Summer Lobster Sale and Trouville-sur-Mer

Last Saturday I dipped my toes in the Atlantic in Trouville-sur-mer, Normandy. And you must too soon. I know its been quiet around PB HQ, but I've been drawing and painting a slew of lobster watercolors and now they're up on Etsy. Do go take a look.

Grappling hand to claw for 5+ days. For a while I thought the lobster would escape uncaught in aquarelle...

The battle began in my room(on the beach at Le Embruns). By the way I arrived with no hotel reservation on Saturday. Did I say delightful Trouville is just 2 hiurs away fom Paris? The local tourist office was not helpful. They suggested I find accomodation in Caen or back in Paris. What? She sent me off to a place that was already 'complet', Fortunately I spotted a post lady dans le rue and asked politely if she might have a room to rent? Or even a 'placard' (closet or armoir). We both giggled and she suggested I try the hotel around the corner. Bingo! They had a room and an even better one the folllowing night. So now you know how to find a room in the height of the season PBers. Just ask a post person!

Seafood is outstanding in Trouville.

The place to go is Maisons des Poissons, housing 8 seafood stands. Just make your choice.

There is every crustation under the sun to choose from. They weight it and prepare your food on a bed of ice with accompanying wine, champagne or water. Then you are served at tables accross from the stands. I ate here four times! Not expensive really but it depends on your choices. More pictures to come.

Come summer time you see these cute old-fashioned cabanas in Paris shop windows.

But you don't imagine they still exist like in Eugene Boudin's Trouville beach paintings.

But in fact they very much do. Enchanting.

And the colors!

I couldn't resist painting them. So fun.

Beyound the beach is the boardwalk backed by simply wonderful 19th century architecture.

Many of the same houses Monet painted here

Big posters around Trouville remind you how it used to be

In many cases only the swimware has changed.the water is delightful. Come on in.

Back to the architechture mostly built in the 1830s and onwards.

Parisians and artists, writers flocked here to holiday and built such fanciful summer houses.

More back in the hills behind the beaches. Some very narrow but still wildly striped and decorated.

Looking down on the beach (la plage). The streets above are all but deserted while everyone frolics in the sand. Building sand castles is hot here. You can wander aimlessly admiring the homes

Definetely consider a 2-hour side trip to Trouville, though July/August is jam-packed. What was I waiting for? And Yes Deauville is just across the narrow bay. I will do a post soon, but its a snobbier, more posh resort in my opinion. Not as relaxed or casual. Meantime grab a lobster on Etsy. Its the season.
Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast!
If you like this post please support it by buying my Paris letters and watercolors. Or pass this on some one you think might enjoy it.