Once I was asked why I'm blogging about travels too when my focus is interior design and homewares. Well, first of all, besides interior design, traveling is another strong passion of mine. And secondly, I always bring back inspiration and ideas for my home and interior styling after my trips. So here is another little virtual trip for you my dear readers - today's destination: the quaint town of Honfleur on the coast of the Normandy in northern France.
Honfleur is a mere 2.5 hours car ride away from Paris and thus a very popular weekend getaway for the Parisians. The little town is famous for its picturesque old port lined-up with colourful, slate-covered houses and its reputation among artists. Wandering the streets of Honfleur will leave you with the impression that at least half of France's artists must have been citizens of Honfleur during one certain time in their lives. Consequently, many houses carry the names of renown French artists and a good deal of small museums pays tribute to them.
Moreover, Honfleur is known for its good food (like the Normandy in general). The city is located in the department called Calvados hence the correspondent liquor stems from this region as does the famous French cidre - try the cidre rosé, it is amazing! Excellent cheeses and salted butter are among the region's specialties and apples play a major role in the local cuisine. But seafood is the real highlight in Honfleur - you will be tempted by dozens of seafood dishes for incredibly reasonable prices so if you like it, dig into the delicious Noix de Saint-Jacques, oysters, mussels and so on.
As charming as the old town is with its historical buildings, the unique St. Catherine's church with its old wooden bell tower and wooden interior, don't miss out a beach walk during the low tide. You will enjoy a fab view of the famous 'Pont de Normandie', a huge, modern bridge, and on the other side you will spot the silhouette of the neighbouring city Le Havre. Moreover, many many shells will trigger your decoration instinct and call for a little souvenir collection.
Speaking of souvenirs: I brought back a few goodies from the Normandy for you. The traditional salted butter caramels, famous chocolates called 'sardines' and of course a few hand-picked shells from the beach. You will find a picture on my Instagram account and by leaving a message on Instagram until Tuesday midnight you are in to win the little Normandy goodie bag. Join the giveaway HERE.
So, how did you like today's little virtual trip? Oh, and next week I'll tell you all about the charming hotel I was staying.
Happy Monday!
Photography by Igor Josifovic
