Oil on canvas – 5 x 7 inch – Unique work

Do you know Veules-les-Roses? I do… ever since Saturday, August 8, 2026!

It had been a long time since I last saw the sea. Thanks to an opportunity, here I am on the Normandy coast. It is an amazing town, wonderfully kept in its original glory. Even the tourists haven’t quite managed to overrun it. It is an exquisite pleasure. The weather is splendid—warm, yet not stifling. The walk begins along the coast, with the English Channel staring at me.

Another unique feature of this charming, flower-filled village is that it is crossed by France’s shortest river, the Veules. Absolutely! Oh, and I almost forgot: the writer Paul Meurice often invited his friend Victor Hugo, who loved gazing out at the sea while sitting comfortably sheltered by the cliffs. I can confirm—the view is spectacular. He loved writing from this incredible spot.

The vegetation doesn’t seem to have suffered from the heatwave. And yet… Perhaps it’s the air of the sea … The trees lining the magnificent estates and the flowerbeds bring a welcome coolness to this journey—one that goes against the grain of the standard guided tour. It’s so much more fun not to follow the crowd. It’s refreshing!

I discover half-timbered houses with thatched roofs and bases made of stone and flint. It’s a combination that completely wins me over. I can’t get enough of taking photos—just one more, and another, and—oh yes—one more! So many memories for future paintings. I’ll be spoiled for choice during those long winter evenings by the stove. But actually, no—that’s not how it goes at all. I’ll spend the day in the green house—provided it’s not five degrees inside—or in the bathroom, which has become the perfect spot this summer.

I write, I write, I lose my way. Or rather, I walk, I walk, I lose my way. And suddenly, here I am, surrounded by low stone walls, lush vegetation, an ancient willow tree, blue-grey slate roofs, and ochre and pink facades. Am I dreaming? Is this really reality? I don’t know—I no longer know; I am lost. I close my eyes, letting the warm, salty air go to my head a little. I open my eyes again for a moment, just to check. I have found paradise just around the corner.