Le Vieux Bassin in Honfleur
I’m reminded now of the wonderful rhythms of “Our Grand Tour”… arriving in a new place for a week or two, awaking that first morning to explore. We always took it easy on that first Sunday, taking a day to settle in and feel a place become “home”. So it was today in Honfleur.
Charley made a bread run to the boulangerie Dave and Aralynn had recommended. Wonderful croissants! This is just one reason we’re glad to be back in France. We sat on the sunny terrace and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, reading the Sunday Times from London as is our tradition in France. Dave and Aralynn stopped by for a few minutes before they headed back to Paris.
Later we wandered the streets of Honfleur, joining other tourists on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It’s a beautiful village—about 8,000 people, centered around an old square dock called Le Vieux Bassin. We’re already enchanted with the narrow, winding streets and the colorful timbered houses, many decorated with flowers. The église Ste-Catherine is particularly unique, made of wood by shipbuilders. There are many art studios and shops, for Honfleur is a famous artists’ center. Several of the Impressionists painted here, and our cottage was once the studio of Eugene Boudin, a famous pre-Impressionist. Kelly is delighted with the shops and the possibilities of things to buy. We stopped to buy a bottle of “pommeau,” a local liquor Dave and Aralynn had served us the night before—a mixture of apple juice and “Calvados” (an apple brandy).
On the streets of Honfleur
We had a late lunch/early dinner on the harbor. A steaming pot of mussels for me: what's called "moules frites"… another reason I’m happy to be back in France! My family doesn’t eat fish or shellfish, so I’m determined to eat it as often as I can while we’re on the coast.
I love moules frites (just ignore Charley's pizza!)
