Honfleur
Photo by 𝕡𝕒𝕨𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕤 on Unsplash
1 / 3France · Historic port town
Honfleur is a historic port town on Normandy's coast, prized for its narrow streets and the tall, narrow houses that line the old harbor. That harbor, painted by Eugène Boudin and many later artists, remains the town's center of gravity, and with 30 hotels it is an easy and atmospheric place to stay.
Known for: History · Architecture · Art & museums
Ask about Honfleur in chatThe best time to visit Honfleur is from late spring to early autumn, especially May, June, and September, when temperatures are mild and rain is less frequent. July and August are the warmest months but also the rainiest, so pack for showers. Winter is cool and damp, with the most rain in January and November. The famous September festival, the Fête de la Crevette, celebrates the local shrimp harvest.
Stay in the old town around the Vieux Bassin and Saint Catherine's church for the harbor views and easy access to the port and sights; it suits first-time visitors. The hillside above the town, near the Jardin des Personnalités, offers quieter streets and sea glimpses, good for a relaxed stay. The surrounding countryside, like Equemauville, is a calm base for those with a car. La Petite Folie and Hôtel l'Ecrin are in the town center, while Le Clos de Grâce sits in Equemauville.
Start at the Port of Honfleur, the old harbor lined with colorful houses and boats. See the wooden Église Sainte Catherine, a rare surviving medieval church built by shipwrights. Walk to the Panorama du Mont-Joli for a view over the town and estuary. The Pont de Normandie, a striking cable-stayed bridge, is worth a look from the port or nearby. For a quieter stop, the Jardin des Personnalités offers a garden with statues of famous figures linked to Honfleur.
Full-day tours from Honfleur go to Giverny, the D-Day beaches, Paris, Versailles, and Mont Saint-Michel. Giverny is Monet's garden and home, the D-Day beaches are the Normandy landing sites, Paris offers its major landmarks, Versailles is the royal palace, and Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island abbey. These are all well-known destinations reachable as day trips.
Plan 2 days to see the Port of Honfleur, Église Sainte Catherine, and the Panorama du Mont-Joli, with time to stroll the Jardin des Personnalités and Naturospace. Add a third day if you want to visit Plage du Butin or Pont de Normandie at a relaxed pace. A day trip to Giverny, D-Day beaches, or Mont Saint-Michel needs one extra day.
