Honfleur and Beyond

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Tuesday 19 May 2015

We and the weather forecasters had predicted very little chance of rain for our visit to Honfleur. Nevertheless, we made sure umbrellas and jackets were at hand for this much anticipated stop en route from Rouen to Bayeux. A picnic lunch was planned but as we drove into Honfleur the picturesque cloud formations dramatically darkened and heavy rain began to fall. Oh well, c'est la vie, the picnic was relocated to our comfortable car in the large car park. Before the rain set in we had seen the elegantly proportioned bridge that crosses the Seine estuary to Le Havre, but decided not to cross and instead spend our time in Honfleur. Once the heavy shower cleared we headed on foot into the town and were delighted by the buildings around the waterfront as well as the intriguing little streets that opened up as we walked. The heavens continued to open at regular intervals, so we practised sheltering in impossibly tiny spaces under shop awnings, along with plenty of company. A bitter wind made us long for the winter gloves we had not thought we'd need with summer coming on. After several bursts of exploration we took the opportunity of a short break from the rain to dash back to the car, where we decided to drive around the Normandy coast to Bayeux.

The coastal drive was most interesting, with many very tall distinctive houses set high above the sea, today rather rough and wild. Stretches of beach with built up areas lined parts of the coast and are no doubt heavily populated during the summer holidays, but understandably empty today.

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Photos

Heading to Honfleur
What a beautiful day.

Honfleur
What a change in the weather.