France 2019: Rainy Day Outing

This was our last day in Aclou. We checked the weather forecast every few minutes and the hourly predictions did improve to the point where a possible riding window did materialize from mid-morning through early afternoon. We woke up to wet pavement and constant drizzle but kept hoping the skies would clear. However, by ten we decided that it was too iffy and wet to ride so we headed toward the coast to the seaside town of Honfleur (one hour drive). Even though the radar showed that the coast was clear it was raining upon arrival. So much for wishful thinking.

First stop was a coffee to sit inside and warm up.

Having planned to have lunch in town we skipped the pastries.

But enjoyed the lovely view.

Honfleur is touted in the guidebooks as a picturesque seaside town. Like Carmel-by-the-Sea and a zillion other seaside destinations it was quaint with winding streets and shops galore. Unfortunately seaside towns are not as appealing outside of the "seaside season" although that did not seem to keep the tourists away - like us.

Kim has to check out this jewelry shop for a certain type of earring but they did not make the grade.

Like all seaside towns the waterways are lined with old and older looking buildings with boats docked along the quai.

This electric bike caught our eye and we also saw one zipping by us on the street. There seems to be no end to the variety of electric powered two wheel vehicles. For under $1000 it looks like a great way to get around town.

This old fashioned men's clothing storefront caught our eye. To our happy surprise there were many unique shops and not a Gap or Banana Republic in sight.

And of course the Boulanger gets special attention.

A wine shop among many wine shops.

Not my cup of tea.

One of the many roads leading from here to there.

A narrow house about as wide as a single wide house trailer.

This one could use some help, but probably someone calls it home.

A working carousel dating back to 1900.

Kim wanted a ride but they were still setting up.

A car suited for everyone including me.

It might be a tight fit.

Old something, but what?

Even a closer look did not help.

We noticed a number of sailboats with tall masts tied up in the harbor behind us. This road across the channel must open to allow the boats to pass to open water, but how? Does not look like a typical drawbridge so it must lift straight up enough to allow a boat to pass under.

Would like to see it in action.

Another view of the quai and street-scape.

During our time in town the rain came and went. The sun even came out for a brief moment and Kim saw her shadow. Unfortunately that meant six more hours of rain.

Ah my kind of shop. This one warrants going in.

It is all in the presentation. Not my favorite kind to eat but pleasing to the eye.

After eating a bunch of their samples we are compelled to make a purchase.

The salesclerk convinced me to try the 82% - which is normally too bitter for my taste. However, she insisted that the quality is so good we could not pass it up.

By her own admission she is the expert.