La {Cote} Gauche: A Tasty Side of France


This weekend is the last full weekend I work in Paris.

I'll still be around for a bit longer, 
but this is the last weekend with my spring students...
and it somehow resulted in an impromptu trip to Normandy with 16 people.

Starting with Giverny 
to visit Monet's house...

... spending a night at a completely charming country house 
in the outskirts of Mont St. Michel...

... and filling a full day to explore the WWII Normandy Beaches.

Every stop along the way checks off lifetime dreams of mine.

One thing I need to say:

Normandy is a really well-kept secret.

It's got absolutely everything you could want out of a French town.

Amazing churches,
quiet squares decorated with fountains,
the smell of butter wafting through the streets...
and the food is amazing.

 SABLES BRETON | CAMEMBERT CHEESE | CIDRE BRETON


What Tuscany is to Italian cuisine,
so Normandy is to French cuisine.

Hearty dishes made from pure local ingredients.

Sitting down to a plate full of pork & cider stew
piled by a mound of gratin potatoes....

Or waking up to a fresh cake 
with homemade apple & cinnamon jam 
made from the apple tree outside...

Well friends, I have to say,
it doesn't get much better than that.

Don't worry...
this post isn't the only one you'll see about our trip.

You'll see pretty places & find out cool things to do.

This is just to whet your appetite...




*artwork original to Aspiring Kennedy

9 comments:

  1. I was just in Normandy a few weeks ago! I loved it! Bayeux has a gorgeous Church as well as some lovely little cafes! Also, if you're looking for something out of the way, La Ferme de Billy is a lovely little vineyard in Caen, and the Caen Memorial Museum is very moving. I loved the Mont St. Michel, but my one regret is that I didn't make it to Giverny! XO

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  2. I have always wanted to visit Normandy. All that history and tragedy breaks my heart but intrigues me in such a unique way. Beautiful post, once again.

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  3. When I was in France in November, I stayed in Normandy (Bayeux) and visited all the same places you did :) It's seriously wonderful there and I loved staying! The history is one of the main reasons to go...and then the beauty, the people and the FOOD is just a bonus!

    I can't wait to see more of your trip!!

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  4. We missed out on Giverny so can't wait to see your post on that! And Alexis - we stayed in Bayeux too. I loved it, definitely a must for anyone going to France!

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  5. Happy Easter - looking forward to having you back on the small island...

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  6. I can't wait to see more!

    I hope you had a great Easter!

    Maria @ Orchard Bloom

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  7. yes! i want to see more. i visit normandy when i was in paris a few years ago and it is hauntingly beautiful. i cant wait to see your recap! xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams

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  8. nice post but i'm not sure they call it "la côte gauche" though...

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  9. Yes "unknown," I'm sure they don't... that's just me being ridiculous. (La rive gauche, la cote gauche... give it a whirl. It's fun!)

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