Vernon, France
Overnight the ship cruised toward Vernon, a city in Normandy that suffered severe bombing in WWII. Our guide told us that 1600 bombs had been dropped on the town! One of the casualities was a 14th Gothic Century church (Notre Dame), which is being restored.
The town was very quaint with old and new sections. Of course, the older sections were the more attractive with incredible architecture: elaborately carved doors, tiled or slate roofs, tudor construction. It is incredible that these homes are still inhabited to this very day! One lady who inhabits one opened her shutters and waved flags of France and USA in our honor! So sweet!
Giverney, France
After lunch, we were taken to Giverney to see Impressionist painter, Claude Monet's home and anazing gardens. It was an exquisite piece of property, carefully cultivated by Monet himself into a colorful, textural landscape. I thought the gardens were in prime viewing capacity, but our Guide assured us that September was the month to see them in full glory!
Wisteria in all colors (white, blue, yellow) delighted the senses, while vibrant tulips underplanted with dwarf mums, pansies, or forget-me-knots in coordinating shades complimented colorful rhododendron and azaleas in full bloom. The water lilies, alas, were not in bloom, but their reddish leaves provided color to the landscape.
The weather has cooperated nicely with bright sunny, warm days to highlight the beauty of this region. After a full day trekking the vast gardens, we went back to the ship. I skipped dinner to rest. Food has been ample and outstanding, so I could afford to miss a meal.
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