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Normandy
Lodging
Le Vieux Carré ** Cafés, Restaurants, and Bistrots
Le Vieux Carré **
La Couronne, On LocationOkay, the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. You have to go. I was not fond of the modern architectural mess—oh, I mean market/church/monument, but it is an incredible moment in history that has reverberated ever since. Joan deserves for you to pay your respects. Place du Vieux Marché, in the center of old Rouen. Believe me, you’ll know it when you see it. We enjoyed our time spent in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, especially the Impressionist area. There is space, light, and the paintings are well-hung to be viewed both near and far. It was pleasant to wander through. The museum was only about two blocks from our hotel, then again nothing is far. Musée des Beaux-Arts. Square Verdrel, Rouen. Sometimes we visit cathedrals, and sometimes we don’t. It depends on how many we’ve been through recently (there is a limit), how much time we have, and what mood we’re in. We walked around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame at night, appreciating its grand French Gothic façade and blue lighting. It is a marvel, but time was short. We didn’t feel the need to go back the next day. Maybe on our next trip. Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Place de la Cathédrale, Rouen. TransportationThis is the second time we’ve come to France for an extended period of time and leased a station wagon from Europe by Car. The first time I’d read that if you were staying longer than three weeks, it was more cost effective to lease. We made arrangements in the U.S., and both times picked up brand-new cars—the first a Renault, this time a Peugeot. It couldn’t be easier, and the cars have been great! They also come with insurance, which makes things more trouble-free. At the end of your stay, you hand them back the keys. We’ve driven all over France in these automobiles from Paris to Provence to the island of Belle Ile. Jim is the driver, and I navigate. I highly recommend the company. Europe by Car. Tel: (800) 223-1516
Lodging
Dormy House*** Cafés, Restaurants, and BistrotsFor a more elegant, formal, or romantic dinner, the restaurant at the Dormy House is the place. The view is incredible, the service attentive. A full menu is offered, although you’re in seafood country here. Dormy House*** The Taverne des Deux Augustins is just what the name implies, has the look and feel of a pub. Request a table in the cozy, old section (when you walk in the door). We liked it better than the newer add-on). Hearty meals and fish are served. Taverne des Deux Augustins There are brasseries, pizzerias, and fish restaurants scattered around the village. On Location
A short outing would take you to Fêcamp, an historic, quaint fishing village with some sights to see, including the Palais Bénédictine. A Venetian monk conceived the potent liqueur in this place. (How many hangovers in the world has he caused?) I’d like to have a lunch along the harbor of Fêcamp and imagine the fisherman going out to sea. TransportationThis is the second time we’ve come to France for an extended period of time and leased a station wagon from Europe by Car. The first time I’d read that if you were staying longer than three weeks, it was more cost effective to lease. We made arrangements in the U.S., and both times picked up brand-new cars—the first a Renault, this time a Peugeot. It couldn’t be easier, and the cars have been great! They also come with insurance, which makes things more trouble-free. At the end of your stay, you hand them back the keys. We’ve driven all over France in these automobiles from Paris to Provence to the island of Belle Ile. Jim is the driver, and I navigate. I highly recommend the company. Europe by Car. Tel: (800) 223-1516
Honfleur is an enchanting village, a place where many artists have come to paint. When you see it, you understand. It’s a place where Jim and I can imagine living. Lodging Hotel L’Ecrin*** Cafés, Restaurants, and Bistrots
La Maison Bleue After frolicking with Frida, we walked into L’Ancrage for a delicious Soupe de Poissons and a salad. The two guys, who were in charge, were having fun at their jobs. We enjoyed the ambience as well as the food. L’Ancrage To Market, To MarketWhen we were in Honfleur in 1998, we had a long, delicious lunch by the harbor, when it was drizzling rain. Jim was tired (they were calling me the Travel Nazi, because I was determined we would absorb everything we could), and he went back to the car, while Blair, Bret, and I snooped around. We found an excellent choclatier, Le Marianik, where we bought apple candies that Blair still talks about. I was disappointed that it was closed for the season, being repainted and such, when we were there this time. Go, go. It has extraordinary confections. Le Marianik’s, 35 rue de Dauphin, Honfleur. TransportationThis is the second time we’ve come to France for an extended period of time and leased a station wagon from Europe by Car. The first time I’d read that if you were staying longer than three weeks, it was more cost effective to lease. We made arrangements in the U.S., and both times picked up brand-new cars—the first a Renault, this time a Peugeot. It couldn’t be easier, and the cars have been great! They also come with insurance, which makes things more trouble-free. At the end of your stay, you hand them back the keys. We’ve driven all over France in these automobiles from Paris to Provence to the island of Belle Ile. Jim is the driver, and I navigate. I highly recommend the company. Europe by Car. Tel: (800) 223-1516
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Copyright © 2005 James Morgan & Beth Arnold. All rights reserved
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