My recommendations for Honfleur, a charming town not far from Trouville-Deauville, are based on my most recent trip and one that I made seven years ago.
- Walk everywhere – Honfleur itself is the principal attraction. Stroll around the port! But don’t spend all your time in this heavily touristed area. Meander up and down its narrow streets. Take pictures of window boxes. If you get lost, don’t worry; head downhill to get back to the port.
- Le musée Eugène Boudin – Boudin, a friend of Monet, is credited as being the father of the open-air movement that marked the Impressionist movement. The museum has a decent permanent collection of Boudin’s works and hosts special exhibits. I missed the opening of the new one by just a couple of days (part of the Normandy-wide celebration of Impressionism). On the other hand, I’d skip the Satie museum. It certainly is surreal!
- La Tortue – I ate here both times I was in Honfleur, but the chef had changed, so that almost counts as being adventurous in my books. My meal was delicious and artfully presented both times I ate there. La Tortue (lah tor-tyue) means “the turtle” but there were no terrapins on the menu. (Fine with me!)
- Saint Catherine’s Church – If the interior of this wooden church reminds you of the hull of two boats lashed together, that’s because it was built by boat builders rather than ecclesiastical architects. One “hull” was built in the 15th century and the other a hundred years later. The bell tower is at a slight distance and you can mount to the top for an overview of the town.
- Boat Tour – A 45-minute boat ride takes you under the stunning Normandy Bridge and gives a wonderful overview of the Seine estuary. Touristy, but worth it.
Bon week-end!
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