Woke to what we understand is a typical Normandy day - fog across the water and misty rain. With breakfast over we headed off on the Route des Chaumieres to see some of Normandy's half timbered, thatched roof houses just as the drizzle ceased. Some magnificent properties in a very quiet rural area, through fields and forests. The top ridge line of the thatched roof is planted with irises to tie the thatching together and to remove humidity from inside the property.
On then to a small Normandy town, Pont Audemer, where we walked those streets not destroyed by WWII bombing. Lovely old shops in buildings more than 300 years old, with a number of water courses running between them. Once again, just us and the locals in what was now a pleasant morning.
Back on board for lunch and then to Honfleur at the top of the Seine estuary - and what a culture shock that was. Unlike this morning's isolation and tourist free nature, Honfleur was packed with tourists. Restaurants by the dozen on the waterfront - and all of them packed. Once again, ancient half timbered properties, including tall thin properties surrounding the waterfront and a massive salt wharehouse where tons changed hands, primarily to support the preserving of fish. Much of Honfleur had also been destroyed by WWII bombing but it is now a tourism mecca, particularly around the preserved harbour - but the ancient cobblestones took their toll as the afternoon ended.
Back to the ship for a D Day landings information session before dinner, which once again was delightful food, excellent company and good wine. Early night to prepare for a big 10 hour day to the Normandy landing beaches tomorrow.
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