Honfleur is a port town on the Normandy coast of northern France, set on the estuary of the Seine where the river meets the sea. Its harbour is the first thing most visitors come for: a basin ringed by tall, narrow houses with tiled roofs and façades painted in warm, bright colours, their reflections trembling on the water when the boats are in.
Walking the old town
Much of the appeal lies in simply wandering. The streets around the harbour are paved with cobblestones, and the lanes lead you past old merchant houses, small shops and cafés. Keep your eyes up as well as down, since many of the buildings have timber frames and steep rooflines that give the town its distinctive look.
The wooden church
The church of Sainte-Catherine is one of the town's landmarks. It is built largely of wood, a less common material for a church in France, and its striking form is worth a slow look from the outside and, if it is open during your visit, from within.
A town of artists
Honfleur has long drawn painters. Its light, its water and its tall houses have inspired many artists, including the Impressionists, who worked here often. Walking the harbour with that in mind gives you a sense of why the scene has held artists' attention for so long.
Who it suits
- Visitors who enjoy slow walks, harbour views and photography
- Lovers of art and of the scenes that inspired it
- Anyone exploring Normandy's coast who wants a compact, easy-to-explore town
Because the old centre is small, Honfleur works well as a half-day or overnight stop. Plan for a relaxed pace, comfortable shoes for the cobbles, and time to sit by the water.