La Ferme Saint-Siméon

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy and the beginning of summer-long events and remembrances marking this history-altering moment. I had the pleasure of visiting Normandy and some of the famous beaches a couple of summers ago and it was a wonderful experience, though trying to reconcile the museum images of the landings with modern children eating ice cream with their toes in the water of those same beaches was moving, to say the least. The OTHER thing about Normandy though, that doesn’t always get mentioned due to its important place in history, is just how gorgeous it is. Decidedly French but with ancient and strong ties to Britain, it’s an interesting mix of French and English influences and one of the few places in France where you might feel that everyone does speak English. Oh, and crepes! Glorious, beautiful crepes and galettes washed down with cider and maybe a bit of Calvados at your hotel for a nightcap. If your hotel is La Ferme Saint-Siméon in the ridiculously charming harbor townlet of Honfleur, all the better.

All photos courtesy of Relais & Chateau