What a beautiful write-up of Honfleur. I've only been there very briefly, and got the impression that the town had a larger population. And I had no idea that Erik Satie was born there! A lovely post.
What a storied history Honfleur has. And love that you stumbled onto it accidentally, and kept returning. The number of artists/creatives who were drawn to it seems almost legendary. The town itself is sweetly charming, captured by your great photos. St. Catherine's church--lovely, and the size! And last but not least, a culinary delight as well!
Great post! Many readers may recognize the first theme from the Satie piece from a wonderful album by Blood Sweat and Tears I think. Need to dig it out. Honfleur is on my radar!
You're absolutely right, David. I used to love Blood, Sweat and Tears, and it was their "Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie" that first introduced me (and likely thousands of other Baby Boomers) to the composer!
This looks like a lovely village that would be wonderful to visit. I only know the name Honfleur because of the Impressionists. It's so interesting to learn how many artists, musicians and writers were either born there or attracted to the area. I wonder what it is in the land that attracted them at such an important time in history. And if any new artists in recent times have found inspiration there as well.
In regard to the 19th century artists, I think they were attracted by the wonderful light and beautiful rural landscapes at the edge of the sea. The fact that Boudin was born and raised in Honfleur was probably a big factor as well--I think he encouraged his fellow Parisian artists to accompany him there. And the Saint-Simeon farm was a huge factor, too. I read somewhere that room and board there cost 40 francs a month, which I guess was a reasonable sum in those days!
I was also wondering whether young contemporary artists are living in Honfleur today and creating new art movements. There are several art galleries, of course, but I would have to actually spend more time there to find out about contemporary artists. (So much of the tourist trade focuses on the Impressionists.)
What a terrific piece, Clarice! I only knew the name Honfleur from seeing it mentioned in descriptions of Impressionist paintings. You filled out the picture beautifully. I had no idea it was home or inspiration to so many creative greats I admire—Satie, Baudelaire, Monet. And then there’s that little shop where you can taste Calvados too! Now Honfleur is a must for a future visit. Merci beaucoup!
Look up on You Tube “how to renovate a chateau”. A young couple with two small children purchased a chateau in Honfleur and are renovating. Great personalities and she is an interior/textile designer so her work is exquisite.
I just looked at one of their videos. It seems like a great project for two young, creative people with children. And you're right, the decor is beautiful.
At this time in my life, all I want is a house on one level that is new, well-insulated, and easy to heat with a heat pump and solar energy! That is what we have now in Ireland. But if I were a lot younger, living in a chateau would be wonderful.
What a beautiful write-up of Honfleur. I've only been there very briefly, and got the impression that the town had a larger population. And I had no idea that Erik Satie was born there! A lovely post.
Thank you, Betty. I'm glad you liked the post.
What a storied history Honfleur has. And love that you stumbled onto it accidentally, and kept returning. The number of artists/creatives who were drawn to it seems almost legendary. The town itself is sweetly charming, captured by your great photos. St. Catherine's church--lovely, and the size! And last but not least, a culinary delight as well!
Thank you, Jeanine! I'm glad you enjoyed the article. Honfleur really is a charming place to visit.
It’s neat how you happened in to it.
Some of my favourite paintings are of Honfleur and I've never been (yet!) Thank you for the reminder to visit and the charming photos.
That's really interesting, Lisa! Who are some of the artists who painted the pictures that you like?
As you mentioned - Monet, Boudin and also Raoul Dufy.
What a beautiful town, thanks for sharing!
You're welcome!
And thank you for the restack!
Great post! Many readers may recognize the first theme from the Satie piece from a wonderful album by Blood Sweat and Tears I think. Need to dig it out. Honfleur is on my radar!
You're absolutely right, David. I used to love Blood, Sweat and Tears, and it was their "Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie" that first introduced me (and likely thousands of other Baby Boomers) to the composer!
This looks like a lovely village that would be wonderful to visit. I only know the name Honfleur because of the Impressionists. It's so interesting to learn how many artists, musicians and writers were either born there or attracted to the area. I wonder what it is in the land that attracted them at such an important time in history. And if any new artists in recent times have found inspiration there as well.
In regard to the 19th century artists, I think they were attracted by the wonderful light and beautiful rural landscapes at the edge of the sea. The fact that Boudin was born and raised in Honfleur was probably a big factor as well--I think he encouraged his fellow Parisian artists to accompany him there. And the Saint-Simeon farm was a huge factor, too. I read somewhere that room and board there cost 40 francs a month, which I guess was a reasonable sum in those days!
I was also wondering whether young contemporary artists are living in Honfleur today and creating new art movements. There are several art galleries, of course, but I would have to actually spend more time there to find out about contemporary artists. (So much of the tourist trade focuses on the Impressionists.)
Looks lovely!
It is!
What a terrific piece, Clarice! I only knew the name Honfleur from seeing it mentioned in descriptions of Impressionist paintings. You filled out the picture beautifully. I had no idea it was home or inspiration to so many creative greats I admire—Satie, Baudelaire, Monet. And then there’s that little shop where you can taste Calvados too! Now Honfleur is a must for a future visit. Merci beaucoup!
Thank you, Ruth! I'm really glad you enjoyed the article. Honfleur is definitely worth a long visit whenever you feel like exploring France.
And thank you for the Notes and Restack!
Look up on You Tube “how to renovate a chateau”. A young couple with two small children purchased a chateau in Honfleur and are renovating. Great personalities and she is an interior/textile designer so her work is exquisite.
I just looked at one of their videos. It seems like a great project for two young, creative people with children. And you're right, the decor is beautiful.
At this time in my life, all I want is a house on one level that is new, well-insulated, and easy to heat with a heat pump and solar energy! That is what we have now in Ireland. But if I were a lot younger, living in a chateau would be wonderful.