Daytrip to Honfleur

One of the things we have been most looking forward to living in France is the access to to so many sights and treasures ... many just within a hour or two reach. With school starting up this next week, we thought we would take advantage of some time on Saturday to head out for a day-trip to the utterly enchanting village of Honfleur. Have you heard of it? It almost reminds me of a French version of Venice, with all the candy colors, shops, and tiny walkways. Like a grown-up playland.

It was breezy and a little drizzly out, but perhaps that made it a little less busy and touristy. (Even though we are tourists 100%, we like to pretend we are not.)

Honfleur was miraculously spared during the bombings of WWII and the port, half-timbered buildings, and even some of the moored boats look much like they would have in the 16th-18th century. It feels like a time-capsule.

The kids have been really open to seeing and trying new things (they all ate mussels today!).  I'm super proud of their perspectives on this adventure and marvel at the gift of being able to do this together. I know these child-rearing days will be gone in a blink and I am just trying to soak it all up. 

And did you notice? It's official. Peter is taller than me.

We began chatting with a German family at lunch today, after they apologized for some restless behavior from their toddler and preschooler. Naturally, we didn't mind a bit, but I realized ... we are now the family with "big kids." 

(Incidentally, French lunches are notoriously long. By the time we were done with our meal, we had all sorts of conversations with our lunch companions. We even had an invitation for a tour of Frankfurt, should we happen to make it to their home town. Maybe we will!)

Honfleur, being an ancient coastal village, has some wonderfully quirky character traits. For instance, the church was built out of wood by the local seamen and the interior naves look like upside down hulls of ships ... and if they were to turn upside down, they would float!

Everywhere one walks there is someone with their camera or even an easel and paintbrush. The lighting is beautiful and it's no wonder it was home to some of the original impressionist artists.

It can be a rather inspiring city!

*Is Honfleur your style, or are you more of a big city person? Do you approach one kind of city differently than another?