Would you like to visit Honfleur with your family? We consider this charming fishing town to be one of the most beautiful in France, with its picturesque port, captivating museums and typical historic center. We’ve explored 12 kid-friendly activities for you if you’re discovering Honfleur with children. Discover our ideas with tips and images to help you plan your visit and enjoy an unforgettable moment with your little explorers!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Honfleur with children: a good idea?
Honfleur is perfect for a family getaway! It’s a lovely town for your children to discover. From strolls around Vieux-Bassin to discoveries at Naturospace, not forgetting lighthouse observation at Plage du Butin… there’s plenty to keep young and old entertained! Its accessible locations and varied activities make it a truly kid-friendly destination, so read on for our ideas of things to do in Honfleur.
1. Strolling around Vieux-Bassin
Why visit with children?
The Vieux-Bassin is the historic heart of Honfleur, surrounded by narrow, colorful houses. We enjoyed strolling along the quays to admire the boats and discover the Lieutenance, a former royal building. It’s a unique place, one of the best in Normandy. The surrounding buildings are narrow and tall, packed tightly together. It’s fun to admire! If you’re lucky and there’s no wind, you may even see some pretty reflections in the water. Your children will surely be fascinated by the legend of the fleur-de-lis mosaic at the bottom of the pool. Take the time with them to have a good look at the bottom of the water as you stroll along the quays (taking care not to fall). Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse?
Note that the outer docks are wider and more secure for a more leisurely stroll in this area.
Practical advice
- At the old port, near the Lieutenancy
- Duration: 30min to 1h depending on your interest
- Difficulties: very crowded, so it’s difficult to get around with a stroller or let children run around freely, direct proximity of the quay to the water basin, little shade.
- Access: ideally on foot, parking available in 3 parking lots (Bassin de l’est, center or Naturospace – the latter free of charge).
- Would you like to discover Honfleur with your family and a local guide? Book your 1h30 private guided tour now!
- Price: free access to the Vieux-Bassin
- Opening hours: 24/7 (see official website for updates )
2. Embark on a Seine estuary escapade
Why visit with children?
Fancy a boat trip? An excellent idea, this is a must-do activity for discovering the Seine estuary and seeing the Pont de Normandie from another angle! Enjoy the view of this architectural feat linking Honfleur to Le Havre, not to mention the poetic surrounding countryside. The routes and durations are family-friendly, with commentary that will appeal to the whole family. Come aboard, sailors!
Practical advice
- Boat departures from Honfleur harbour
- Duration: approx. 1h30min on board the boat
- Difficulties: please note that some boats do not have on-board toilets, are not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart problems, and others are not accessible to PRM (please check on the website when booking your option).
- Timetable: different departures from March to November, depending on the type of boat and excursion – (see official website for updates ).
WHERE TO STAY IN Honfleur
Option 1:
Choose a historic house near the old port.
- Hotel Absinthe – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2:
Choose a hotel higher up for more peace and quiet while remaining close.
- Hotel La Maison de Lucie – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3:
A bit of luxury in the surrounding countryside.
- the magnificent Saint-Siméon Farm – see prices, photos and availability
3. Explore the Garden of Personalities
Why visit with children?
This large 10-hectare garden promises a green interlude in the heart of Honfleur. We found it amusing to discover busts of personalities linked to the city, such as Claude Monet and Erik Satie. Your children can run freely through the aisles while playing at recognizing famous faces.
The layout of the park is also reminiscent of a labyrinth, so your toddlers will also be entertained during this bucolic break.
Did you know that every last Sunday in June, a musical picnic is held here for the whole family?
Practical advice
- To the north of the town, near the Digue de Honfleur and Plage du Butin
- Duration: 1h to 2h30min
- Difficulties: vastness of the site, little shade in summer, restricted access for baby carriages (opt for a baby carrier depending on the age of the children), on-site toilets, bicycles forbidden except for children up to 8 years old, dogs kept on a leash.
- Access: 20min walk from Eglise Sainte-Catherine and Honfleur harbor, free parking available at Naturospace.
- Price: free admission
- Opening hours: open from September 1 to April 30, 8am to 7pm, May 1 to August 31, 8am to 9pm – (see official website for updates )
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4. Immerse yourself in art at the Musée Eugène Boudin
Why visit with children?
Do you know Eugène Boudin, the famous Impressionist painter from Honfleur? We particularly enjoyed the museum dedicated to his work, with its cabinet of drawings and impressive paintings. Creative workshops are offered for children at this art venue in the former Augustine convent. Your little budding artists can try their hand at reproducing Norman landscapes. A fun way to introduce art!
See more photos in our dedicated article here
Practical advice
- In the historic center, 5min walk from St. Catherine’s Church
- Duration: 1h to 1h30
- Difficulties: paved entrance, elevator to access upper floors
- How to get there: pay parking available at Bd Charles V
- Price: adult fare from €6.5, children under 16 free
- Opening hours: open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 12pm and from 2:30pm to 5:30pm – (see official website for updates ).
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Admire Saint Catherine’s Church: a wooden masterpiece
Why visit with children?
Sainte-Catherine Church is a unique monument, built entirely of wood by marine carpenters. We were impressed by its upside-down ship’s hull ceiling on the inside, and its resemblance to a half-timbered house on the outside. It can be quite intriguing for children! It’s a place to put on your bucket list, and it’s also a great way to teach younger visitors about the craftsmanship of the period, and to marvel at the meticulousness of carpentry.
Read our dedicated article
Practical advice
- In the historic center, behind the port
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulties: cobbled and sometimes narrow streets all around, good shoes and comfortable clothes, church accessible on the same level outside, sufficient passage width in the building for PRMs
- Access: located in the old town center with narrow streets and difficult parking, prefer to walk to the Bassin de l’Est and the Vieux Centre parking lot, a 10-minute walk away.
- Price: free admission, visit to the church tower included with your Eugène Boudin Museum ticket
- Opening hours: church open daily from 9am to 8:30pm, bell tower open at the same times as the museum from 10am to 12pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm, bell tower closed to the public from November 1 to April 15 and every Tuesday – (see official website for updates here).
6. Awakening to music at Maisons Satie
Why visit with children?
Immerse yourself in the world of pianist and cartoonist Erik Satie at the Maisons Satie in Honfleur. The artist is known the world over. We liked the sound and visual installations, which made the visit fun for children. The collection of umbrellas and some strange machines will surprise many!
Practical advice
- In the old town, behind the Jardin Retrouvé
- Duration: 45min to 1h visit
- Challenges: no PRM accessibility, sound and visual effects that may not be suitable for very young children or people sensitive to sensory stimuli.
- Access: small streets in the historic center, ideally accessible on foot, parking in the nearest Vieux Centre parking lot, a 10-minute walk to the Bassin de l’Est.
- Price: adults €6.50, children under 16 free of charge
- Opening hours: open every day except Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – (see official website for updates )
7. Fun at Naturospace
Why visit with children?
This tropical greenhouse is a veritable paradise for observing sublime butterflies and exotic multicolored birds. Can you and your children recognize Gould’s diamonds or the crowned rouloul? We loved the immersive atmosphere and the educational explanations of the species present. It’s also a place to awaken children’s curiosity about biodiversity!
Practical advice
- North of the city, before the Jardin des Personnalités
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Challenges: heat and humidity inside as equatorial climate is reproduced, accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, regular hydration recommended during the visit, baby changing area available.
- Access: free parking in dedicated parking lot, 15min walk from historic center
- Price: adult rate €10.50; child rate 3 to 11 €7.90
- Opening hours: open daily from October to March from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, from April to June and September from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, in July and August from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm – (see official website for updates ).
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8. Discover maritime heritage at the Musée de la Marine
Why visit with children?
Lovers of boats and maritime history, this is the museum for you! We found the sailboat models particularly well done, and children will love learning more about sailing-related objects. You’ll also see some beautiful engravings and watercolours. An enriching visit to the Church of Saint-Etienne, Honfleur’s oldest.
Practical advice
- On the east side of Vieux-Bassin, facing the harbour
- Duration: between 1h and 1h30min.
- Difficulties: limited accessibility in an old church because of its historic building, explanatory panels mainly in French.
- Access: near the Lieutenance, parking recommended at the Bassin du Centre pay parking lot
- Price: combined ticket with Musée d’Ethnographie full price €5.50, free for children under 16
- Opening hours: open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm from April to June and September, from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm in July and August, from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5:30pm from October to March, closed on January 1st, May 1st, July 14th, December 25th and from the end of the Christmas school vacations to January 31st – (see official website for updates here).
9. Admire the impressive engineering of the Pont de Normandie
Why visit with children?
The Pont de Normandie is an impressive feat of architecture. When it was commissioned, it was the world’s largest cable-stayed bridge at 856m! We enjoyed contemplating it from the quays or the Jardin des Personnalités. Children will love watching the big boats passing underneath. You can also get a closer look by taking a boat tour of the Seine estuary (see above).
Practical advice
- View the bridge from a secure vantage point, such as the Jardin des Personnalités, or on a boat trip.
- Crossing the bridge by car can also be an incredible experience for children.
- Distinguishing ships passing underneath and spotting bridge features such as cables or arches can be fun for youngsters.
- On foot or by bike, note that the bridge is often windy
10. Take a trip to Plage du Butin
Why visit with children?
To the north-west of the town, this family beach is ideal for a relaxing day out. We enjoyed the playground and the natural pools that form at low tide. Take time to build sandcastles with your family or simply enjoy the view of the estuary! And look out for the charmingly shaped lighthouse as you arrive at the parking lot.
Practical advice
- North-west of Honfleur (Clos Fleuri)
- Duration: 1 hour or 1 half-day, as you wish
- Difficulties: snack bar in summer, sandy beach, facilities for PRMs provided by the town during the summer season, showers, cabins, equipment rental.
- Access: 20-25min walk from downtown, free dedicated parking but limited spaces
- Price: free access
- Opening hours: 24/7 – (see official website for updates )
11. Take a stroll along the path along the Seine
Why visit with children?
Have you heard of the Sentier A Fl’Eure d’Eau near Honfleur? Accessible and safe, this walk along the Seine offers a beautiful view of the water and the surrounding countryside. We enjoyed the peacefulness of the promenade, ideal for a quiet moment with the family. You’ll even find several educational panels along the way, the old fishing port and its old boats on display. Not to mention picnic tables for lunchtime – what more could you ask for?
Practical advice
- Berville-sur-Mer, a 15-minute drive from Honfleur
- Duration: 1 hour to walk around the trail
- Difficulties: easy hike, partial dirt path along the Risle estuary, extra caution with children as path runs along the Seine, some sections less suitable for baby carriages or PRM.
- Access: by car to Berville-sur-Mer, parking Rue du Bac near the church
- Price: free access
- Opening hours: 24/7 – (see official website for updates and suggested itinerary here)
12. Travel back in time at the Musée d’Ethnographie et d’Art Populaire
Why visit with children?
This original place plunges you into the daily life of the Normans of yesteryear. We found the exhibits fascinating. Ancient costumes, ornate headdresses, vintage books, furniture and everyday objects transport us back several centuries. An original way to introduce children to the history of Honfleur.
Practical advice
- Near Vieux-Bassin, rue de la Prison
- Duration: approx. 1 hour on site
- Challenges: cobbled alley, old building, limited accessibility inside
- Access: we recommend walking in this area, parking at Bassin du Centre
- Price: twin ticket with Musée de la Marine full price €4, free for under-16s
- Opening hours: open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm from April to June and September, from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm in July and August, from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5:30pm from October to March, closed on January 1st, May 1st, July 14th, December 25th and from the end of the Christmas school vacations to January 31st – (see official website for updates here).
DISCOVER Honfleur
- Best things to do in Honfleur
- Where to sleep in Honfleur: our best hotels
- Where to eat in Honfleur: our best restaurants
- Best museums
- Visit the surpicious Sainte Catherine’s Church
- Discover the Eugène Boudin Museum
- Honfleur or Deauville or Cabourg: where to go?
Other theme parks and leisure activities
Other castles to see with children
- Château de Crèvecœur: 40 minutes by car
- Château de Saint-Germain-de-Livet: 45 minutes by car
- Château de Saint-Maclou: 20 minutes by car
Other theme parks in Honfleur
- Jardin Public, also known as Jardin Retrouvé
- Jardin du Tripot, urban garden with sculptures and views of a branch of the river Claire
Other beaches in Honfleur
- Vasouy beach northwest of Honfleur
- Pennedepie beach 15 minutes away by car
- Trouville beach 25 minutes away by car
- Deauville beach 30 minutes away by car
Other walks near Honfleur
- Bois du Breuil 10min drive from Honfleur (at Pennedepie)
- Bruyères circuit 20 minutes away by car
- Circuit de l’Argousier 20 minutes away by car (not recommended during hunting season)
Vacations in Honfleur: other places
Here are a few other places you might like to visit, depending on your children’s interests:
- Mini-golf course
- BestJump park (indoor trampoline) – see details here
- Grestain Abbey: a 15-minute drive from Honfleur, a monument dating from the 11th century and a Mecca of the Anglo-Norman Middle Ages.
- Carrousel de Honfleur: traditional wooden merry-go-round on Quai Sainte-Catherine
See our article on our favorite things to do in Honfleur.
Things to do when it rains
Sometimes it rains in Honfleur, but don’t panic, you can still visit these places with your children:
- The Eugène Boudin Museum
- Les Maisons Satie
- The Musée de la Marine
- Museum of Ethnography and Folk Art
- BestJump indoor trampoline park
Practical advice
Getting around Honfleur with children
- Located in the north-west of France in the Normandy region of Calvados
- Paris to Honfleur = 2h30min by car
- Caen to Honfleur = 1 hour by car
- From Deauville to Honfleur = 30min by car
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
Where to stay in Honfleur with children?
If you’re wondering, yes, it’s worth spending at least 1 night in Honfleur with your family! In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in France. We have been going there since we were children and we never get tired of it!
You are welcome to stay:
- in the historic center
- in the alleys that rise above the old center
- near the beach
Discover our best places to stay in Honfleur!
Where to eat in Honfleur with children?
Honfleur offers a wide range of restaurants, thanks to the beauty and charm of this fishing port. But finding a good place to eat with the family isn’t always easy, so we’ve sorted it out for you. Our kid-friendly suggestions:
- Restaurant L’auberge du Chatoqué, convivial meals and cuisine that crosses continents
- Restaurant Chez Justine et Quentin, to help them discover the real taste of Norman hamburgers
- Restaurant L’escale, fish and seafood with a menu to suit young appetites
- La tortue restaurant, colorful, rustic atmosphere with children’s menu
- Salon de thé Cakes et gourmandises – Maison Blondel, for a gourmet snack
Find all our suggestions for good restaurants in Honfleur in our dedicated article.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
