Are you looking for a perfect getaway from city life? Do you want to explore the charms of the Norman towns?Then a trip to Honfleur is the answer.
In this article, we will share with you all you need to know about one of the top picturesque seaside towns in France “Honfleur”. You would be surprised to know that several famous artists such as Claude Monet and Eugène Baudin painted this gorgeous town!
Located on the banks of the Seine River just before it reaches the English Channel, Honfleur is a very charming port town in the Normandy region with no more than 8,000 inhabitants. Its old harbor, its unique architecture and its beautiful narrow streets will totally impress you.
Let us start exploring in this guide to visit Honfleur!
Table of Contents
How to reach Honfleur?
Honfleur is not served by train; however, you can reach it by taking a train from Paris to Trouville-Deauville station or Le Havre station and then taking a bus from there to Honfleur. The bus network of the Normandy region is called “Bus Verts du Calvados”. We used it many times during our trips in Normandy, naturally,the network has many bus lines with a lot of stops! However, there are very specific schedules , the buses aren’t very frequent so it might limit the time you want to spend in an area.
When to visit and for how many days?
The best time to visit Honfleur is during summer from May till August; when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it is also a good idea to visit it during a sunny weekend in Winter just as we did! Note that during summer, the town gets very crowded with tourists, you must make a reservation for hotels and restaurants in advance.
It is totally feasible to explore Honfleur in one day; but you won’t be able to enter all the museums and visit all the main attractions. However, during your trip to the Normandy region, it is totally worth it to pass by Honfleur to have a walk along the harbor, to wander in its beautiful streets and to discover its beautiful churches!
Tips and tricks for exploring Honfleur
- Have a walk along the old harbor, “Le Vieux Bassin”: You can’t visit Honfleur and not have an unforgettable walk along the old harbour. It is definitely the most charming place in Honfleur where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views on the harbor, the unique houses and the boats. There you can find many cafes and restaurants, so it is a great idea to have lunch, dinner, a drink or even a coffee break there with a view!
- Keep in mind that the Normandy region is famous for its cider “Cidre de Normandie” and for its delicious savory and sweet crepes; and you will find along the harbor many places that offer them!
- Also ,You can find in the downtown a tourist office; they can provide you with a map of Honfleur and other details you might need.
- You might be surprised to notice that prices in restaurants and bars are similar to those in Paris! Honfleur is indeed a very famous and touristic destinations; therefore prices are higher than the average of the region.
- If you arrive to Honfleur by car, then you can find a parking spot in the center; however, it is a paid one so don’t forget to buy your ticket for the time you estimate to stay.
What to visit in Honfleur?
- Church of Sainte Catherine (the oldest wooden church in France)
- Pont de Normandie
- Le Jardin Des Personnalités
- Maisons Satie
- Jardin Du Tripot
- Chapelle Notre-Dame-De-Grâce
- Plage Du Butin
- Church of Saint Léonard
- La lieutenance du vieux bassin
- Musée de la Marine
- Le Musée Ethnographique
- Le Musée Eugène Boudin
- Naturospace
We hope that this guide to visit Honfleur will help you to plan your next trip!
Let us know in the comments below if you’ ve ever visited Honfleur and we are waiting for you to share with us your travel adventures!
Would you like to discover another beautiful town in the Normandy region? Check out our ultimate guide to visit Dieppe!