Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
PHILIPPE SERRAND, Pexels
Honfleur is a charming, historic port town in Normandy, France, renowned for its picturesque Vieux Bassin, lined with distinctive colorful, narrow, half-timbered houses, and its rich artistic heritage that has inspired Impressionist painters. Visitors are drawn to its medieval architecture, maritime history, and the relaxed atmosphere of its cobblestone streets and coastal views.
The bustling Vieux Bassin, Honfleur's Old Port, serves as a central hub for socializing. Lined with numerous cafés and restaurants, it is an ideal spot for enjoying meals, drinks, and people-watching. The surrounding old town also features many terraces where visitors can gather.
Top 8 Things to do in Honfleur
Exploring Honfleur involves leisurely strolls through historic streets, appreciating art and maritime history, and savoring local Norman delicacies.
1. Stroll the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor)
Walking around the Vieux Bassin is an essential Honfleur experience, as it is the heart of the town. This picturesque old port is lined with tall, narrow, half-timbered houses and historic 17th and 18th-century buildings, some with distinctive slate-clad facades, which reflect beautifully in the water. It offers a perfect setting for people-watching from numerous cafés and restaurants. Historically, this area has inspired Impressionist painters with its unique light and vibrant scenes. Taking photographs here, especially at sunrise or sunset, captures the essence of Honfleur's charm.
Cost: Free to explore, but costs will apply for meals or drinks at the many waterside establishments.
Transport: The Vieux Bassin is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Honfleur's town center.
2. Visit Saint Catherine's Church (Église Sainte-Catherine)
Stepping into Saint Catherine's Church is a unique experience, as it is the largest wooden church in France, constructed entirely by shipbuilders in the 15th century after the original stone church was destroyed. Its interior features a ceiling designed to resemble two inverted ship hulls, a testament to Honfleur's maritime heritage. The bell tower stands separately to protect the main structure from fire, a common concern for wooden buildings. Wandering through this architectural marvel offers a profound connection to the town's history and its seafaring people.
Cost: Free entry.
Transport: The church is located in the town center, a short walk from the Vieux Bassin.
3. Explore the Eugène Boudin Museum
For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Eugène Boudin Museum provides insight into Honfleur's significant role in the Impressionist movement. The museum, named after the Honfleur-born painter and mentor to Claude Monet, houses an extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century art, including works by Boudin himself and other Impressionist artists. It offers a chance to see how the local landscapes and seascapes inspired a generation of renowned painters.
Cost: Entry typically costs around €8, or €10 if an audio guide is desired.
Transport: The museum is within walking distance of the Vieux Bassin and other central attractions.
4. Discover the Salt Lofts (Greniers à Sel)
Visiting the 17th-century Salt Lofts offers a glimpse into Honfleur's commercial past. These impressive stone warehouses were built to store up to 10,000 tonnes of salt, crucial for preserving cod. Today, two of these remarkably restored buildings remain and are utilized for temporary exhibitions, conferences, and concerts. The unique marine-influenced architecture and intricate ceiling designs are particularly noteworthy.
Cost: Costs may vary depending on ongoing exhibitions; general entry for these historical monuments is often free or low cost if there is a specific event.
Transport: The Salt Lofts are situated near the Vieux Bassin, accessible on foot.
5. Ascend to Notre-Dame de Grace Chapel and Mont-Joli
A trip up to the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Grace and the Mont-Joli hilltop offers breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, one can admire Honfleur, the expansive Seine estuary, and the impressive Pont de Normandie. The 17th-century chapel itself is a historic site where pilgrims have traditionally offered thanks, with fascinating plaques and models inside attesting to maritime gratitude. It provides a peaceful retreat and excellent photo opportunities.
Cost: Free.
Transport: While a walk uphill is possible, a taxi would be more convenient. Taxis are available in Honfleur's town center. No specific public transport costs are widely available, but local taxi fares would apply.
6. Visit Satie House and Museum (Maisons Satie)
Exploring the Maisons Satie offers an unusual and engaging experience dedicated to the eccentric composer Erik Satie, who was born in Honfleur. This museum presents his quirky world through an immersive, multimedia journey, allowing visitors to delve into his life and work in an amusing and fascinating way. It stands out as a unique cultural attraction in the town.
Cost: Full price is typically €13, with a reduced student rate of €10.
Transport: The museum is located within Honfleur's town center, reachable by foot.
7. Relax at Plage du Butin (Butin Beach)
For a change of pace, a visit to Plage du Butin, Honfleur's main beach, provides a serene escape. Located at the entrance to the old town, this beautiful stretch of soft, golden sand is ideal for leisurely walks along the water's edge. During summer, it is supervised for swimming and offers amenities like children's play areas and a snack bar, making it a pleasant spot to relax and watch ships navigate the nearby shipping lane.
Cost: Free to access.
Transport: The beach is within walking distance, approximately 20 minutes from the town center.
8. Indulge in Local Gastronomy and Shopping
Honfleur's culinary scene is a highlight, inviting visitors to savor fresh seafood, Norman cheeses, and traditional dishes like cider-braised pork. Numerous restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to charming local cafés, line the Vieux Bassin and the old town, offering opportunities for delightful meals and people-watching. Beyond dining, exploring the specialty shops reveals local treasures such as Calvados (apple brandy), cider, and regional artisanal products. The Cours des Fosses Market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays around Place Sainte-Catherine, is ideal for fresh produce and local delights.
Cost: Costs vary significantly based on the chosen restaurant or purchases. A typical meal can range from moderate to high, with tastings of local products potentially incurring a small fee or being included with a purchase.
Transport: These experiences are available throughout Honfleur's town center, easily accessible by walking. For specific cider producers on the 'Route du Cidre' (Cider Route) outside town, a car or a guided tour would be necessary.
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