{Rouen, France} The sound of accordion music fills the air as I turn out of the alley and walk toward the Great Clock of Rouen. It seems a street musician has claimed his spot in the cathedral square particularly early on this Sunday morning, and his songs have been floating through the empty streets, following me like an old-school French soundtrack as I walk past the half-timbered buildings of the old town. The street that I’m walking on is named for the clock - the
What a delight to find your post on Rouen and Honfleur. I’m not sure why but we didn’t see half of what you saw in Rouen, possibly due to the fact that we had a time restraint with having travelled by train. We did see the tower where St Joan of Arc was kept, the church, the clock and the Cathedral, and of course those black and white buildings, but so many of the shops and restaurants were closed. The story of our life when travelling. I particularly wanted to see the clock and the cathedral as I have pen and ink sketches of them which my Great Aunt purchased when she was nursing in Rouen, during the First World War. We just loved Honfleur, but that visit was when we had docked at Le Halve and did a day trip.
Can tell that you love this part of France re The impressionism just squint your eyes and their impression will give you a softer guide of that seeing^^
Much as I love Monet’s Rouen Cathedral, I now love yours in a different way that’s all about the laciness you captured. Now I want to eat Julia Child’s transformative meal in Rouen.
It's funny - I remember going to France when I was eighteen and having a similar experience. It wasn't one meal in particular, but I distinctly remember thinking that I didn't know food could taste so good!
So very lovely and evocative! I feel as though I am meandering along as well and seeing it all through your eyes. I cannot wait to experience more of your beautiful writing. Thank you for an enchanting escape this morning before I head off to my preschool classroom (ahhh….there’s some stories lol)! 💗
The sight of that clock alone must be worth making the trek! And, the cathedral. You would never be able to see all of the detail, I'm sure! I now have to investigate the paintings in various different lights! The food experiences described make me hungry! But to have the experience of enjoying the pastries and omelets in the setting described must be incredible! I enjoyed my trip in mind's eye!
Oh mon dieu! I felt like I was magically transported to Normandy through your excellent writing and photography. The mixup with choucroute and charcuterie is so funny and understandable. Thanks for inspiring me to crave another trip to France—my French is definitely superior to my Sicilian!
What a delight to find your post on Rouen and Honfleur. I’m not sure why but we didn’t see half of what you saw in Rouen, possibly due to the fact that we had a time restraint with having travelled by train. We did see the tower where St Joan of Arc was kept, the church, the clock and the Cathedral, and of course those black and white buildings, but so many of the shops and restaurants were closed. The story of our life when travelling. I particularly wanted to see the clock and the cathedral as I have pen and ink sketches of them which my Great Aunt purchased when she was nursing in Rouen, during the First World War. We just loved Honfleur, but that visit was when we had docked at Le Halve and did a day trip.
I love Rouen.
Your pictures really are so gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Anne!
Can tell that you love this part of France re The impressionism just squint your eyes and their impression will give you a softer guide of that seeing^^
and the tide is OUT^^
Much as I love Monet’s Rouen Cathedral, I now love yours in a different way that’s all about the laciness you captured. Now I want to eat Julia Child’s transformative meal in Rouen.
It's funny - I remember going to France when I was eighteen and having a similar experience. It wasn't one meal in particular, but I distinctly remember thinking that I didn't know food could taste so good!
So very lovely and evocative! I feel as though I am meandering along as well and seeing it all through your eyes. I cannot wait to experience more of your beautiful writing. Thank you for an enchanting escape this morning before I head off to my preschool classroom (ahhh….there’s some stories lol)! 💗
Thank you so much for the nice comment, Rebecca - that's exactly how I want people to feel! ❤️
The sight of that clock alone must be worth making the trek! And, the cathedral. You would never be able to see all of the detail, I'm sure! I now have to investigate the paintings in various different lights! The food experiences described make me hungry! But to have the experience of enjoying the pastries and omelets in the setting described must be incredible! I enjoyed my trip in mind's eye!
I could never get tired of going to cathedrals!!
Oh mon dieu! I felt like I was magically transported to Normandy through your excellent writing and photography. The mixup with choucroute and charcuterie is so funny and understandable. Thanks for inspiring me to crave another trip to France—my French is definitely superior to my Sicilian!
Thank you so much, Ruth! ❤️
This is making me so hungry! Good work— 😄
Gorgeous
Thank you!
I never get to the end of your posts without making another resolution to travel. 2025 we are definitely hitting Europe in a big way!!
You deserve a treat after publishing a whole book this year!
Has your copy turned up yet?
I just got it Friday! So far I’ve just had a chance to admire the cover, but I can’t wait to start reading! :)
Stunning photos and a lovely post!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for taking me along with you. This was transporting.
Thanks for coming along! :)
Glorious, Jodi, you have the most amazing gift for bringing back memories! (of Rouen and Honfleur.)
I never knew that about Julia Child...
Yay! I love that, Laura. :)
Truth!!!
Oh dear, I'm going to have to visit...
You should! Rouen is one those cities that I think I could go back to again and again and again...