Planning a 2-day visit to Honfleur? What a great idea! It’s the ideal time to discover this pearl of Normandy. We fell in love with this picturesque city, which has so much to offer: Iconic Old Port, unique architecture, interesting museums, charming beaches and exceptional maritime heritage.
Our itineraries will guide you through Honfleur. Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for a weekend visit to Honfleur
What can you see in Honfleur in 2 days? Is it long enough?
Absolutely! Honfleur is one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy, and 2 days is enough to enjoy it to the full. A visit to the historic center and famous harbor is relatively quick: half-timbered houses, tall narrow buildings and St. Catherine’s Church are easy to discover. We appreciated the proximity of the sea and the Pont de Normandie, which offer unique perspectives. It’s possible to see all the must-see activities in one day. The day before or the day after will be used for cultural and nautical activities, or for strolling along the water’s edge.
Getting around Honfleur
The small, compact historic center is easy to explore on foot. This is the best way to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the old town. But beware of cobblestones: avoid heels for greater comfort on your walks! A car is still useful for exploring the area outside the historic center. For public transport, there’s a bus station served by local Nomad buses – official website here.
Where to stay in 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
The Honfleur-La Lieutenance Museum Multi-Pass
To optimize your cultural visit, we recommend the Honfleur-La Lieutenance Museums Multi-pass. This pass, valid until the end of the current year, gives access to the Musée Eugène Boudin, the Maisons Satie, the Musée d’Ethnographie et d’Art Populaire Normand, the Musée de la Marine and La Lieutenance Honfleur. An excellent way to discover the city’s rich heritage at a great price. Visit the official website for more info here.
Our ideal itinerary: 2 days in Honfleur
Day 1 – Dive into the old town
10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Stroll through the historic center and around the Old Port
The Vieux Port is the beating heart of Honfleur. This was once the place of commerce, and it remains an intriguing place with its tall, windowed houses lining the quays. We loved contemplating the reflections in the water, particularly magnificent when the clouds play with the light. Then explore the narrow streets in the center of town: Rue des petites boucheries, Rue de la prison and Rue de l’homme de bois are full of charm.
See the buildings that house Honfleur’s salt granaries on Rue de la Ville, then cross over to the pleasant Jardin du Tripot for a pleasant stroll through an urban garden featuring sculptures and views over an arm of the Rivière Claire. Take your best shots of the picturesque center, admire the half-timbered houses and stop off at the small craft stores and art galleries.
12:00-12:30 pm: Visit Saint Catherine’s Church
Sainte-Catherine Church is built entirely of wood, a rarity in France. Take time to look at the exterior with the roof and sides partially covered with 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. We were fascinated by this unique building. In our opinion, it’sone of the most fascinating churches in Normandy, and a unique testimony to the skills of marine carpenters.
12:30-14:30: Lunch in a traditional Normandy restaurant
It’s the perfect time to sample local specialities: seafood, mussels and French fries, apple pie and local cheeses will delight your taste buds. Restaurant La Fleur de Sel offers a menu that reflects the warmth of the restaurant and its chef. We dare to combine textures and tastes by revisiting the recipes of Norman grannies, and we magnify seasonal vegetables to our delight. We also enjoyed Restaurant L’endroit, housed in a former architect’s office with an industrial decor. Rustic, seasonal cuisine is generous: prime rib is 1.5kg and lobster 600-800g. Will you be tempted by Isigny’s roasted camembert and smoked ham from Saint-Lô?
Find all our addresses in our article dedicated to Honfleur’s best restaurants.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Digestive walk to Panorama de Mont-Joli
Directly accessible on foot from downtown Honfleur, this bucolic and sporty walk to Mont-Joli begins at the foot of Rue du Puits. Follow the road up to the signposted fork on the right, then follow the Côte de Grâce footpath. The climb up the steep slope is tough, but we found the view well worth the effort!
During the walk, you’ll enjoy a number of viewpoints over the Seine Estuary, Honfleur and the Pont de Normandie. Take the opportunity to walk to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, which you can visit at your leisure. Built in the 17th century, this chapel is richly adorned with paintings and models of ships offered ex voto by sailors. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Return to the center via Rue Charrière de Grâce.
3:30-5pm: Visit a local museum
Are you an art lover or curious about local history? Here are 2 tours to suit your interests:
- Musée du Vieux Honfleur – Ethnographie et Arts Populaires: This small museum has 12 rooms where you can discover daily life in Normandy through old objects, reconstructed scenes and even the town’s former prison. Even if you don’t plan to enter, take the time to admire the superb half-timbered façade, one of the most photogenic in the area – see the museum’s official website here.
- Les Maisons Satie. Born in Honfleur, the composer Erik Satie is honored here through an immersive scenographic and musical journey. This tour unveils the singular universe of an avant-garde artist and provides a better understanding of his influence on modern music – see the museum’s official website here.
Find out more in our article on Honfleur’s museums!
5 – 6 p.m.: A late afternoon snack
Treat yourself to a gourmet break at the Cakes et Gourmandises – Maison Blondel tearoom. This welcoming establishment offers delicious pastries such as cakes, tarts and fondants, as well as freshly baked croissants and pains au chocolat. A special mention goes to the Chiboust apple tart. When Normandy apples meet crème chiboust, a light meringue custard, we can’t resist! It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries before continuing your exploration.
18h-19h30: Rest at the hotel
Before going out again for dinner, give yourself a well-deserved break. Return to your hotel for a moment of calm and comfort. Here are 2 excellent options located in the heart of the old town:
- Hôtel Absinthe: Situated right next to the basin, this hotel occupies 2 historic buildings. Some rooms are located in a former 16th-century presbytery, offering authentic charm. The others are more contemporary, with beautiful views over the fishing port. An address full of character!
- Hôtel La Maison de Lucie: We fell in love with this elegant 18th-century residence, the birthplace in 1874 of writer and artist Lucie Delarue-Mardrus. This little haven of peace seduces with its refined decor, a subtle blend of antique, retro and modern. The intimate atmosphere is conducive to total relaxation. It is one of the most charming hotels in Normandy.
Find out more in our article on the best hotels in Honfleur!
7:30-9:30 pm: Dinner on the Old Port
After this well-deserved break, hunger starts to make itself felt? Perfect: it’s the ideal time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Old Port and savor a good dinner. Here are our two favorite addresses:
- Restaurant Le Vieux Honfleur: One of the town’s oldest restaurants, recently brought up to date. A superb seafood platter, generous and traditional: crab, oysters, langoustines, shrimps, whelks… An absolute classic for a successful weekend in Honfleur!
- Restaurant L’écailleur: Another fine address, with a short, seasonal menu that changes every month. Seafood products are sublimely presented: oysters, sea bream, scallops… Special mention for the tartar of royale, enhanced by a delicate tomato juice infused with lemongrass – a real favorite.
Find all our addresses in our article dedicated to Honfleur’s best restaurants.
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).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Day 2 – Oxygenate and set sail
10h-11h: Stroll through Honfleur’s gardens
After a hearty breakfast to energize you, it’s off for a morning stroll along the seafront. Start at the Lieutenancy, then head for the Jardin Retrouvé. Take time to explore the public garden. In summer, you’ll see beautiful rose-covered arches.
You will then reach the jetty, and follow a footpath along the estuary. Walk along the Honfleur sea lock to admire the view over the bay. Keep walking, lulled by the sound of the waves crashing against the seawall. We found this walk particularly soothing.
You’ll finally arrive at the Jardin des Personnalités, a relaxing stroll punctuated by busts of famous people: Françoise Sagan, Erik Satie, Charles Baudelaire, Eugène Boudin, and more. Turn this moment into a game and try to guess who these busts represent before reading the informative labels!
11h-12h: Enjoy the Plage du Butin
At the end of the Jardin des Personnalités lies Plage du Butin. This large expanse of sand allows you to take long walks and enjoy the sea air to the full. Don’t miss the small Butin lighthouse in the parking lot, a charming reminder of the local maritime heritage. The view of Le Havre from the beach is remarkable, and we loved walking with our feet in the water on sunny days. It’s an ideal place to relax before returning to the center.
12pm-2pm: Lunch in a bistronomic restaurant
After this invigorating morning stroll, the appetite returns? Perfect! Here are 2 bistronomic addresses that particularly thrilled us:
- Restaurant SaQuaNa: Created by a two-starred chef, this hybrid restaurant, bakery and izakaya accompanies you from breakfast to dinner in a refined exploration of the finest local produce.
- Restaurant Le Bréard: Named in honor of historian Charles Bréard, this establishment offers creative cuisine that revisits the classics with exotic touches. The flavour combinations are both surprising and masterful. An address that stimulates both curiosity and taste buds!
Find all our addresses in our article dedicated to Honfleur’s best restaurants.
2pm-4pm: Option 1 – Setting sail
Looking for a breath of sea air? Opt for a boat trip! Several Honfleur-based companies offer excursions to suit all tastes:
- 1h30 cruise at sea: Perfect for discovering the Seine Estuary, this trip takes you through the lock chamber, past the radar, the commercial port and the quays of the Seine. Passing under the impressive Pont de Normandie is a highlight, as is the view of the Pont de Tancarville. Find out more here.
- 45-minute guided tour of Honfleur’s basins: This tour plunges you into Honfleur’s maritime history at a leisurely pace. Perfect if you want a quick but informative look at the port. Find out more here.
2pm-4pm: Option 2 – Visit a museum in the historic center
If you don’t have your sea legs and prefer cultural sites, we can help. Here are 2 of our favorite museum options in downtown Honfleur:
- Musée Eugène BoudinMusée Eugène Boudin: This art museum features paintings of Honfleur and the Seine Estuary by 19th and 20th century artists, mainly Impressionists such as Monet, Courbet, Dufy, Cals and Dubourg. You’ll also discover a fine collection of drawings and paintings bequeathed by Eugène Boudin to his native town in 1898. The quality of the works and the presentation of the collections are truly touching.
- La Lieutenance: Recently renovated and opened to the public, this site retraces Honfleur’s maritime history through a multimedia tour combining videos, audios, models and digital installations. The former home of the King’s Lieutenant also boasts the finest view of the Old Basin – a panorama not to be missed. Find out more here.
Find out more in our article on Honfleur’s museums!
Alternative 1: A family visit to Honfleur
Are you planning a weekend in Honfleur with your children and looking for activities suitable for all ages? Most of the activities listed in our ideal 2-day itinerary will appeal to families, but here are a few additional options, perhaps more fun for little ones:
Naturospace
Naturospace is a 1000m2 tropical greenhouse with an equatorial climate. You’ll discover lush plants (over 350 plant species) and a thousand butterflies in the wild, as well as exotic birds. Get ready for hundreds of colors – official museum website here.
La Mora
360° screen and sound, immersive set designs… Get ready to take a leap into Normandy’s past and history! This immersive experience will captivate young and old alike. The technologies used provide a real plunge into the past, bringing history to life and making it accessible. An ideal way to discover Normandy’s heritage in a fun, modern way. Find out more here.
Le Mini-golf & Co Honfleur
This 18-hole mini-golf course offers fun for all the family. We appreciated the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The course is well maintained and offers challenges for all levels, from beginners to more experienced players. It’s a great way to spend some quality time together and have fun at the same time. Find out more here.
The Honfleur Ferris wheel
An iconic attraction, the 45-metre-high Ferris Wheel dominates the Honfleur landscape. We recommend this experience for the exceptional panoramic view it offers over the city, the port and the Seine Estuary. It’s particularly magical at the end of the day when the lights come on in the Old Port. Children will enjoy the adventure, while parents can take advantage of the unique vantage point to photograph Honfleur from a different angle.
Alternative 2: For art and heritage enthusiasts
Do you prefer cultural and heritage discoveries to outdoor activities? Here are a few more options to tailor our ideal 2-day itinerary to your interests:
Musée de la Marine
Honfleur’s Musée de la Marine is housed in the former Église Saint-Étienne. Here you’ll discover historical and maritime collections: models, engravings and objects linked to the port between the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn more about Honfleur’s maritime life (fishing, trade, shipbuilding) through paintings, watercolors and drawings – see the museum’s official website here.
Art trail through the city
For centuries, Honfleur has been a source of inspiration for many artists, not least the Impressionist painters who immortalized its unique colors and light. Throughout the city, you’ll find panels featuring copies of these works, allowing you to compare the places as they were then and as they are now.
But Honfleur isn’t just about classical heritage: many contemporary art galleries have set up studios here, offering a glimpse of today’s creativity. A stroll through these galleries is an original and enriching way to discover art in all its forms, while strolling through the picturesque streets of the city.
Saint-Leonard Church
Listed as a historic monument, the flamboyant Gothic-style Église Saint-Léonard dominates the charming Quartier Saint-Léonard. Don’t miss the octagonal bell tower, erected in 1760, and the 19th-century interior paintings. The overall effect is one of striking architectural harmony, well worth the detour.
Lighthouse and Chapel of the Old Hospital
The Ancien Hôpital lighthouse is often referred to as the Tower of Honfleur. It was completed and lit for the first time in 1857. It was not intended to indicate the entrance to the harbor, but to guide ships around the Ratier sandbar in the estuary. Just beside the tower, turn around and take note of the charming little chapel that harmoniously completes this architectural ensemble.
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
What you need to know for your stay in Honfleur
The weather in Honfleur
Normandy weather is capricious and unpredictable. It can be sunny in the morning, rainy at midday and cloudy at the end of the day. We therefore advise you to bring clothing adapted to changing weather conditions. However, as Honfleur is located on the coast, the sky often clears faster than inland.
Crowds in Honfleur
Honfleur is a very popular destination in summer, and the crowds become very large in fine weather. The historic center can be congested and there are many tourists around the port, making the atmosphere less authentic. If you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate experience, we advise you to opt for the low season. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the city’s charm without the crowds, and enjoy greater interaction with local merchants and artisans.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
In case of rain, opt for indoor activities such as the museums and churches we’ve mentioned in this article. You can also try out a spa for a moment of relaxation: La Plage Massages & Soins or Voyage Des Mondes will welcome you in a soothing atmosphere. You can also go shopping at the Honfleur Normandy Outlet. It’s an opportunity to find bargains while staying dry!
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…
