A true gem! You’ll instantly fall in love with Honfleur’s picturesque streets and its old port lined with colourful cafes and restaurants.
When is the best time of year to visit Honfleur?
To make the most of Honfleur, we recommend avoiding long weekends and the summer season. Or come at off-peak times, early in the morning or late in the evening. You’ll be able to pay more attention to the smallest architectural details. Walking through the streets in autumn and winter will give you a better sense of the medieval atmosphere that emanates from this beautiful small town.
Latest update (April 2026):
Honfleur remains open and welcomes visitors as usual.
Security measures are currently in place in a very small area located on and around the Quai Sainte-Catherine.
The rest of the town is open and accessible, and visitors can fully enjoy their stay.
Restaurants, hotels, shops and tourist attractions welcome you throughout the town.
Don’t miss
01
The Vieux Bassin (Old Port)
This beautiful old harbour in the heart of Honfleur is famous for its distinctive high, narrow, timber-frame houses of all colours which overlook the dock on three sides, and is undoubtedly the most photographed part of the port town!
02
Lieutenance
Situated around the Old Port, it is a remnant of the fortifications built in the 14th century by King Charles V. The building now houses the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre. The site offers a detailed account of the town’s maritime history. It is also intended to host artists’ residencies. The visit culminates in access to the outdoor terraces, high above the town, for a 360° panoramic view of Honfleur!
03
Church of Sainte-Catherine
This stunning church is very unusual in that it is built entirely of wood and was made by shipwrights who incorporated many nautical decorative details, including a ceiling that resembled the hull of a ship.
04
The Eugène Boudin Museum
Honfleur’s extensive fine arts museum houses many fine paintings by celebrated 19th- and 20th-century artists asscociated with Honfleur and the Seine estuary, including Boudin, Courbet, Dufy, Jongkind and Monet. Also on display are drawings and paintings bequeathed to the town of his birth by Eugène Boudin in 1898.
05
Les Maisons Satie
This museum is dedicated to the famous eccentric French composer Erik Satie, who was born in this very building in 1866.
06
McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny outlet
A few kilometres outside Honfleur, McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny Designer Outlet is the largest premium shopping village in Northern France. With over 85 designer brands at up to 60% off all year round, visitors can enjoy shopping, local gastronomy, and culture in a unique landscaped setting. Don’t miss the Maison des Métiers d’Art, a one-of-a-kind showcase of Norman craftsmanship.
As well as…
Chapel of Notre Dame de Grace
This 17th-century chapel sits on a hill above Honfleur in a spot where pilgrims have long come to give thanks to God for rescuing them from natural disasters, including Duke Richard II of Normandy, who narrowly escaped a storm early in the 11th century. Inside, fascinating plaques, paintings and models attest to the gratitude felt by many visitors here, including famous people associated with Normandy. For fabulous views over Honfleur and the Seine estuary, head up to the Mont-Joli hilltop.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce
Naturospace
Situated between the old port and the Seine estuary, this beautiful tropical butterfly house is the largest in France.
Naturospace
La Mora
William the Conqueror’s flagship for his conquest of England comes to life again! Centred around a set designed to embrace the whole of Normandy’s maritime history, the show site for the reconstruction of the ship opened its doors in March 2024. The whole of the Jetée Est (East Pier) has undergone a substantial rehabilitation. All aboard William the Conqueror’s warship!
La Mora
The Jardin des personnalités (Garden of Personalities)
Along the Seine estuary, there is a tribute to the artists, sailors and navigators who were born in Honfleur or had close links with the town. There are several busts of these personalities to discover.
The Garden of Personalities
- The Butin Beach: An area of freedom at the entrance to Honfleur where you can relax on the sand. Supervised swimming in summer and free parking.
- Greniers à sel: These vast stone salt granaries date back to 1670 and could store up to 10,000 tonnes of salt, a vital commodity. Although no longer used for salt, today the building is used as a venue for exhibitions, concerts and conferences.
- If you want a great view of the world-famous Pont de Normandie, we recommend climbing to the top of the Mont-Joli.
- Boat trips: take a guided tour of the Seine estuary, with an unforgettable passage under the Pont de Normandie!
Things to see and do near Honfleur
- The Bois du Breuil in Pennedepie: 5 km to explore on foot or by bike.
- The stained glass windows of Beuzeville: These crystal windows by François Décorchemont are a unique work of art.
- Grestain Abbey in Fatouville Grestain: Discover the site where Arlette, William the Conqueror’s mother, is buried.
- La Ferme des Cocottes in Saint-Maclou: Visit an educational farm with organic chickens and a permaculture garden.
Useful information for your stay
How do I get to Honfleur (by public transport)?
If you are travelling from Paris or one of the other towns in Normandy, you can reach Honfleur from Trouville-Deauville, Caen or Le Havre. From Paris, by train + Nomad coach. During the high season, a combined offer (train + coach) is available. You can calculate your journey time on atoumod.fr
Honfleur by bike
There are a number of cycle routes to enjoy.
Honfleur is on 2 major routes: La Seine à Vélo, from Paris to the sea, and the Vélomaritime.
Market days in Honfleur
On Saturday mornings, the Honfleur market runs from Cours des Fossés to the Place Sainte-Catherine. The organic market is held on the Place Sainte-Catherine on Wednesday mornings.
During the summer, a night market is held on Wednesdays.