8/10 Good
Brad T., Minneapolis
Jul 8, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness
Simple, clean base camp in a great location
Our family of three stayed here for four nights as a base camp for attending a Women's World Cup game in Le Havre and seeing the sights of Normandy - in and near Bayeux (Overlord tour, the tapestry), farther west at Mont St. Michel, and north at Etretat, all very worthwhile day trips despite the long drives and tight parking. We also stopped at Monet's home and garden in Giverny on the way back to Paris. Four nights here was about right.
We also saw cathedrals, of course, including the lovely St. Catherine's just a block from the place, the ancient and fun Honfleur harbor also a block.up, and a great overlook and smaller mariners' church above the city. Walking up there is good exercise, and the view is fabulous.
Check Rick Steve's France (latest year) for many tips. Be prepared to spend for quality ($$$) if eating at real restaurants, but brasseries and creperies will have ok snacks and faster service. If on a budget see the LiDL store - much like Aldi - a few blocks past the harbor down the road. Bread there isn't bad and they have all the basics. It's a long walk with two sacks, though. Also there's a good farmer's market by the cathedral on Saturday mornings, and live music on weekends by the old harbor.
As to this apartment, our son and I thought of it as a treehouse because the bedroom he occupied on the upper floor involved climbing circular stairs and has two skylights. The beds on both upper levels were fine, though space for luggage on the middle level was very tight. This apartment is sandwiched between and behind shops, though the dining area and courtyard are nice, sunny extensions, making it L-shaped. I don't think there is air conditioning, but for most of the year Normandy is cool.
The furnishings are simple but fine, and the shower is nice. We wished that the bathroom sink had a lip on the sides to keep water from falling on the floor, but a washcloth may suffice for that. In the kitchen is a typical apartment washer / dryer for clothing. It handles small loads fine but does not quite dry. We just planned to air dry things and did not wash on our last day. Had the same experience in a Paris rental.I
Anyhow, it's a goid, basic place from whence to explore Normandy.
Brad T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019