Nick has been in Africa (well, on a boat off the coast of Africa) for over a week and a half now, so when my friend Katie suggested a girls' trip since her hubby was out of town too, I eagerly jumped on board. We decided on the Deauville/Trouville area of Normandy for its beaches and easy drive from Paris.
Paris has been rainy and cold recently, and the weather in Normandy wasn't much different, but we did get some sun and had a blast hanging out. Also, how perfect are these flags we found?!?
Katie, Val, and I drove up on Monday and upon seeing sun, immediately made a beeline to a beach restaurant for a sunny, seafood lunch. Perfect way to start the trip.
After stocking up on some food and wine, we checked into our airbnb apartment in the port area of Deauville. Beautiful views and apartment, but we came to realize, perhaps the most frustrating location. Although you can see the beach from our apartment, you have to walk all the around the port to reach the beach. Good thing the town's not too big.
We spent the rest of the day wandering around Deauville, ducking in shops and cafes every time it started down-pouring. This area definitely doesn't feel like France...the buildings are more German/Swiss style, but everything is beautiful. Deauville is very clean and upscale, with a casino and racetrack being the central entertainment of the city.
Our delicious food on this trip continued with a quaint little restaurant in Deauville. {You will find eating was a theme of this trip.} Our plan had been to hit up the casino after dinner, but when we soon became drenched walking in a storm, we decided it was a better idea to go back to the apartment and play some catch phrase and enjoy some wine there. Good decision!
Tuesday morning we awoke to clouds and after picking Lillian and Bobbie up at the train station, decided to take a stroll through the market of Deauville and when we eventually wound up on the beach, the sun made an appearance! We made the most of it and settled for lunch and sangria/wine on the beach for the afternoon. While it looks beautiful, don't be deceived...we were all in pants and sweaters and happy that we were. {Although our faces all got a little sun burned!}
Several hours later, it was time for a change of scenery, which meant Trouville. Trouville is just one the other side of the river from Deauville and separated by maybe 300 yards. Buttt...to walk there, you have walk way out the way. We strolled into the casino, got some ice cream, and eventually sat on the Trouville beach for the rest of the afternoon. On the way back, we decided it was worth it to pay the 1.20E to ride the 2 minute boat back to Deauville.
That night we ate for dinner on a boat docked in the port by our apartment. The food was amazing and we got to watch a beautiful sunset. These are unedited photos. Sunsets and ocean are one of my favorite things ever!
We finished out the night at the Deauville casino, watching the Germany/Brazil game (which really wasn't a game at all), and trying to win some money on the slots. I don't really get gambling still...my 5E was gone in about 10 minutes at the slots. Sadly, no one won, but we still had a great time!
Wednesday morning we awoke to clouds, wind, and chilly temps. We hit the road and drove to Honfleur. We all agreed this was the cutest and most charming of all the 3 towns we visited (although there's no beach, which is a big plus for Deauville/Trouville). We wondered the port, shops, and ate lunch on the water. This time, galettes and cider, yum yum! Oh France, how I will miss all of your food!
I loved all of these towns, and even though it was chilly and not the best weather, I'm so glad we stayed close to the beach. There's just something about the beach...it's so relaxing and calming, one of my favorite places in the world!
More pictures here.
A perfect little 3 day getaway with some wonderful ladies! I am so thankful to have met a group of ladies that I enjoy hanging out with and that we can get away from time to time. The joke of our trip was "Girls' Weekend! Oh wait, it's Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday." #lifeofanexpatwife
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