Rouen, Honfleur, Ouistreham
Day 3 was an exciting day full of adventure and relaxation. We began our day in Rouen, France, where we took a morning stroll through the town and visited the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The cathedral was an awe-inspiring sight with its intricate architecture and stained glass windows. We admired its beauty and took a moment to take in the peaceful atmosphere.
The medieval half-timbered houses in the town's cobblestoned pedestrian center were a stark contrast to the fast-paced city of Paris. We stopped at a medieval-style McDonald's for a quick lunch before continuing to explore the town. The restaurant had a unique atmosphere and added to the charm of the town.
After lunch, we headed to Manoir d’Apreval for a cider and cheese tasting. Our tour guide gave us a brief history of the land and the cider-making process before showing us the barrel room, where each barrel had a different aging cycle. We learned about the different types of cider and cheese that were produced in the region and how they were made. We then moved to a tasting room where we enjoyed three different ciders and cheeses paired to enhance the flavors. The experience was truly amazing and gave us a taste of the local delicacies.
Next, we went to Honfleur, a picturesque port town known for its narrow medieval-style buildings and boats lined up in the harbor. We were greeted by the breathtaking view of the city, which was even more beautiful in person. We had some free time to shop for souvenirs and jewelry. I found a perfect gold conch shell necklace that I couldn't resist. The town had a charming atmosphere, and we enjoyed exploring its narrow streets and alleyways.
Once we finished exploring Honfleur, we moved to our hotel in Ouistreham, a quiet and quaint countryside town with few tourists. The hotel was a cozy retreat, and we had the freedom to choose our dinner. Some of us went for pizza while others found a small restaurant, La Rose Des Vents, that served authentic French cuisine. The tuna tartare and fish soup were exquisite, with the fish soup being the highlight of the meal. For the main course, I ordered scallops that were perfectly cooked and paired with light vegetables covered in scallop sauce. We then enjoyed a stroll around the streets of Ouistreham, caught the sunset, and even found two friendly horses near our hotel.
Overall, it was a fun-filled day exploring the two countryside towns, Rouen and Honfleur, and enjoying different experiences. The day was full of unique and exciting experiences that we will never forget. Stay tuned to see what Day 4 had in store for us as we explored the D-Day beaches in France!
