It’s hard not to fall in love with Honfleur as you wander through its picturesque streets. The town exudes medieval charm with its historic houses, narrow alleys, and ancient harbor. As you stroll along the Vieux Bassin, you’ll see the reflection of old warehouses in the water and hear the cheerful chatter from bustling terraces. The artistic atmosphere is palpable, with galleries and studios everywhere, reflecting the town’s rich art history.
It’s no wonder that Honfleur is one of the most popular destinations in Normandy. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through Honfleur, sharing the best sights and practical tips.
Where is Honfleur in France?
Honfleur is located in the Normandy region, in the northwest of France. The town sits on the southern bank of the Seine estuary, opposite the port city of Le Havre.
Honfleur is about a 2.5-hour drive from Paris, making it a popular weekend getaway from the capital. Nearby tourist destinations include the glamorous Deauville, known for its casino and beaches, and the historic city of Bayeux with its famous tapestry. The D-Day landing beaches and the impressive Mont Saint-Michel are also within easy reach.
What Honfleur is Known For
Honfleur is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant art scene, and rich maritime history. These attributes make Honfleur one of the most popular destinations in Normandy, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The town’s beautiful medieval architecture is a major draw. The narrow, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses give Honfleur a historic ambiance. Many of these buildings date back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and have been meticulously preserved, making Honfleur one of the best-preserved historic towns in Normandy.
Honfleur’s art scene is another key aspect of its charm. Since the nineteenth century, the picturesque landscapes and unique light have attracted artists from around the world. Famous painters such as Eugène Boudin, Claude Monet, and Johan Barthold Jongkind worked here and contributed to the development of Impressionism. Today, the town is home to numerous art galleries and museums, including the Musée Eugène Boudin.
Honfleur also has a deep-rooted maritime history. The town was an important trade center and departure point for many explorers in the sixteenth century. The old harbor, the Vieux Bassin, still reflects this rich maritime tradition. Ships once set sail from here to discover new worlds and returned with exotic goods, contributing to the town’s prosperity.
Additionally, Honfleur boasts a popular gastronomic scene with a focus on seafood and local Norman specialties. The town’s restaurants and markets serve fresh catches from the sea, such as oysters, mussels, and other seafood, often paired with local products like cider and Calvados. These culinary traditions make Honfleur a must-visit for food lovers.
Where to Stay in Honfleur
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Honfleur, you’ll have plenty of options. In the heart of the old town, you’ll find charming hotels and B&Bs in historic buildings. Just outside the center, there are also hidden gems worth the short walk. These include unique accommodations like former monasteries, old castles, and historic villas.
The best places to stay in Honfleur are:
#1 Villa du Cedre Honfleur is one of the top-rated hotels in the city, and it’s easy to see why. The interior of this boutique hotel is stunning, featuring a large garden with a sun terrace, a bar, and an outdoor pool.
#2 La Petite Folie is perfect for those who love chic and stylish interiors. Every detail is just right. This B&B offers apartments instead of hotel rooms, giving you a small kitchen in your suite for added convenience.
#3 A L’ecole Buissonniere is housed in a historic villa within walking distance of Honfleur’s old harbor. The spacious rooms feature charming old details like beamed ceilings and wooden floors. The beautiful garden with seating areas is another major plus.
#4 La Maison Du Parc is a dream for interior design lovers, featuring freestanding baths, parquet floors, and four-poster beds. The warm hospitality, lovely location, and fantastic hotel make for an unforgettable stay. It’s no wonder this hotel boasts enthusiastic reviews and top ratings.
#5 La Cour Sainte Catherine is is set in a seventeenth-century former convent. The historic charm is still very much present in this B&B. The large, luxurious rooms and romantic garden make it a popular place to stay in Honfleur.
Honfleur Tourist Map
The 10 Best Attractions in Honfleur
#1 Vieux Bassin
The Vieux Bassin, Honfleur’s old harbor, is one of the most iconic and photographed spots in this coastal town. Built in the seventeenth century by order of King Louis XIV, it served as a vital trade port for centuries. Today, it’s filled with pleasure boats and historic ships, creating a lively and picturesque scene.
The square harbor is surrounded by tall, narrow houses with colorful wooden facades, offering a charming view that attracts photographers and local artists. Along the harbor, you’ll find the Carrousel de Honfleur, a delightful historic carousel that excites children and adults alike. The harbor is lined with bustling terraces, restaurants, and tourists. During the summer months, these terraces are packed with visitors enjoying Norman cuisine and the sight of historic boats.
#2 Église Sainte-Catherine
The Église Sainte-Catherine is, in our opinion, the most beautiful sight in Honfleur. Unlike many churches in France, it is entirely made of wood. Built in the fifteenth century by shipbuilders, the church was constructed without using any nails.
The architecture clearly shows the influence of the shipbuilders, with the ceiling resembling the inverted hull of a ship. The church consists of two naves, each with its own roof, giving it an asymmetrical and unique appearance. Inside, you’ll find beautiful wooden beams, intricate carvings, niches, candles, and old stained-glass windows. The presence of candles in a wooden structure may seem risky, but it’s amazing that the church has remained intact for centuries.
Opposite the Église Sainte-Catherine stands a detached bell tower, the Saint Catherine’s Bell Tower. This wooden structure was built to reduce the risk of fire. Since the bell tower is not directly connected to the church, a fire in the tower would not easily spread to the main building, which was an important safety measure at the time.
#3 The Old Town
Honfleur’s old town is a treasure trove of history and medieval charm. Dating back to the twelfth century, the old town has preserved much of its original architecture and ambiance. As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you’re surrounded by beautiful half-timbered houses from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, often painted in bright colors, giving the town a picturesque look.
The old town is also home to numerous art galleries and studios. Honfleur has always attracted artists, including famous Impressionists like Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin. Today, you’ll find a remarkable number of art galleries showcasing and selling both modern and classic art.
Besides art, the old town is rich with cozy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy local specialties such as Norman cider and Calvados, and fresh seafood straight from the harbor.
#4 Musée de la Marine
The Musée de la Marine in Honfleur focuses on the town’s maritime history. Housed in the former Saint Stephen’s Church in the old harbor, the museum itself is a sight to behold. This sixteenth-century building features a typical medieval style with Gothic elements.
The Musée de la Marine offers an extensive collection of ship models, navigational instruments, and paintings that illustrate Honfleur’s rich maritime tradition. A significant part of the collection includes artifacts related to famous sailors and explorers who set out from Honfleur. You’ll find models of ships from various periods, maps, and other objects that provide a glimpse into life at sea.
#5 Rue de la Prison & Rue des Petites Boucheries
Rue de la Prison and Rue des Petites Boucheries are two of the most charming streets in Honfleur, full of history and character. Rue de la Prison begins at the Vieux Bassin next to the Musée de la Marine, transitions into Rue des Petites Boucheries, and leads you to the old salt warehouses, now used for exhibitions.
Rue de la Prison is named after the old prison built here in the sixteenth century. The street takes you back to medieval times with its old half-timbered houses in typical Norman style. Look for details like the ethnographic museum’s sign and the cobblestones underfoot, which complete the historic picture.
Rue des Petites Boucheries, meaning “Street of the Little Butcheries”, still exudes the atmosphere of a medieval trade center. This narrow, cobblestone street features beautiful half-timbered houses, many adorned with colorful flower boxes.
#6 La Lieutenance
La Lieutenance is one of the oldest buildings in Honfleur, prominently located at the entrance to the Vieux Bassin. Dating back to the fourteenth century, it is the last remaining part of the fortifications built by King Charles V.
Originally, it was the residence of the royal lieutenant and also served as the town’s gatehouse. This gate, known as La Porte de Caen, still stands today. The current structure is the result of various modifications over the centuries.
#7 Pont de Normandie
The Pont de Normandie is an impressive cable-stayed bridge connecting Honfleur to Le Havre across the mouth of the Seine River. Opened in 1995, it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at the time, spanning 2,143 meters with a main span of 856 meters.
The bridge features 215-meter-high pylons in an inverted Y-shape, supporting the deck with 184 cables. This design not only provides stability against winds up to 300 km/h but also gives the bridge a unique and photogenic appearance. The bridge has four lanes for motor vehicles and narrow paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Cars must pay a toll to use the bridge. While the camper tariff seemed steep to us, avoiding the bridge requires a lengthy detour. If you don’t need to cross with your vehicle, you can save money, as pedestrians and cyclists can cross for free.
#8 Maisons Satie & Musée Eugene Boudin
In a town known for its art and culture, it’s no surprise to find significant cultural museums. Maisons Satie and the Musée Eugène Boudin are two important museums in Honfleur.
Maisons Satie is dedicated to the avant-garde composer Erik Satie, who was born here in 1866. The museum offers a unique and interactive experience, where you can wander through rooms that explore his life and work. The exhibitions use innovative audiovisual installations that reflect the eccentricity and creativity of Satie’s music. The museum is housed in a medieval half-timbered house, typical of the Normandy region.
The Musée Eugène Boudin, established in 1868 and named after the famous Impressionist painter Eugène Boudin, who was also born in Honfleur. This museum has an extensive collection of Boudin’s paintings and drawings, as well as works by other nineteenth- and twentieth-century artists such as Monet, Courbet, and Dufy. Visitors can follow the development of Impressionist art and see how the Normandy coast influenced this movement.
#9 La Mora Honfleur
La Mora is an ambitious historical project in Honfleur, aiming to meticulously recreate the flagship of William the Conqueror. In 1066, this ship played a crucial role in the Norman Conquest of England. The site serves as both a shipyard and an exhibition space, located on a river island next to the old town on the Quai de la Jetée Est.
Visitors can watch skilled carpenters using eleventh-century techniques to rebuild the 34-meter-long ship. The project includes four halls with interactive exhibits on maritime history, the conquest of England, and more.
#10 Panorama du Mont-Joli & Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
For the best views of the city, we have two tips for you, easily combined as they are close to each other.
The Panorama du Mont-Joli is a hill on the edge of the old town, offering breathtaking views over Honfleur, the Seine estuary, and the Pont de Normandie. Nearby is the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a historic chapel built in the early seventeenth century. The chapel is adorned with paintings, many featuring ships, donated by sailors in gratitude for safe voyages. The grounds around the chapel also offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
