I discovered a secret path just for you. And it really is a secret! I went onto Google Maps to see if this lovely hidden alley was discoverable on the app. And while the garden Tripot is, the pathway is not visible. I thank Bertrand of @villa.gypsy for turning me on to this beautiful space tucked just steps away from the port of Honfleur.
What I love about this path:
The historic architecture and homes hover out and over the waterway, cascading and bubbling past you along the walk.
The solitude, peace, and calm of the space – most of Honfleur is open to car traffic, which creates a sense of congestion, noise, and street pollution.
Located on an arm of Claire River and confluence of the Mordouet, the garden includes many promontories and viewpoints on the river.
And the dog-friendly park is a perfect spot for a picnic after visiting the farmer’s market just a block away.
This 7,000 m² urban garden was designed and laid out by various municipal departments: gardeners, masons, carpenters, and electricians.
The team managed to reuse the materials found on-site to make the restorations, so the low walls retain a charming vestige aspect. Indeed, during the renovation, vestiges of the old dye works (anciennes teintureries) were brought to light. The teintureries were installed there to take advantage of the two rivers. You can now admire the dyer’s tubs and a whole network of canals reminding the past activity.
Hydrangeas, roses and other flowering shrubs, perennials and grasses, bamboo, climbing plants and aquatic plants, flower suspensions and tubs of flowers, trees (magnolia, yew, and mulberry), plants cut into topiary are tucked in amongst sculptures and mosaics by local artists.
I will create a custom day-itinerary that includes this unique space for your next trip to Honfleur. For now, you can discover this garden by searching for “Le Jardin du Tripot, Honfleur.”
Bisous and big hugs from Normandie, France,
Shannon