After visiting Monet’s Garden, we decided to tour a nearby village that is famous for it’s typical Normandy character and historic center on the banks of the Seine.  A key architectural feature in this area, are the half framed timber houses.  Vernon is also known for it’s 12th century Gothic Cathedral and its enchanting old mill (16th century). We walked through Vernon after Giverny and there was a medieval fair on in the town center with music and acting and the old medieval market stalls. The atmosphere was lively and it was a gorgeous day for roaming with a beer in hand to enjoy the history coming alive all around. One of the things I will miss most about France is hearing the old church bells ring in every town you are in, every hour, on the hour. I just stood there in Vernon, listening to the huge Cathedral bells, wishing I never had to leave. It is awe inspiring just to be there and soak it all in.  These are some of the scenes from this part of our afternoon in Normandy.

I had partly dragged Chris and Greg there because I had read about the old mill in Vernon and seen Monet’s painting of it. I wanted to find it myself since I love old, historic, abandoned buildings. We did find it, and here is a link if you want to read more about the mill itself.  I have beautiful memories of Vernon on a gorgeous, sunny day!