What a journey! We began this morning in the heart of Paris and ended it in the harbor town of Honfleur, making several unforgettable stops along the way. Days like this remind me why I adore my job—travel isn’t just about going somewhere new. It’s about the unfolding of moments, the embraced history, and the stories whispered by each destination.
One thing that really stands out on this trip is the comfort of the Globus motorcoach. This isn’t your average tour bus—there’s extra legroom, panoramic windows, individual USB ports, and even free Wi-Fi. The ride is smooth and quiet, with plush seats that make long scenic drives feel relaxing instead of tiring. It’s little touches like this that make such a big difference in how enjoyable each travel day feels.
Mornings in Monet’s Wonderland – Giverny
Our first stop was Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s famed gardens. Even if you don’t consider yourself an art aficionado, strolling along those lily-pad-covered ponds and crossing the arched footbridge feels like walking inside a painting. There’s something magical about watching the light shift across the flowers, knowing Monet himself once painted that very scene.
Did I just find my dream home? Touring Monet’s home in Giverny felt like stepping into his private world—where art and nature blur into one harmonious masterpiece. The house itself is full of charm, with rooms painted in soft pastels, filled with light, and lined with Japanese prints that inspired much of his work. But it’s the gardens that truly steal the show. His famous water lily pond, the green arched bridge, and the riot of seasonal blooms feel instantly familiar—like walking through one of his paintings. It was peaceful, colorful, and incredibly moving to stand where he once stood, seeing the very views that shaped his brushstrokes.
Medieval Majesty – Rouen
Next up was Rouen, a city steeped in history and medieval grandeur. We admired the towering Rouen Cathedral—another subject of Monet’s brush—and wandered through narrow cobblestone alleys brimming with half-timbered houses.
The haunting history of Joan of Arc is ever-present here, yet somehow Rouen feels lively, charming, and full of character. The cross below stands on the site of where she was unjustly put to death.
Inside the magnificent Rouen Cathedral, the sense of history is palpable—not just from its soaring Gothic arches and intricate stained glass, but from the quiet scars it still bears. If you look closely, you can spot bullet holes in the stone walls, a haunting reminder of the fighting that took place here during World War II. It’s a powerful contrast: the beauty of the architecture standing tall beside the echoes of war. Walking through the cathedral, you can’t help but feel connected to the many layers of history that have unfolded within its walls.
Check-In to Elegance – Hôtel Barrière Le Royal Deauville
From Rouen, we made our way to Deauville, where we’re spending the next two nights at Hôtel Barrière Le Royal Deauville, a five-star gem included in our Globus tour.
This elegant Belle Époque palace first opened in 1913, designed by Georges Wybo in the Directoire style, complete with carved wood paneling, marble columns, and sparkling crystal chandeliers . For over a century, it has hosted Hollywood legends—from Elizabeth Taylor and Robert De Niro to Tom Cruise—with suites named in their honor.
The hotel’s Bar L’Étrier piano bar offers plush velvet seating, live music, and a timeless ambiance that feels like stepping back into the golden age of travel. And that’s just the start of its offerings: spa, heated pool, tennis, bicycles, sea‑view rooms, and gourmet dining at Le Côté Royal.
It’s precisely this blend of historic luxury and modern comfort that sets the tone for a truly memorable trip—where every evening feels like a reward after a day of exploration.
Charming Honfleur for the Afternoon
After settling in, we headed to Honfleur. As we neared the town, we glimpsed the Pont de Normandie stretching across the Seine—impressive even from afar. Once in Honfleur, we wandered through its postcard-worthy harbor lined with colorful boats and winding streets.
One of Honfleur’s most charming surprises is the Church of Sainte‑Catherine, the largest wooden church in France, built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries by local shipwrights using naval construction techniques. Originally constructed to replace a stone church destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, it was meant to be temporary—but it has stood proudly for over five centuries. The interior is breathtaking: twin naves with vaulted ceilings that resemble inverted ship hulls, complete with wood beams hewn without saws by the skilled “axe masters” of Honfleur. This maritime church even has a separate wooden bell tower—built a safe distance away to protect worshippers from lightning strikes. Visiting Sainte‑Catherine feels like stepping into a stunning tribute to the town’s naval heritage.
One sweet discovery I’ve absolutely fallen for in Normandy is the caramel au beurre salé—salted butter caramel. It’s a local specialty, made with rich Normandy butter, cream, and just the right touch of sea salt. You’ll find it everywhere here: in jars, candies, crepes, and even drizzled over apple tarts. There’s something about the creamy texture and perfect balance of sweet and salty that makes it unforgettable. It’s no surprise this region—known for its dairy and apples—has mastered the art of caramel. I may or may not have picked up a few extra treats to bring home…. (Will they make it home????)
Then we enjoyed dinner at a tucked-away galette spot. My galette (a Normandy staple—a savory buckwheat crepe), filled with mushrooms, chicken, Swiss cheese, and an egg, was comforting, earthy, and downright delicious.
Traveling with Globus means getting to savor these local treasures—flavors that feel authentic and heartfelt.
A Touch of Disney Magic
We also learned a fun nugget of Normandy trivia: Walt Disney’s family name likely evolved from d’Isigny, named after Isigny-sur-Mer—just down the road from Deauville. Imagine the artistic spark of knowing Disney’s roots trace back to these Norman soils.
Tomorrow’s Tribute at the Normandy Beaches
Tomorrow promises to be one of the most meaningful days of this journey. We’ll be visiting the beaches of Normandy—walking the very shores where history was made. It’s something I’ve looked forward to for a long time, and I’m honored to be able to experience it in person. After we returned to the hotel this evening, I took a quiet walk down to the beach. Even at 9:30 p.m., the sun hadn’t yet set, casting a soft golden light across the sea. I’ll be sharing a few photos so you can see what I mean—it was a beautiful and peaceful way to end the day.
As I walked along the beach this evening, I came across a simple but powerful inscription along the promenade. It read, « Sur cette plage, vous pouvez courir, jouer, manger, dormir, marcher, nager, vous embrasser toute votre vie, si vous l’aimez et la respectez. »
In English, it translates roughly to:
“On this beach, you can run, play, eat, sleep, walk, swim, kiss all your life—if you love and respect her”
A gentle reminder that the beach gives us so much joy—but only if we treat her with care.
It was a peaceful and meaningful end to the day before tomorrow’s visit to the historic Normandy beaches.
Cleared For Take-Off! 