Honfleur, Normandy

Why You Should Visit the Port of Honfleur

Honfleur is one of France’s most beautiful harbour towns, brimming with charm, colour, and history. Nestled where the Seine meets the sea, this picturesque port has inspired countless artists, writers, and travellers for centuries. With its slate-fronted houses, lively quays, and artistic soul, Honfleur is a destination that feels like stepping straight into a painting.

🎨 The Old Port (Vieux Bassin)

At the heart of Honfleur lies the Vieux Bassin, a postcard-perfect harbour framed by tall, narrow houses with colourful facades. Once a bustling fishing port, today it’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and art galleries — the perfect place to sip a coffee, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch the world go by.

🖌 The Artistic Spirit

Honfleur has long been a magnet for artists, especially during the 19th century when it became a gathering place for Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, and Johan Jongkind.

• Eugène Boudin Museum – Showcasing works by the “King of the Skies” and his contemporaries.

• Maisons Satie – An imaginative museum dedicated to the life and work of composer Erik Satie.

⛪ Historic Architecture

• Saint Catherine’s Church – The largest wooden church in France, built by shipwrights in the 15th century, with a stunning double-nave interior.

• Lieutenancy Building – Once the governor’s house, guarding the entrance to the old harbour.

• Wandering the cobblestoned backstreets reveals centuries-old houses, hidden courtyards, and charming boutiques.

🌊 Maritime Heritage

Honfleur’s history is deeply tied to the sea. The Maritime Museum in the former church of Saint-Étienne tells the story of fishing, shipbuilding, and exploration — including the voyages that helped establish New France (Canada) in the 17th century.

🍽 Flavours of Honfleur

Seafood is king here. From platters of fresh oysters and mussels to classic Normandy dishes like sole meunière and moules marinières, the town’s restaurants are a paradise for food lovers. Pair your meal with crisp Normandy cider or a glass of Calvados for the perfect local touch.

🚶 Things to See & Do

• Promenade Along the Seine Estuary – Scenic walking trails with sweeping river and sea views.

• Jardin des Personnalités – A landscaped park honouring famous figures linked to Honfleur.

• Browse the Saturday Market, overflowing with cheeses, pastries, flowers, and regional products.

🚗 Perfect Base for Exploration

Honfleur makes an excellent starting point for exploring:

• The Côte Fleurie with its elegant seaside towns like Deauville and Trouville.

• The Pont de Normandie, an engineering marvel linking Honfleur to Le Havre.

• Inland Normandy’s rolling countryside and picturesque villages.

Honfleur isn’t just a pretty harbour — it’s a living work of art, a cultural treasure, and a feast for the senses. Whether you’re here for the history, the seafood, or simply to breathe in the salty air and artistic atmosphere, you’ll leave enchanted and longing to return.