Things to do in Honfleur

Things to do in  Honfleur

Sure to make an impression

Pastel-painted townhouses and colorful fishing boats jostle for space along Honfleur's Vieux Bassin, the postcard star of Normandy's Côte Fleurie (Flower Coast). Picturesque viewpoints abound throughout the Old Town, where the cobblestone lanes and half-timbered buildings harbor terrace cafés, chic restaurants, and art galleries which mark the town's Impressionist legacy—exploring the area is one of the top things to do in Honfleur. Perched at the mouth of the Seine River, Honfleur is also often the first stop for cruise visitors arriving at neighboring Le Havre, a scenic drive across the landmark Pont de Normandy bridge.

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Top 3 attractions in Honfleur

#1

Honfleur

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Famously painted by artists, such as Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet, and Eugene Boudin, the picturesque waterfront and colorful harbor of Honfleur are among the most memorable in Normandy. The historic port is renowned for its architecture, especially Vieux Bassin harbor’s 16th-century buildings and the wooden church of Sainte Catherine.More
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#2

Cherbourg

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Located on the coast of Normandy, Cherbourg is both a seaside retreat and a bustling port. Immortalized by Catherine Deneuve in the classic 1964 filmThe Umbrellas of Cherbourg, the city has deep connections with French naval history.More
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#3

St. Catherine’s Church (Eglise Sainte-Catherine)

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Honfleur’s St. Catherine’s Church (Église Sainte Catherine) is the largest surviving church of its kind in France. In the 15th century, following the destruction of the church’s original stone structure during the Hundred Years’ War, St. Catherine’s was rebuilt entirely from wood. The ceiling looks like two upturned boats, a homage to the seafaring people who lived in this town.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Honfleur by interest

Top activities in Honfleur

Honfleur Outdoor Escape Game

Honfleur Outdoor Escape Game

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16
From
$28.36
Paris Private Tour with Pickup from Honfleur

Paris Private Tour with Pickup from Honfleur

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3
From
$1,417.07
per group
Private sidecar tour and cider tasting from Deauville or Honfleur

Private sidecar tour and cider tasting from Deauville or Honfleur

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80
From
$127.63
Honfleur's Landmarks & Gems E-Bike Tour

Honfleur's Landmarks & Gems E-Bike Tour

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1
From
$60.00
Honfleur Private Walking Tour

Honfleur Private Walking Tour

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18
From
$152.73
Private Full day landing beaches tour

Private Full day landing beaches tour

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2
From
$1,036.35
per group
Private driver to visit Mont Saint Michel

Private driver to visit Mont Saint Michel

From
$850.90
per group
Honfleur Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

Honfleur Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

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1
From
$398.39
per group
Guided walking tour of Honfleur

Guided walking tour of Honfleur

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125
From
$24.00
Full Day Private Tour of Historical Normandy American Sites from Honfleur harbor

Full Day Private Tour of Historical Normandy American Sites from Honfleur harbor

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3
From
$1,396.34
e-Scavenger hunt Honfleur: Explore the city at your own pace

e-Scavenger hunt Honfleur: Explore the city at your own pace

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1
From
$33.82
per group
Mont Saint Michel Private Tour with Pickup from Honfleur

Mont Saint Michel Private Tour with Pickup from Honfleur

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1
From
$1,417.07
per group
Half Day tour in Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle from le Havre or Honfleur

Half Day tour in Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle from le Havre or Honfleur

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22
From
$267.27
Sidecar Sips: Honfleur and Deauville Private Cider Tour

Sidecar Sips: Honfleur and Deauville Private Cider Tour

From
$140.73
Deauville and Honfleur Flower Coast Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour

Deauville and Honfleur Flower Coast Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour

From
$199.00
Flower Coast: Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour

Flower Coast: Honfleur & Deauville Private Half-Day Sidecar Tour

From
$199.00
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All about Honfleur

When to visit

The Sailors Festival, which began in 1861, encapsulates Honfleur’s history. Rather than carnival floats, it’s boats that are gaudily decorated for this parade held on the last weekend of May. It begins with a church service, where attendees pay homage to those lost at sea. Then the parades, hymns, and celebrations with traditional music carry on for three days. Expect crowds—especially in July and August for the French summer holidays.

Getting around

The two most pleasant ways to get around Honfleur are on foot—a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings—and by sea. For a novel experience, several companies run tours in vintage sidecars (often in conjunction with Deauville and Trouville). Cycling is another possibility, but ditch the bike in the old town, as many of the streets are cobbled and see lots of pedestrians.

Traveler tips

In a pre-Instagram age, some of France’s most famous painters immortalized Honfleur. Stop at Musee Eugene Boudin to see famous 19th and 20th century paintings of the town (including by Monet and Courbet), and then compare it to the modern-day Honfleur. Granted, the town has evolved since Monet’s day and the sailing boats are a little different, but much of the original architecture remains and you might be surprised about how little it’s changed in 200 years.

Attractions
3
Tours
16
Reviews
251
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People Also Ask

Is Honfleur worth visiting?

Yes. Honfleur is among the prettiest towns on the Normandy coast. It was originally built for trade, and now the picturesque harbor looks a little like Copenhagen scaled down. It’s been around a while, first appearing on records in 1027 AD. Honfleur has attracted many artists, including Claude Monet.

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What is Honfleur known for?

Honfleur is known for having a picturesque and exceptionally well-preserved old port. It’s a medieval town, filled with half-timber houses, and it has a wooden church dating from the 15th century. It is also famous for its association with artists. Turner and Monet are two notables who painted the town.

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When should I go to Honfleur?

Summer is the best season to visit Honfleur. Its location on the Seine estuary means there are plenty of nearby beaches. Nov. through Jan. sees the most rainfall, but if you don’t mind wrapping up against the elements, it’s also when Honfleur’s harbor is the quietest, with few tourists.

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Is Honfleur close to Paris?

It depends on your perspective. Honfleur can be visited on a day trip from Paris, but it’s not next door. The drive takes two and a half hours without traffic, and there are regular buses linking the two. Trains run from Paris to Le Havre, which is a 30-minute drive.

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How do you spend the perfect day in Honfleur?

Start by walking around Honfleur’s historic harbor. If the weather is nice, you’ll probably see artists painting the half-timber buildings reflecting on the water. From there, walk to Saint Catherine’s Church, the famous 15th century wooden church. The Notre-Dame de Grace chapel is unmissable and very unique-looking, too.

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How many days should I spend in Honfleur?

Three is a good start. Exploring the town—visiting the museums as well as the harbor and churches—will keep you busy for at least two. Best of the bunch is the Eugène Boudin Museum, showcasing works by Boudin who was Monet’s mentor. Don’t miss sampling Calvados brandy from the region, too.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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