Holler…{that would be southern for Bonjour and Hola}! Today, I’m excited to announce a new feature in the Travelin’ section dubbed Travelin’ Through the Eyes of…………!
I recently met up for a lunch date with my good friend, Anne Laurence, who just returned from a trip to France with her family. As she was describing this fabulous trip, I thought “why not share the travel experiences of my jetsetting friends with Bonjour + Hola viewers?” From exotic to rustic destinations, we’ll explore the world’s hidden gems!
So, it’s official. “Travelin’ Through the Eyes of Anne Laurence” kicks this exciting new feature off today and what better destination than the land of Bonjour!
Travelin’ Through the Eyes of…Anne Laurence
View of Honfleur
As our family packed up to head on vacation from Nashville to both Normandy and Paris, I did not know what to expect from Normandy. The weather? The food? The location? We all arrived tired, but luckily got to take a short nap on our drive from Paris to the beautiful harbor town of Honfleur. Honfleur, located 2-3 hours northwest from Paris (depending on traffic), is a popular location for French locals to come and spend the weekend.
Normandy Must-Sees
Japanese Gardens
Giverny: Monet’s gardens are worth the trip from wherever you are staying! A little tip to help beat the crowds, and there are crowds, head straight to the Japanese gardens and work your way backwards. You’ll walk through the Japanese Gardens and then can choose to either tour his personal gardens or his home in whatever order suits you!
Don’t miss the American Cemetery located on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach…it is worth the trip to Normandy alone! You will be overwhelmed entering and touring the premises imagining the troops landing on D-Day and to seeing how young the men were that died in WWII.
American Cemetry
Crosses mark the graves for Christian soldiers and Stars of David for the Jewish Soldiers. There is even a monument dedicated to the more than 1,500 men Missing in Action after the war. Very few of those men have been found, and those that are have a gold medallion placed next to their name. Be sure to leave plenty of time to walk around, walk to the beaches, visit the chapel, and take in the vast monuments.
Shopping in Normandy
Savon: A soap shop located only in Honfleur, Paris, and New York sells natural handmade soaps that are to die for. Ranging in scents from Olive Oil to Gardenia, they have soaps to cure everything from acne to dry skin. The people in the shop are knowledgable about the product, helpful, and will even give you some free samples of their favorites as treats!
Art Galleries: There are too many to name! From photography to watercolors, Honfleur is an artists haven. Because so many well-to-do French natives vacation in this area, artists strive to get their works in these galleries. Many of the works honor the local scenery, and you might be lucky enough to meet the artist (and get your piece personalized)!
Eating in Normandy
Normandy is famous for their cheese. The three they are known for are Camembert, pont l’éceque and lívarot. They are also the home of “Calvados,” a brandy made from apples to either be mixed or had by itself. Chateau du Breuíl is a charming vineyard on a beautiful estate. The best part is the tasting! They give you two different varieties of Calvados, and there is an array of products to buy to bring home for yourself or gifts!
L’Absinthe
L’Absinthe, located on the water, is a typical Norman restaurant. It is the perfect spot to have a liesurely french dinner. Be adventurous; try their specials and their local dishes, specifically the seafood! A tasting menu, though a bit more expensive, is a great way to sample the local delicacies. Be sure to save up for dessert; the Apple Macaroon is to die for.
Paris
Obviously there are too many sights, shops, and restaurants to name in the city of lights. So, here are just a few restaurants that are too good to pass up while on your vacation!
Ladurée: Walk into one of the pristine macaroon shop’s locations and take it all in. Between the products for your home, and the numerous colorful macaroons you might be a little overwhelmed. Get a sampling box of the small macaroons…salted caramel and raspberry are sinfully delicious. Unfortunately these do not travel well, so they do not make great gifts!
Le Soufflé, located in the high-end shopping and eating district of Place Vendome, is a small restaurant that specializes in soufflés… could you guess? Order the lunch tasting menu to get a small salad, a savory soufflé (the Henry IV is the most popular), and a dessert soufflé. You will leave full and happy, especially if you get a bottle or two of wine to pair with your meal!
La Fontaine de Mars
La Fontaine de Mars, a charming hole-in-the-wall right by the Eiffel Tower, was recommended by some Parisian natives (who also happen to be family!). This tiny restaurant has a small menu that serves local favorites. The specials were imaginitive and unbelievable… there are no words for the french toast dessert made with poundcake… enjoy every last bite because you’ll need to hit a spin class after that one!
Boutique Maille is a small mustard shop, yes mustard shop! There is a little bit of something for everyone, our personal favorite, the parmesan basil. They have wonderful sampler boxes and serving ware that are unique and unexpected gifts to bring home!
Enjoy your next trip to France, but most importantly, INDULGE!
xoxo ALJ
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