Enjoying Honfleur on our final days in France

It was another blissful sea day as we sailed further north into France. There was lunch with a friend, a private session with the Pilates instructor, and then a fun event on Deck 12. Because there has been a surge in popularity in the golf program it was decided that we needed new logo wear. Today was the “unveiling”, accompanied by a putting contest on the outdoor putting green. Eight of us were the models for the mens’ blue and white and the ladies’ white and red golf shirts as well as caps and visors. Beer, wine, and Arnold Palmers were served and we all took a turn with the putter. There was even a ladies and gentlemen’s playoff with the winners collecting bottles of champagne.
By the time we were finished the Ship had tied up in Honfleur, our last port in France. We had no plans for the evening and town was a walk away so we went in to have a look around. We arrived in the middle of the annual Mariner’s Festival which has many events, including the Blessing of the Sea which pays tribute to those who perished at sea and also acts as a blessing for all boats. This was also a three-day weekend in France, so the place was packed. The population is about 8,000 and the small Old Town was very charming with lots of art galleries, shops and cafes. Honfleur is the birthplace of Erik Satie, a composer who has been credited with inviting Claude Monet to paint outside in Honfleur, thus beginning the En Plein Air movement.
Despite the crowds of people it was fun to walk around and see the colorful houses and inner harbor filled with boats.

City Hall

Once we returned from town, we were in for the night. Tomorrow was golf.
Sunday morning we departed for a 30 minute trip to a small town near Deauville called St. Gatien where there is a lovely golf course. The building had beams inside that looked to be several hundred years old and I believe the golf course is very established. Fortunately the weather cooperated better than on Friday and we had a buggy today! The first nine holes were flat and we actually could have walked but the back nine were another story. Very tricky, hilly tee boxes and long fairways. It was still fun and my game was a bit better so that always helps.

The Clubhouse at St Gatien

And the manor house next door

We had another beautiful ride through the countryside on our way home and rested an hour or so before dinner. Friends had just arrived for a couple of weeks so we had our traditional “Sunday Night Supper” that was inaugurated nearly 4 years ago. It’s still a great way to catch up and enjoy a meal in the quiet of the apartment. Then it was off to bed after a very full day.