Honfleur, France

Beautiful Port Town of Normandy

Jun 6, 2007 Joanne E. Brannan

The pretty coastal town of Honfleur, close to the ferry ports of Le Havre and Caen, is ideal for a short trip from the UK.

The small town of Honfleur on the coast of Normandy in Northern France has what is surely one of the most picturesque ports in Europe. Just a short drive from the ferry ports of Le Havre and Caen, it is ideal for a relaxing long weekend from the UK.

Places to Visit in Honfleur

Start your day with a gentle stroll from the town centre to the beach, through the beautifully maintained public gardens. The beach is sandy and, from midsummer onwards, the water is surprisingly inviting for a swim! Or, if the weather is grey, visit the “Naturospace” tropical butterfly centre – watching butterflies emerge from their chrysalises is very popular with children and adults alike.

Honfleur offers just the right mix of self indulgence and interesting places to visit for a long weekend. Saint Catherine’s Church was built by local shipbuilders as a temporary structure in the fifteenth century; the ceiling of the church resembles the hulls of upside down ships. Built entirely of wood, even including wooden roof shingles, the church has a very peaceful, intimate atmosphere. On one of the steep hills that surround Honfleur is the Chapelle de Notre Dame-de-Grâce, a charming little chapel adorned with model wooden boats of every kind. The walk to the chapel from the town centre takes around half an hour, and includes a steep climb, but you are rewarded with a great view of the town.

Places to Eat in Honfleur

Many restaurants line the lovely old port, but as always in towns that attract many visitors, you will find better value off the beaten track. Seafood is naturally very popular in Honfleur, indeed you can watch the fishing boats arrive in the mornings if you rise early enough! On Saturday the lively open-air market offers everything for a gourmet picnic, from potent cheese to excellent local cider.

Honfleur, the town of Artists

Honfleur is a town of artists who are inspired to this day by the enchanting skies of Normandy, and the beauty of the town. Eugène Boudin was an early impressionist painter who was born in Honfleur. Many of his paintings are on display in the museum named after him, alongside works of other artists inspired by the region. Erik Satie was a rather less conventional artist also born in Honfleur, the quirky “Maisons Satie” feature a giant glowing pear with wings, and other surprises!

Boat trips on the Seine and the Normandy Bridge

Boat trips are available to visit the “Pont de Normandie” bridge which links Le Havre to Honfleur. At the time of its construction in 1995 it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, and its pylons, which are over 200m in height, remain an impressive sight. You can also visit the bridge on foot from the small car park and picnic area a short drive to eastwards from the town centre.

When to visit Honfleur

Honfleur can be very busy in high summer, particularly around the French National Holiday of 14th July when the town hosts an impressive firework display to celebrate the French Revolution. In the spring and autumn it is much calmer and with a little luck you may have good weather, while in the winter many restaurants and shops close and the weather is often wet and grey!

The Honfleur Tourist Office can provide information on accomodation, places to visit and transport to and from Honfleur.

Locate Honfleur on Google Maps.

Where else to visit in Normandy?

Honfleur is at th Eastern end of the Coast of Lower Normandy all of which is ideal for a family holiday from the UK. Honfleur is a short drive from the glamorous seaside resort of Deauville. Across the river Seine, 18 miles (29 kilometers) to the north east of Honfleur, lies the beautiful coastal town of Etretat, famous for its white cliffs and the fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin.

The copyright of the article Honfleur, France in W Europe Travel is owned by Joanne E. Brannan. Permission to republish Honfleur, France in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.