Paris1972-Versailles2003

And again at Honfleur, I could not stop writing about it. However, just a bit more ok, thanks! Glad you are reading… Honfleur is special.

And nothing beats the simple climb by car, foot or bike to Mont Joli or the beautiful hill of Honfleur!! We saw it as coming to see the chapel (next post) but found it and now each time in the city we climb up to it. Yes we have done on foof about 1,5 km from city center Honfleur on a very steep street! However, lately we come by car on the D62 road.

You must come at least once for its splendid views.

Mont-Joli, is also located in the town of Equemauville which is about 1.5 km from the center of Honfleur, but owned by the city of Honfleur since the early 19C. Afterwards, you can continue your journey on the right, passing in front of the house where king Louis Philippe slept during his exile to England with his wife Marie-Amélie.

The Mont-Joli dominates the city and offers a very beautiful panorama on the valley of the Seine and the Pont de Normandie (see post) which connects Honfleur to Le Havre. In Equemauville, Mont Joli is a magnificent point of view that deserves a little detour. It offers a breathtaking view of the whole city, below, with its houses typical of Norman architecture, as well as the remarkable Tancarville Bridge, built in the mid-1950s. From the point of view, a nice little path descends towards Honfleur and one can thus regain the city on foot via a very pleasant walk.

More on Mont Joli from the tourist office of Honfleur here: Tourist office of Honfleur on Mont Joli

You will do good to climb, all worth it, and then by car even better me think.  At Mont Joli ,you can stop to see the Norman houses here too including the one of the king above. All magical, I think my next visit will be a gîte near here! Hope you enjoy it.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

And we continue in magical Honfleur, Calvados dept 14 of pretty Normandie in my belle France! There is so much to see here, again No 2 most visited site in all of Normandy behind MSM (which if Bretagne has its way is not here ::) ). So I can say is the most visited site in all of Normandie!

My humble writing skills don’t allow me to say more, but believe me it is magical, when you combine the boats, the basins, the port, the hills, the architecture and history not to leave out the food and calvados /ciders you name it, it has it all! Honfleur is special.

Now that I am talking about gardens and land, le me tell you a bit of the history on the name of Honfleur. The name is a deformation of a Norse word (old Scandinavian) which designates a cove, a harbor, at the time of the Viking invasions. Honnefleu, the port of Honna; the flowers will come there later! Close to the forest of Saint-Gatien and the Bois du Breuil, Honfleur is surrounded by two typical Augeron hills: the Côte Vassale and the Côte de Grâce (see post)..So yes this is Normandy or the land of the Normans. Well into jolly England too.

One thing that took us here many years ago maybe 15 was the event held at the Jardin Public (aka Jardin Retrouvé). The Passionnément Jardin fair in April. Organized in partnership with the City of Honfleur, the event brings together more than 70 professionals from the garden world: Nurserymen, horticulturalists, landscapers, artisans, decoration and furniture professionals, but also artists and associations. They do show on how to treat and grow the plants/flowers and you can buy them too. My dear late wife Martine love it, I needed to stop here.Memories of Honfleur a special city for us.

Within this public garden you can discover the Jardin des Personnalités, inaugurated in 2004 . Installed on a former mudflat in the estuary, this 10-hectare landscaped area offers a walk to discover garden boats in the center of which stand the busts of personalities in Honfleur’s historical and cultural heritage.

You come to the main area along the pier and boulevard Charles V, you will discover the Jardin Public or public garden, created in 1996. This park is also called the Jardin Retrouvé or rediscovered garden” for its romantic setting and its English-style organization. Nature is recreated there with flower beds, groves, ponds, waterfalls, etc.; but reinterpreted and mastered by man. An ideal setting for enjoying a pleasant moment of relaxation, especially with children who have at their disposal a very well-equipped playground.

There are kiosks for snacks here and a BNP ATM machine as well as rest rooms. All within walking distance of the Lieutenance and the Vieux Bassin. Magical Honfleur.

The city of Honfleur on the Jardin Retrouvé: City of Honfleur on the jardin retrouvé

The tourist office of Honfleur on the Jardin Public: Tourist office of Honfleur on the Jardin Public

And there you go folks a pleasant walk in a beautiful garden overlooking the canal out to sea in Honfleur. A nice way to spend some quality time with the family as we do. Hope you enjoy it

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

And we arrive at the big bridge! We have crossed it above and below several times and have post in my blog on the pont de Normandie or Normandy bridge. However, this time saw under with a new boat ride so new text and photos on this wonderful engineering feat and architecturally stunning.

Of course, this starts in Honfleur and ends up at Le Havre, that was the idea.

The pont de Normandie was opened on January 20 1995 , and put in service January 26th. Needless to say is a real engineering marvel and just gorgeous to look at while going underneath it. the pont de Normandie is 2141,25 meters long, pylons high of  214 meters, 23,60 meters wide, 7 years of construction and  10 millions work hours!

Having tried all the others ,this time try a new boat ride from the Les Vedette Cauchois onboard the boat La Lieutenance, bigger and stronger. The whole process from purchasing the tickets at 12€ per person , waiting to be onboard and the ride was excellent with very nice folks.

You embark on a sea trip of 1h30 from the port of Honfleur aboard the boat La Lieutenance, with capacity for 196 passengers; I say we were about half . You discover the Seine estuary with passage through the lock-chamber, the radar, the commercial port and the quays in the Seine. The passage under the majestic Pont de Normandie and view of the Tancarville bridge. Also, view of Le Havre and Port 2000, the nature reserve, Butin beach, Vasouy, Pennedepie and the heights of the côte de Grace of Honfleur. Nice experience I say.

You have the official webpage for the Les Vedette Cauchois: Promenade en Mer of Les Vedette Cauchois

The tourist office of Honfleur on les Vedette Cauchois: Tourist office of Honfleur on the les vedette Cauchois

This is something that we had done many years ago, and now its a pilgrimage every year to take the boat to see as my Mom and Wife ashes were spread in the Atlantic Ocean with the SNSM or Sauveteurs en mer or lifesavers at sea a volunteer group of marines and fisherman which I support. Their boat is the Notre Dame du Port below.

And there you go ,I hope you can take a lighter trip on one of these boat out to sea while in Honfleur, it is recommended by yours truly. Hope you enjoy the sea ride.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!