Honfleur, Trouville & Deauville

Honfleur - The village the Blocker's loved!  Here is a you tube video by Rick Steves about Honfleur:

We set out early on Saturday, hoping to find a quaint cafe to have breakfast.  Boy oh boy did we find one!  If ever taking a trip to France, and if ever going to the Normandy region - do not miss this one!!   After a few circles around the village trying to find a parking spot - we made our way to the city centre. We found ourselves at a picture postcard cafe having warm crossaints and drinking hot chocolates & a cappucino. Our cafe was the one near the flags with the bright red awning.

 We could see right off why a handful of impressionists used it as inspiration for many of their paintings - Monet being one of them. For some it is considered the birthplace of impressionism.  We attempted the Boudin museum, a master of painting the sky, and a friend to Monet.  However, we arrived 15 minutes before closing (at noon believe it or not) and they wouldn't let us take a quick peek.   Little background history:  Boudin met Claude Monet who spent several months working with Boudin in his studio. The two remained lifelong friends and Monet later paid tribute to Boudin’s early influence. Boudin joined Monet and his young friends in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874.

 

This is Monet's painting of Rue de la Bavolie

We made our way through the Saturday market in the rain.  The smells, the sights, & in the chilling rain.  The only mention of the rain is due to the fact that it made taking photos limited.  However we did get a few snapshots prior to putting the camera away.

We couldn't resist this chocolate shop as we walked through the village.  Mimi & Grandad - you would have loved it - we didn't know until after we bought them - the chocolate on the right side of the picture is chocolate covered malt balls - all different flavors.  Our favorite flavor was cinnamon & sugar.  

The kids purchased 12" chocolate covered marshmallow sticks.  You just can't make this stuff up - such an amazing day!! 

This was my friend in the market who let me take a photo with him.  He was dicing, shredding, slicing all sorts of vegetables.  I was totally sold, although I am sure I could find it in the states, he was selling them for 3 euros a piece & I was quite taken with all the gadget could do.  QVC - you need this guy on one of your segments ;)

Chris is in love with the French cheese - he saw a fromage shop & called it a chocolate shop.  It really is amazing how delicious it is.  We came home with a big slice of cheese - I am sadly blanking on the name.  

We ended our time in Honfleur with a visit to Erik Satie's house (a composer), which has been converted into a very unique museum.  He was a very eccentric guy with lots of unique thoughts & ideas.  We loved visiting his house & hearing his life story.  

Link to more information about Erik Satie

Erik Satie Video #1

Erik Satie Video #2

 

We then drove down the coastline to Trouville and Deauville.  We were in the midst of a steady stream of rain and crisp winds that did limit our exploring in these towns.  We walked down the streets and found a friendly cafe which specialized in galettes (our best description is a savory crepe).  The kids had egg, ham & cheese & Chris and I had one with vegetables and cheese, and another with ham, egg, cheese, & potatoes.  They were delicious and most definitely warmed us up for the trek home.  We attempted two more towns but unforunately were misled by a guidebook of activities there.  So we made our way home for a movie and dinner.  

  A  couple things before closing out this post.  The kids have been making their way through the original Love Bug movies.  On Saturday we watched Herbie rides Again - love watching their faces enjoy something both Chris & I loved to watch as kids.  They have all 4 original movies in a gift set in the cheap movie section at Target in case anyone else wants to purchase.

One final thought - we have wondered multiple times what goes through the mind of a four year old visiting France with her family.  This video is sheer delight to watch as she enjoys her breakfast in Honfleur.  I hope you enjoy! 

Click here for Halle video - Bon Appetit!