Honfleur Part 2 - A Very Old Church and Bastille Day Fireworks

Whilst we were still on our walking tour of Honfleur, we were taken to see a 15th century wooden church that apparently was built by seamen. We were told that the timbers were preserved by soaking them in sea water for several years, then drying them out for several more years. It was a remarkable structure. The timbered roof reminded me of the hull of an old vessel, and added a sense of warmth and cosiness to it. The shape of the church on the outside was quite unique as well, and most interestingly, the bell tower was built separately so that if there was a fire, it was hoped that the church and its bell tower would not both be lost. 

Around the church were many different shops, some modern, some very old. In one modern art gallery opposite the church, I saw the most incredible glass sculpture made up of many butterflies. Being a collector of glass sculptures, I could not resist taking its photograph. 

The next day, Bastille Day, whilst many passengers visited the D-Day landing sites, I went on a trip around the countryside to an apple cider distillery, and learned about their specialty drinks. Lower Normandy is well known for its apples and apple ciders. I will talk about that briefly in my next post. But I leave you with a couple of images of the fireworks we saw from a prime position - our top deck - late that night. In summer in that region it does not get really dark until about 11 pm and it is light again by about 5 am. It does not make for good, deep sleeps . . .

Our first glimpse of the bell tower of the church behind an old shop in the old village square .

The very old church is on the left, across the way from its bell tower. It is hard to tell it is a church from the outside. 

The bell tower.

Inside the church. Our local guide is speaking to us through our ear pieces. 

This is not a very clear photo, but notice how the rich-coloured wood arches down from under the windows to the side of the church like in a boat.

Some of the lovely wooden panelling, and a very old painting. 

The organ pipes.

The altar.

Unfortunately I could not overcome the reflections in the window, but this gives you an idea of the overall design of the glass sculpture, which was quite large - at least half a metre across. 

Close-up of some of the individual butterflies that make up the piece.

The Bastille Day fireworks at Honfleur. Notice the ferris wheel on the right.

The grand finale.