Is Honfleur worth a visit? Unique harbor, half-timbered houses, wooden church, restaurants around every corner… In this article, we give you our top reasons for visiting the city, as well as a few points to keep in mind.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Honfleur worth visiting?
Honfleur is well worth a visit. This charming Normandy port town boasts a picturesque old port, historic architecture and a rich artistic heritage. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, restaurants and museums will delight you. Its beauty has inspired many Impressionist painters, and we’re equally captivated by its relaxed, historic atmosphere.
We list the reasons in more detail below, or you can check out our selection of the city’s top attractions.
Reason 1: for its historic port
Honfleur harbor is really only in France. Lined with tall Norman houses, some with slate-clad facades, the old basin lies at the mouth of the Seine.
It inspired a whole generation of Impressionist painters, inspired by the shades of sky reflected from the water. And we agree with their work. These reflections are magical. Don’t miss the sunrises and sunsets!
It has become the most typical view of Honfleur.
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
Reason 2: for its unique church
This church is not to be missed. It’s a jewel. The church is built entirely of wood, which is rare in France.
Take a look at the exterior, with the roof and sides partially clad in chestnut shingles. Note also the shape of the bell tower, separated from the church (to protect parishioners in the event of fire).
Then go inside. What do you notice? It looks like an upside-down boat. This is because the first nave was built using naval techniques in the second half of the 15th century.
It’s a phenomenal building to admire. One of Normandy’s most fascinating churches.
More photos in our article.
Reason 3: for its museums
Despite the city’s small size, there are plenty of museums to suit all tastes:
- Musée Eugène Boudin: Art museum with many paintings of Honfleur and the Seine estuary by 19th- and 20th-century artists (Monet, Courbet, Dufy, Cals, Dubourg…), including Impressionist works – find out more
- Musée de l’Ethnographie et des Arts Populaires (Museum of Ethnography and Folk Art): 12 rooms showing how people lived in Normandy (with old objects), as well as the old prison.
- Musée de la Marine: model sailing ships, engravings, watercolors and information on the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Maisons Satie: A scenic and musical walk lets you learn more about the life and creations of musician and composer Erik Satie, who was born here.
See our list of museums in Honfleur.
Reason 4: for the charm of its half-timbered houses
We recommend strolling through the streets of Honfleur, a little way from the harbor, to discover some of its treasures, including half-timbered houses.
These are typical examples of Norman architecture. They are characterized by their exposed wooden structures, often filled with bricks or cob. Some of these houses date back to the 16th century. They offer authentic, rustic charm.
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Reason 5: for its gastronomic scene
Honfleur has a vast choice of restaurants: crêperies, seafood, bistronomic, gastronomic… There’s something for everyone, but remember to make reservations!
Among our favorites:
- Restaurant La Fleur de Sel
- Restaurant l’Huître Brulée
- Restaurant L’Âtre
See our article on where to eat in Honfleur
Beware that most of the restaurants around the port tend to focus on easy, high-yield dishes for tourists.
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.
Reason 6: for its hotels
You can stay directly in the old town or in the surrounding countryside. There are hotels in modern buildings, others in historic buildings and many rentals in old houses.
We particularly recommend:
- Luxury: Hotel La Ferme Saint Siméon – see photos and availability
- 3 stars: Hotel Absinthe – see photos and availability
- Charming: Hotel La Maison de Lucie – see photos and availability
For our complete selection, see our article on where to stay in Honfleur.
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Reason 7: for the many art galleries
If you’re looking for works of art to decorate your home, or just want to check out current art trends, Honfleur is a little gem. Here you’ll find a large number of galleries and artists’ studios: sculpture, painting and other media… abstract or representational… There’s something for everyone!
Reason 8: Because it’s fun for the whole family
The town of Honfleur appeals to adults, but also to children. It’s a great place for the whole family!
Children especially appreciate it:
- Naturospace: exotic butterflies and birds all around you!
- The boat shape of Sainte-Catherine church
- The many glaciers
- The mini-golf park
- The Garden of Personalities – fun structures created with plants around the sculptures
- …
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?
Some disadvantages of a trip to Honfleur
Tourists
Honfleur faces the challenge of attracting several million visitors a year. While this popularity is good for the local economy, it also puts a lot of pressure on the city, especially during peak periods such as long weekends.
If you go in the summer or on weekends in mid-season, be aware that the harbor edges can be crowded.
To make the most of it, visit out of season, like in winter, or at least during the week. The skies can be even more beautiful this time of year!
Paving stone floor
Honfleur’s cobbled streets, though picturesque, can pose practical problems for some people. Many streets are covered with old cobblestones, which are often uneven and slippery in wet weather.
However, these cobblestones contribute to Honfleur’s authentic charm and are an important part of its historical heritage.
Traffic on the coast
Honfleur is experiencing traffic problems, particularly on the main road along the coast. This road is often congested, creating major traffic jams, especially during the tourist season. A new traffic plan was introduced in 2024 to try and ease traffic congestion in the city center. Fingers crossed!
How to get to Honfleur
- You can’t reach Honfleur by train. There is, however, a bus service from Normandy’s major cities.
- The simplest solution is the car
- You can also take a bus tour from Le Havre if you are on a cruise
- Or maybe your cruise stops directly in Honfleur and you can take advantage of it!
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…
