It is Sunday and our first day on the ship.  It was a smooth ride across the channel to Le Harve last night.  We planned on having breakfast in our cabin as we had to be down in the lounge by 7:30 AM.  Breakfast was delivered on time and we were ready for our tour on time.

We departed the ship and traveled through the port area, which is quite extensive.  This was a major area for the allies to gain control of during WWII.  They needed this large port to support the advance of the troops out of the Normandy region.  The Germans destroyed as much of the port as they could and it took the Allies some time to bring it operational again.  Our guide was informed us as we left the dock area that we would be crossing the longest bridge in France.  It is a very pretty bridge and rose high above the river to allow the ocean going ships to pass under it.

 

We arrived in Honfleur after an hour bus ride.  The village is an old fishing village that has preserved some of it old building and charm.  There are restaurants, souvenir shops, art studios and wonderful bakeries located around the harbor. 

Some the old wooden churches are still standing.  This is unusual, because most wooden churches in France have either burned or decayed. 

St. Catherine church is the largest wooden church with a separate bell tower in France.  The bell tower is across the street from the church.  It was built separately because the wooden structure was not strong enough to support it.  The interior is unique, as it was built by shipwrights (ship builders).  They knew how to build ships, but not how to build roofs on a large building.  So instead of the usual roof design, they built the roof like the bottom of a boat.  This has withstood the test of time and is what makes this church so unique.

There were 3 stone buildings in Honfleur.  One was the tax collection building, one the jail and the third the Mayor’s house.  Honfleur was the town that the King designated to collect taxes along the Seine River. 

We followed the tour and then found a little café on the harbor and had some hot chocolate, as the weather was cool and demanded it.  After leaving the café we started walking back to meet our bus.  Along the way we passed two West Highland Terriers.  I asked permission to pet one of them and the other one came over for attention.  I told the French lady that I missed mine and she said she understood.  The oldest Westie was 14 and the young one was 2 ½. 

The ride back to the ship was through some interesting countryside and small villages.  Returning to the ship, we cleaned up and then ordered room service for supper. 

Tomorrow is a sea day and the waters are supposed to be choppy.  Hope not to rough.

Honfleur, France

The Old Wooden Church

The Bell Tower