The changing light of Honfleur

There's something about the light. Painters, especially in the 19th century, have flocked to Honfleur because of the irresistible quality of the light reflected from the Seine estuary. This light has inspired painters such as Courbet, Monet, and Boudin. So in honor of Monet, here is the Honfleur port, Monet-style.

However, I think these artists had an advantage. Unlike us, they could wait for the light. Judging by the postcards in town, I'd guess that the weather in this area is often rainy and overcast (and cold!) like today. This postcard says "Normandy seen by Google Earth."

In addition to its artistic appeal, Honfleur is the home of the Sainte-Catherine church, which is the largest church made out of wood in France. We walked by this beautiful old church just as mass was ending. As the priest greeted his parishioners, it felt like Sunday-after-church anywhere.