Would you like to visit Normandy and are wondering where to go: Le Havre or Honfleur?
We love both destinations. The choice is difficult, but we’re here to help you with our opinions on specific criteria.
Here’s our Le Havre vs Honfleur battle with tips and photos:
- Atmosphere
- Architecture and monuments
- Location
- Hotels and restaurants
- …
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Le Havre or Honfleur: comparison summary
Short answer
These two Normandy towns lie on opposite sides of the Seine estuary, just a 30-minute drive apart. Yet they offer radically different experiences!
Le Havre surprised us with its modern architecture by Auguste Perret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a port city turned towards the sea, where contemporary art and large urban spaces set the tone.
Honfleur, for its part, seduced us with its Vieux Bassin lined with narrow houses, cobbled streets and art galleries. It’s a town of character, deeply rooted in Normandy’s maritime and artistic history.
Depending on what you’re looking for…
- for modern architecture and contemporary art: Le Havre
- for historic charm and narrow streets: Honfleur
- for families with young children: equality
- for the most beautiful hotels: Honfleur
- for a romantic break: Honfleur
- for gastronomy: Honfleur
- for sea and beach access: Le Havre
- for museums: equality
- for the surrounding region: equality
- for ease of access by public transport: Le Havre
- …
See the top-rated accommodations in Le Havre.
See the top-rated accommodations in Honfleur.
Access + Location to explore the region
The two towns lie on the Normandy coast, linked by the Pont de Normandie. Le Havre overlooks the English Channel and is an excellent starting point for the Côte d’Albâtre. Honfleur lies at the gateway to the Pays d’Auge, a verdant countryside dotted with half-timbered villages.
Here are a few guidelines to help you make the right assessment:
- Le Havre to Honfleur = 30min drive (via Pont de Normandie)
- Le Havre to Étretat = 30min drive
- Honfleur to Deauville = 15min drive
- Paris to Le Havre = 2h30 drive
- Paris to Honfleur = 2h30 drive
Le Havre has a well-connected train station, with a 2h15 direct train service to Paris Saint-Lazare.
Honfleur doesn’t have a train station, so you’ll have to take the bus from Le Havre or Caen, or drive to the town.
Book your trains
Le Havre is therefore easier to reach by public transport. If you’re traveling by car, be aware that Honfleur’s parking lots fill up quickly at weekends and in summer. We advise you to arrive early.
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.
Hotels: Le Havre vs Honfleur
Hotels in Le Havre
The hotel offer in Le Havre is more recent and more limited than in Honfleur, but we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the establishments. Here you’ll find modern, functional and conveniently located hotels.
We particularly recommend:
- Seaside: Hilton Hotel – Check photos and availability
- Downtown: Hotel Pasino – Check photos, photos and availability
- Near the train station: Odalys Hotel (Aparthotel) – Check photos, photos and availability
Read our article on where to stay in Le Havre.
Hotels in Honfleur
Honfleur’s hotel offer is rich and varied. You can stay in the old town or in the surrounding Pays d’Auge countryside. Between historic buildings, character houses and charming rentals, there’s no shortage of choice.
We particularly recommend:
- Luxury: Hôtel La Ferme Saint Siméon – Check photos and availability
- 3 stars: Hôtel Absinthe – Check photos and availability
- Charming: Hotel La Maison de Lucie – Check photos and availability
For our complete selection, see our article on where to stay in Honfleur.
Our review
Honfleur offers a wider range of attractions full of character, ideal for a romantic getaway or a quiet weekend. Le Havre is best suited to travelers looking for modern accommodation close to the sea. We fell in love with both cities.
Our winner: Honfleur.
Attractions, museums and monuments
Attractions in Le Havre
Disturbing in its post-war architecture, inspiring in the skies that so influenced the Impressionists: Le Havre has some surprises in store for you. We particularly appreciated the diversity of its points of interest, between modern heritage and urban creativity:
- Perret architecture: a must-see, this post-war reconstruction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- L’Appartement Témoin Perret: to understand daily life in these new buildings
- MuMa: Musée d’Art Moderne André Malraux, with a rich collection of impressionist and contemporary works
- St. Joseph’s Church: a masterpiece of modern religious architecture, its lantern tower produces a striking play of light.
- Le Volcan: emblematic cultural center designed by Oscar Niemeyer
- Le Havre Beach: a wide seafront facing the English Channel
- An itinerary of street art and urban works scattered around the city, including the Catène des Containers.
Find out more in our article on Le Havre’s top attractions.
Attractions in Honfleur
Honfleur offers a completely different experience, centered on its historical heritage and art. The Vieux Bassin is the heart of the town, but we recommend venturing into the side streets to fully appreciate its richness:
- Stroll around the Old Basin lined with narrow, colourful houses
- Get lost in the old town and its half-timbered houses
- Discover the many art galleries and artists’ studios
- Museums: Eugène Boudin Museum (art), Maisons Satie (music), Musée d’Ethnographie (ethnography)
- Admire Saint Catherine’s Church, built entirely of wood by naval carpenters
- Relax on Butin beach
- Explore the Garden of Personalities and Naturospace
Find out more in our article on Honfleur’s top attractions.
Our review
The two cities offer complementary discoveries. Le Havre appeals to lovers of 20th-century architecture and contemporary art. Honfleur attracts those seeking the charm of a historic town and art galleries. We loved both experiences, but Honfleur offers more variety in its activities overall.
Our winner: Honfleur.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Explore the city
Experience in Le Havre
Le Havre offers a unique urban experience. Perret’s architectural unity creates large open spaces overlooking the sea and the Seine estuary. We love the relaxed atmosphere of the waterfront, the works of art that dot the streets and the special light of the estuary. Our tour of the port in a Seine speedboat is an unforgettable memory, with its monumental sculptures and imposing ships. It’s also a great city for families: read our article on Le Havre with children.
Experience Honfleur
Honfleur plunges you into a completely different atmosphere. The town abounds with narrow streets, half-timbered facades and artists’ studios nestled in old houses. We recommend moving away from the port to discover the architectural gems of the side streets. The atmosphere is calmer and more authentic.
Be aware, however, that the cobblestones of the old town are not ideal for long walks. What’s more, the city is spread out enough for you to explore it all on foot.
Our review
If you’re looking for a historic and artistic atmosphere, Honfleur is the place for you. If you prefer open spaces, the sea and contemporary architecture, Le Havre is the place for you. The two experiences are complementary and well worth a visit.
Our winner: Honfleur, for its charm and atmosphere.
Best gastronomic offer
Restaurants in Le Havre
Le Havre’s culinary scene benefits from both the products of the port and the rich agriculture of Normandy. We made some wonderful discoveries, from gourmet halls to coffee roasters and fine restaurants.
Among our favorite restaurants:
- Restaurant Le Margote: creative bistronomic cuisine from a chef who highlights Normandy produce
- Restaurant Jean-Luc Tartarin: Michelin-starred gastronomy, precision and mastery on every plate (closing in 2026)
- Restaurant Calice et Mandibule: a canteen where Normandy meets Senegalese and Moroccan flavours
Read our article on the best places to eat in Le Havre.
Restaurants in Honfleur
Honfleur has a very wide choice of restaurants: crêperies, seafood, bistronomic, gastronomic… There’s something for every taste. Reservations are recommended, especially in high season.
Among our favorites:
- Restaurant La Fleur de Sel: refined dining, our favorite in Honfleur
- Restaurant L’Huître Brulée: seafood and local produce from Normandy
- Restaurant L’Âtre: fine cuisine in a warm setting
Please note: most of the restaurants along the harbourfront focus on tourist yields. We recommend venturing into the adjacent alleyways to find better addresses.
See our article on where to eat in Honfleur.
Our review
Honfleur offers more variety and choice, with top-quality addresses. Le Havre also has a lot to offer, especially for lovers of seafood and mixed cuisine.
Our winner: Honfleur.
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Excursions around the cities
Excursions from Le Havre
From Le Havre, you can visit..:
- Étretat and its white chalk cliffs (30min drive)
- Fécamp and the Benedictine Palace (45min drive)
- The Côte d’Albâtre and its fishing villages
- Honfleur and its Vieux Bassin (30min drive)
If your cruise calls at Le Havre, find all our advice here.
Or discover our recommendations for shore excursions from Le Havre.
Excursions from Honfleur
From Honfleur, you can explore:
- The seaside resorts of Deauville and Cabourg (15-30min drive)
- The Pont de Normandie and its views over the estuary
- Pays d’Auge half-timbered villages
- The D-Day landing beaches: Omaha Beach is 1h30 away by car
Our review
Le Havre is a gateway to the spectacular coastal scenery of the Côte d’Albâtre. Honfleur opens the doors to the Pays d’Auge and the seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie. Both regions are well worth exploring, and we recommend combining visits if you have the time.
Equality.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
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Easy to get around these cities
Getting around Le Havre
Le Havre is a modern city with an urban layout that makes it easy to get around. The town center is easy to get around on foot thanks to its wide, level streets. The tramway network efficiently serves the main districts and the seafront.
Getting around Honfleur
The historic center of Honfleur is best explored on foot. Beware, however: the ancient cobblestones can make walking tiring, especially if you’re wearing unsuitable footwear. The city is also larger than it appears. For the beaches and surrounding area, a car is required.
Our review
Le Havre is more convenient thanks to its tramway and flat streets. Honfleur is more suited to contemplative strolls, but requires good shoes. To explore the surrounding area, a car is essential in both cases.
Can we visit Le Havre and Honfleur on the same trip?
Absolutely! The two towns are separated by a 30-minute drive via the Pont de Normandie. We recommend that you spend at least a full day at each destination to get the most out of it. A long weekend allows you to comfortably combine the two cities with a few excursions in the region.
And why not other cities/regions?
Other destinations in Normandy are well worth a visit:
- Étretat and its cliffs
- Rouen and its medieval heritage
- Caen and its memorials
- Bayeux and its tapestry
- Deauville and its seaside elegance
- …
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…
