By Peter K Burian – Wikimedia

Top 10 Things to do in Honfleur, Normandy


 

Honfleur city is a department of Calvados, in northern France’s Normandy region. It sits on the bay where the Seine river meets the English Channel. This city is known for its beautiful harbour, beach, and Gothic churches.

Just like Rouen, Honfleur’s old harbour has featured in several paintings by Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin.

The history of this city dates back to more than 1000 years and is evidenced by the medieval architecture. Honfleur served as crossing point during trade along the sea to England.

This city was once fortified to protect it from frequent invasions. The city continued to flourish from its maritime trade.

Now that you are planning your visit to this wonderful city, there are beautiful little towns and charming villages, cobblestoned streets and pretty half-timbered houses.

There is a lot to see and do in Honfleur, for that reason, I have a list of the top 10 things to do while here.

1. Explore the picturesque Le Vieux Bassin

By Peter K Burian – Wikimedia

We start with the beautiful harbour that is the crown jewel of Honfleur. The harbour was built in 1681 to allow trade through the English Channel. As time passed the port was expanded, this meant pulling down the ramparts that protected the city from invasion.

It has remained to be one of the most beautiful ports and worth a visit. This port has featured in Claude Monet’s impressionist art, making it even more famous.

Along with the port are the half-timbered houses that are now historical monuments. The harbour and the timbered houses provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. Don’t shy away from capturing wonderful memories while at the harbour.

Visiting the harbour at different times of the day will amaze you, early sunrise and the sunset is something to check out while in the city. The beautiful colours and landscape clearly explain why it caught the attention of Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin.

2. Indulge in Honfleur’s Fresh Fish and Seafood

The harbour not only served for trade but is a meeting point for seafood lovers. The fresh fish and seafood vendors line the harbour with large pots of deliciousness.

You will find oysters, mussels, salmon, sea bass, tripe, cheese, pork cheeks among other delicacies. There are restaurants too that offer fine dining of Normandy’s classic dishes.

There are Asian-inspired gastronomy restaurants that combine French classic dishes such as duck, scallops, veal, and local cheeses.

Some of the dishes not to miss out while in Honfleur are their apples, cold cuts, cheese, seafood, milk jams and Isigny caramel.

3. Visit the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Grâce

Par PMRMaeyaert – Wikimedia

This 17th-century chapel stands on a hill above Honfleur city. It has been a place of pilgrimage where believers would go to give thanks to God after disasters.

A famous leader that worshipped here was Duke Richard II. He had narrowly escaped a storm while at the sea back in the 11th century.

This beautiful church has plaques, murals and antiquities that depict the deep gratitude from the faithful and other gifts from famous people.

While at the church, you can get a panoramic view of the city, Seine estuary, Le Havre, and the Normandy Bridge from Mont-Joli.

During Fête des Marin in Honfleur young children dress as sailors, climb the hill to offer small ships models to Notre-Dame de Grace. It is a ceremony celebrated during the Pentecost.

Practical Information:

Address: 989 Côte de Grâce, 14600 Équemauville

4. Visit the Maritime Museum

This museum was formerly known as the Church of Saint-Étienne. Now a museum, it is the place to go to learn and explore the maritime history of old Honfleur.

There are amazing stories of great explorers such as Roberval who sailed from Honfleur to Canada in the 16th century.

Facing the Old Harbour, you will find a collection of ship models, engravings, and other sea tools. Most of the artefacts in this museum were donated by previous empires.

Walking through this museum you will get to learn the history of the fishing, trading, shipbuilding and water coloured engravings. You will also learn the role Honfleur played during the 17th and 18th-century slave trade.

Practical information:

Address: 11 Quai Saint-Etienne, 14600 Honfleur

5. Explore Honfleur Old Town

By Ввласенко – Wikimedia

You cannot go to Honfleur and miss the old town. It is a charming place that instantly calls for you to explore it. The old town is defined by narrow streets, cute cobbled squares and pretty timbered houses.

The wooden slate houses have as many as 7 floors. There are wooden plaques that have inscriptions of famous births such as Eugene Boudin, Erik Satie and Alphonse Allai.

As you walk along the streets, you will find art galleries, boutique shops and handicraft shops selling souvenirs.

You will also find cafés that sell delicious pancakes and ciders. Meals from the restaurants and cafés are affordable. On weekends, you can visit the farmer’s market and flea market.

6. Marvel at Saint Catherine’s Church

Another beautiful church to visit while in Honfleur is Saint Catherine. It dates back to the 15th century and is the oldest wooden church in France that is still standing.

This church was built to replace a stone church that was destroyed during the 100 years of war.

The Cathedral has a separate bell tower, while the main church resembles the body of an overturned wooden ship.

The bell tower has been turned into a museum exhibiting religious art and is an extension of Eugene Boudin Museum.

The church was built by marine carpenters and it is right close to the harbour. This explains the impressive architectural design.

Entry to this church is free.

7. Spend some time at Lieutenance

Image sourced from Restaurant La Lieutenance website

The Lieutenance was the home of the French king’s lieutenant until the 17th century. One of the two gates to old Honfleur is set into the wall of this building, overlooking the Vieux-Bassin.

This was the last vestige of the ramparts that were pulled down by Colbert in the 17th century. It represents medieval Honfleur.

The building has undergone several renovations but has retained its old charm. This fort was built in the 14th century surrounding the city and the harbour, protecting it from invaders.

There is a lot to learn and discover from the history of this place and its connection to protecting the city.

8. See the Butterflies at Naturospace

If you are a nature lover, then this next place is where you need to go. The Naturospace is a large modern greenhouse that has tropical plants and more than 60 butterfly species, the largest in France. It is a short walking distance from Maisons Satie.

It’s a lovely place to visit and will take about an hour to walk around. This place recreates the ecosystem of the rainforest. You will also find different bird species and other rare tropical species.

Depending on when you visit, you may witness caterpillars metamorphosis to butterflies.

Practical information:

Address: Boulevard Charles V, 14600 Honfleur

9. Wander Through the Jardin Des Personnalités

This is another garden that needs to be in your tod list while in Honfleur. The garden of famous personalities is close to Oldtown.

You will not only get to learn about Honfleur’s and France’s heroes but also get to relax, have a picnic and enjoy beautiful weather.

As you walk through the garden, check out the busts of famous French personalities such as impressionist Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin and Charles Baudelaire.

This garden was commissioned by Honfleur’s mayor, Michel Lamare, in 2004 and sits on a 10-acre land. A very pleasant walk that is both fun and informative especially if you are with children.

10. Visit Honfleur “greniers à sel” (salt storage location)

Inside the Salt storage Par Ibex73 — Wikimedia

Finally, but not the last is salt storage. You may be wondering why this has made it to the list. Well, the building which is stone-built dates back to the 17th century.

It was used to store salt weighing more than 10 tons that were for preserving codfish for longer. The stone allowed the room to be cool while the salt did its magic.

There are two buildings left out of the initial three. These buildings do not store salt anymore but are used for concerts, conferences and exhibitions.

Walking inside, you will see its impressive ceiling made of wood that was designed by shipbuilders. It resembles the body of a ship creating a unique ambience for events hosted in the building.

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