On to France: Day One

GETTING TO FRANCE—EARLY DAYS

Despite the worry and confusion we and others shared this past week over Ian’s path, when our home was still secure, we were able to proceed with a long-awaited trip to France. 

FIRST DAY HIGHLIGHT

After the flight from Detroit to Paris and the usual kinds of delays associated with lines for passport control and picking up a rental car, we were headed not to the city of Paris, but to Giverny.  We landed at about 8:00 am and were on our way in the car at 10:30.  It was about an hour’s drive to Giverny where we found a place to have lunch before checking in early at our B&B.  We’ve ended up in a beautiful spot!

THE ROAD TO GIVERNY

During this trip, we will be staying at a series of B&Bs, mostly in the countryside, until we end our trip with several days at a Paris hotel.  First stop is  to visit Monet’s House and Gardens.  Being jet lagged and it being foggy, then just completely overcast, we didn’t make any stops along the way.  The muted grayness of the sky highlighted the various shades of greenery along the way:  yellow greens, spring greens, warm greens, these occasionally interrupted by splashes of burnt sienna.  Even now and then a  vibrant yellow.  If I hadn’t been playing navigator with Waze, I would have liked to get a photo or two.

Giverny is a tourist destination, but even so, there didn’t initially seem to be a lot of options for lunch.  It no longer being summer, crowds are smaller.  But we happened upon Brasserie des Artistes, part of the Monet complex, and it was a very good choice.  

While it was too cold to eat on their terrace, the inside was most attractive.  The Chief Penguin had baked Camembert accompanied by toast, slices of salami and chorizo, tiny potatoes, and a few greens.  I ordered the chicken casserole in cider with seasonal vegetables.  The chicken was lovely, and the cider appropriate for Normandy, but the veggies were a bit of an overcooked mix.  Nonetheless, I ate most of it along with some superb French bread. For dessert, we shared a delectable tartine.

THE B&B

La Reserve is located just outside Giverny and is a lovely property, perfect Normandy.  The ochre stone house looks inviting and the extensive grounds are dotted with bounteous apple trees.  Metal sculptures  and found objects add interest and punctuate the space. And the afternoon light was spectacular.  I was really taken with the piles of apples under the trees and took many, too many, photos. 

We have a spacious room nicely appointed with windows overlooking the back yard. Our hosts have been most welcoming and have recommended a restaurant for this evening’s meal.  Since we are fading fast, we will go early.  Early in France being 7:00 pm. In the meantime, we’ll sit in the comfortable living room enjoying the view and a glass of tangy local cider and a slice of cake.

Note: Header photo of typical architecture in Giverny with fall color. All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)