The French Trip
May 11, 2022: Honfleur. Honfleur’s old port is a living impressionist painting, with colorful fishermen’s houses reflecting in the basin.
“Nature is richer than I represent it. How fortunate we are to be able to see and admire the glories of the sky and earth; if only I could be content just to admire them”
— Eugène Boudin
Honfleur and Boudin
Eugène Boudin is Honfleur’s favorite son. He painted outdoors, a novel concept at the time. He patiently tutored a 17-year-old Monet, and so founded impressionist art. Honfleur harbor was a particular inspiration for him, and it has been for many painters since.
The town charms, with a great Saturday market. Trinkets are sold near the harbor, to tourists. The good stuff – bread, cheese, produce, local wine, and seafood – is sold on the hilly streets in old town. We ate well.
Etretat
During the stay, made the short drive to Etretat. Marvelous white cliffs tower above the sea, with the charming pebble beach below. We hiked for photos and a picnic lunch. Absolutely fantastic. It will be interesting to compare these to the white cliffs of Dover, in our upcoming British trip!
