Hotel Antares

How 'bout them apples!

by rexvaughan

You probably know that Calvados is a department in the region of Haute (or upper) Normandy. It is one of the few that does not produce wine, but makes up for it with apple brandy and cider as it is a major apple growing area. There is a sweet or soft cider (Cidre Doux) which is light and smooth and goes particularly well with cheese. There is a more alcoholic one (Cidre brut) which is less sweet and goes well with meat. Then there is one in between (Cidre demi-sec) which is recommended with red meat. Then there is Calvados, an apple brandy. It is quite strong as brandies tend to be but very nice. Of course, for dessert you usually can't miss with apple pie. While you are in the prime apple region don't miss out on these local specialties. I am not a great fan of brandies, but love the apple cider and the apple pie.

Honfleur's charming village streets

by twoinluv

Take a day and stroll the charming streets in Honfleur. My husband and I joked that we expected Belle, Gaston, or the beast to jump out at any time and break into song (from Beauty in the Beast).

The streets are full of art galleries, stores, cafes, and the like. There are little stores that sell the local apple brandy called Calvados. The people are friendly and it can be a very relaxing way to spend a day.

Musée Eugène Boudin

by dimilag

Built and refurbished in 1974 and 1988, the museum includes a very rich collection of pre-impressionnist and contempory paintings by Norman artists : Boudin, Dubourg, Monet, Courbet, Dufy, Gernez, Friesz, etc. In a 19th century room can be seen the tempory exhibitions. There is also a large collection of Normandy ethnography: headwear, dress, furniture.

Opening Hours: Every day except Tuesdays. From March 15 to September 30 : 10-12 am / 2-6 pm
From October 1 to March 14 : week days : 2.30-5 pm / Week-end : 10-12 am / 2.30-5 pm. Closing : January to mid-February, May 1, July 14 and December 25.

Admition: High Season
Admission fee : 5,10 euros
Reduced rate : 3,60 euros (groups over 10 people, students, senior)
Low Season
Admission fee : 4,40 euros
Reduced rate : 2,70 euros (groups over 10 people, students, senior)
Free : young people under 10 years old.

A great day out.

by amandakilgour

"AN ARTISTS DREAM HONFLEUR."

A beautiful harbour. My photograph looks just like the postcards for sale. The tall, slim houses in the background look fantastic and gives Honfleur such prescence and character.

"GREAT VIEWS"

In the distance you can just about see the Normandy bridge. When you walk along this area situated by the Garden of Personalities you are overcome by the peacefulness even though you are not far away from the busy shopping streets.

"GARDEN OF PERSONALITIES"

I loved this place, even with the dark clouds brewing up above us. Its a tribute to people who have contributed to France. So much thought and hard work has gone into it. We were searching for the miniture Monets Garden/Water lily and when we did find it were pleasently suprised. Beautiful. It certainly did do the real thing justice.

Eszter's Honfleur Page

by Eszter

Honfleur on a rainy weekend in November.
Lovely anyway.

The Vieux Bassin
It is flanked by quaint, irregularly built, 16-17th century houses.

Attractive houses and streets
Honfleur is and old fishing port retaining a number of attractive streets flanked by tall timber and slated houses, which have long made it the delight of artists in search of the picturesque, lacking in most other resorts on this coast.