In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add 2 cored, thinly sliced pears and 1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pears soften, about 5 minutes.
In a large (2 qt.) baking dish, whisk 8 eggs, 1/2 cup milk and 1 tsp. ground ginger. Lay the 8 slices of bread in the egg mixture, turning often until the bread is soaked through, 2 to 3 minutes. In a griddle or large skillet, melt 1 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add 4 soaked bread slices and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat with 1 more tbsp. butter and the remaining bread.
Spoon pears over the French toast. Warm 1/2 cup honey with 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves and drizzle over the toast.
