My uncle and aunt treated me to a trip away in Normandy before I moved down to Lyme Regis, Dorset. They took me to some divine locations around Honfleur and Camembert, passing through some picturesque countryside on the way.
My favourite places were Honfleur and the Calvados region, I could not stop eating the whole weekend and over indulged in every food. It was glorious (worth every tummy ache)!
Honfleur is a beautiful city in the Calvados region in Normandy, very well known for its fresh seafood and beautiful harbour. We visited the Honfleur markets and sat in the Jardin Public (public garden) with our selections of cheese, fresh seafood, desserts, terrines and some wine. We went in the Summer and all of the flowers were in full bloom. Wandering around the beautiful antiquated streets and architecture of Honfleur, it really is a very special place. Arrive in the town centre at midday or morning (especially if you want the freshest seafood), take the day to wander the streets, sample some cider and market stalls, ending the day in a restaurant on the harbour.
We stayed at the Domaine Du Clos Fleuri, where we were greeted by a beautiful golden retriever, Leesy and the most beautiful views of the Côte de Grâce. This place was a luxury, and has all the amenities you might like on a pampering trip away!
Travelling in July, the weather was warm and the air was sweet, a truly beautiful time of year to go!
Our next destination was to the Vieux-Pont-en-Auge, about an hour south of Honfleur where we stayed at the simply stunning Le Manoir Du Lieu Rocher, one of the most memorable places I have stayed! Our hosts were a father and son, and they were so very accommodating and committed to their beautiful property. They invited us into their lives for the days we were there, and shared 50 year old Calvados, distilled by the mayor of Livarot. There was a dog of the house here too, I think he may have been a vizelor, and his name was Timon (Tim-On).
Whilst here, we visited some of the Calvados distilleries and experienced the different traditions in place to produce the apple or pear brandies and the various treats we could find in store; touring around Domaine Dupont & Château Du Breuil distilleries.
The orchards had as much history as the buildings themselves and they all had rich, archaic ties to family recipes and generations of hard work. We all bought a few bottles of what we liked most after our tours and returned to our BnB for a relaxing night.
Before we went home to London, we had to visit Camembert and have some beautiful cheese! The commune of Camembert is verdant and green, rich in valleys and fields, pristine weather for a picnic!
We visited the Maison Du Camembert, (slightly surreal that I was at the starting place of a cheese I have loved since I can remember!) we were able to see how it is made, and of course we bought everything we wanted before indulging in a picnic!
Should you be planning a holiday to France, I would really recommend visiting these places if you can. They are truly hidden gems (Camembert isn’t really hidden!) and are well worth your time. As always, I will let the beautiful photos do the talking!
Comentarios