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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Overnight stop at Honfleur, Rouen or the place where Monet's garden is?

10 replies

shocked1 · 23/06/2012 19:12

Hi, we're driving from Calais to a house on the Normandy coast. We've decided to break up the journey as driving to Dover will be a big journey in itself. We're just looking for somewhere roughly 1-2hrs drive from Calais and 2ish hours from the house in Barneville Carteret. Ideally we want somewhere to mooch around in eve with DDs and maybe next morning too (especially if it has a Market where we can stock up - love French markets).I was thinking maybe

  1. Honfleurs - looks pretty on Internet, there would be a Market Or 2) Rouen, although I went there years ago and can't remember much about it. Don't know about markets.
  2. Just going to stay near Monet's garden and visiting it as have thought about that for years and would like being able to talk to DDs about it, show them pics of paintings etc. Would have to go to supermarket probably rather than Market with this option Can anyone advise? What are these places like? Which is best for stopover/mooch/daytrip type thing? Apologies for epic post, it's our first family holiday since youngest born and I cannot contain my excitement, I'm in planning overdrive! TIA
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LillianGish · 23/06/2012 19:17

For mooching and markets I'd go for Honfleur. Rouen is interesting, but big city compared to little seaside port. Giverny is over-run with tourists. Love the garden, but wouldn't choose for an overnight stop.

shocked1 · 23/06/2012 19:21

Thanks so much Liliangish, that's very useful info. Great, I think it will be Honfleur then.

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lapsedorienteerer · 23/06/2012 20:57

Rouen interesting but would avoid for the type of stay you have in mind.

chocolateshoes · 23/06/2012 21:00

Honfleur is lovely, very pretty, very touristsy. You'll be able to eat moules frite by the harbour. Not sure if there's a market - I guess you'll find that info inoline. But it sounds about the right sie for what you want - agree with th others that Rouen is a bit big.

slalomsuki · 23/06/2012 21:01

Honfleur wins it hands down and that's from one who has stopped over in both at times.

Very pretty, great restaurants, good hotels, and a nice road from there to where you are going. You could do the Caen world war two museum on your route or one of the beaches.

shocked1 · 24/06/2012 08:49

Wow, thanks!! Brilliant info. I like the idea of the Caen museum too.

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shocked1 · 24/06/2012 08:51

Does anyone have any hotel reccomendations in Honfleur? Thanks again x

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Ruffello · 27/06/2012 16:20

Looks like Saturday morning and Wednesday (day and night in July and August) are market days in Honfleur. www.ot-honfleur.fr/decouvrir-honfleur/les-marches/

slalomsuki · 27/06/2012 20:33

We went last year with in laws and stayed at the Campinile which was cheap and great for a stop over. It was just outside the town just off the motorway but quiet and safe for the kids to runaround at. Breakfast was ok and it was clean. Cost about 45 euros for the night per room if I remember correctly.

googietheegg · 27/06/2012 20:38

Good cheap and cheerful near/on motorway hotel chains are B&B, Premiere Classe and Campanille.

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