Old Port (Vieux Bassin) with a lockBuildings around harborOne building partially collapsed, sinking straight down between othersFront and back of interesting building near the harbor, probably dedicated to the protection of boatmenAlleyways and buildings in the center of the town of Honfleur, and the plaza in front of the church
We set out to see the largest wooden church in France. Inside, the church was bright and airy.
The church bell tower is a separate building, and the church was constructed in phases as the population grew, beginning in 1466.Details inside St Catherine’s, including a photo of a support pillar. The pillars, single tree trunks not all exactly the same height, are supported by stone bases adding the necessary height.Organ in loft at backOrgan nearer to the altarTo reach the choir at the back, there is a spiral staircase. Carvings of musicians decorate the balustrade beneath the choir.
We walked up a hill to see a different church, Notre-Dame de Grace, Our Lady of Grace, which was the name of the elementary school Clare attended for eight years. She felt right at home.
The walk was a little steep, but well worth it, with nice views of the town and the Seine.
View of the Normandy Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the worldExplanation of strange dead treeStrange dead treeNotre-Dame de Grace
The church, built in the 17th century by mariners, features many boats. Even the ceiling looks like the bottom of a large boat.
Outside, the church, these bells did not ring!Clare and JoëlleViewed from the trail, Le Havre is an industrial port near the mouth of the Seine.Around the harbor, we found another church as well as a very large hall originally built for storing salt.
Then, we drove to the more affluent town of Deauville.
Deauville features a wide, flat beach with a long boardwalk. It must be very crowded in the summer!
Towers and drawbridge at the harbor entrance So much sand!Colorful beach umbrellasThe changing lockers are labeled with famous actors and movie industry icons.This woman forgot her bathing suit!
Deauville shows off its affluence along streets lined with expensive shops and entertainment for tourists.
Cute Merry-go-roundMarble staircase in casino
We then visited a distillery where apples are used to make brandy called Calvados. We also purchased cheese in Pont l’Évêque.
Joëlle, Marc, Clare, BrianIn l’Évêque, we briefly visited Saint Michael’s Church, another example of flamboyant gothic style.Crazy tourists on the windy boardwalk.
Bunch of Geeks go Traveling 