport to Caen-Carpiquet Airport in June from £36.18.

Visit www.southendairport.com or www.flybe.com for more details.

For information about Chantal James’ Bayeux stitch sessions visit www.bayeux-broderie.com