Honfleur Favorites

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Favorite thing: 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.

Fondest memory: I am not a great fan of brandies, but love the apple cider and the apple pie.

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Favorite thing: We try to travel light and, besides washing a few small items in hotel sinks, seek some way in the middle of a trip to do some laundry. Honfleur has a very nice, modern (and expensive) Lavomatique. The machines do a very nice job of washing and drying clothes but be prepared to spend some money.

Rates are (in Euros):
Washing - 6kg 3.50, 7kg 3.80 and 16 kg 7.50
Drying - 1.00 per 8 minutes
Detergent - 1.00 per load although you get a packet which will do 2 small loads

Everything is fully automated from a central panel where you put the money and select the machine. It accepts coins as well as 5, 10 and 20 Euro notes. I fed the machine so much I lost track but may have spent about $25 for a medium size load of clothes, but they were nice and clean and dry.

It is located very near the Tourist Info office on the streets Paul Breard, rue de la Chaussee and rue Notre Dame just off the rue de la Republique.

Favorite thing: During our trip through Picardy and Normandy, we often came across those beautiful fields of straw bundles. I loved that yellow colour that stands out against the blue sky… Even though we saw the same landscape almost all the way, it was never boring to look at it. There was something peaceful and relaxing in it…

See my travelogue for more…we really couldn’t resist a how-to-climb-a-bundle series of pictures…

Favorite thing: A short walk, gently uphill, of about 1,5 km from the town centre,finds you at the "Côte de Grâce" , where you will find wonderful panoramic views over the Seine estuary, the harbour and the sea. There, you will also find one of the region's oldest sanctuaries Chapel Notre-Dame de Grâce, built between 1600-1615. I had a feeling this church was dedicated to Mariners, but I may be wrong..

Favorite thing: The Sainte-Catherine's area is an old maritime district. Its narrow and paved streets and the Sainte-Catherine church (15th and 16th centuries), are delightful.