48 Hours in Honfleur, France: A Information

Honfleur is a picturesque city situated within the Calvados space of Normandy in Northwestern France, located on the mouth of the Seine River. This charming city is famend for its historic tall, slim townhouses sitting a number of tales excessive, which have been superbly restored after struggling in depth harm through the Second World Struggle, and a surprising harbour, each of which have impressed many artists over time, together with the likes of Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin.

Wealthy in historical past, Honfleur dates again to the Vikings within the eleventh century and performed a major function within the maritime commerce between Rouen and England through the sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries. It was additionally an important departure level for a lot of explorers, together with Samuel de Champlain, who based Quebec Metropolis in Canada. By the nineteenth century, Napoleon Bonaparte had all however been destroyed and was all however forgotten about when the trendy port of Le Havre was constructed.

In the present day, with greater than 1000 years of historical past, Honfleur stays a well-liked vacationer vacation spot and is commonly described as a fairytale location due to the charming buildings and monuments scattered across the city. As it’s inside shut proximity to the Normandy D-Day seashores, Le Havre, Caen, and Etretat, Honfleur is the right place to cease off for a few days when doing a extra in depth tour of the realm.

Find out how to get to Honfleur

The simplest solution to attain Honfleur is by street, and if you’re travelling from the UK, the ports of each Caen and Le Havre are close by. If you’re driving from Le Havre, additionally, you will must cross the magnificent Pont du Normandie that spans the River Seine and can set you again round 6-7 euros. Alternatively, there is no such thing as a direct prepare line however, must you go to from Paris, for instance, you may attain Trouville-Deauville after which there’s a direct bus from the prepare station.

Pont Du Normandie, Northern France

The very best time to go to

Might by to September are the warmest months of the yr to go to however keep in mind that as a result of location of Honfleur, many will journey on the roads, and due to this fact if you’re planning a day journey, it’s best to reach early to safe parking. Likewise, for these seeking to keep longer, lodging will probably be booked up quick, so it’s best to plan forward of time. 

Additionally it is clever to keep in mind that the D-Day celebrations happen in the beginning of June, and due to this fact there are more likely to be extra folks touring the realm presently.

Nonetheless, it’s a location that may be visited at any time of yr, so should you would favor to keep away from the crowds, take into account visiting within the autumn when the climate continues to be very gentle.

The place to remain in Honfleur

Lodging in Honfleur will not be low cost, sadly, however it’s memorable.

If you wish to keep within the coronary heart of the city, Lodge Le Maison De Lucie, is a captivating 18th-century constructing with a pleasant courtyard overlooking the River Seine. What makes this lodge particular is the spa space within the vaulted cellar, the place the stained-glass home windows replicate mild as you get pleasure from a calming jacuzzi. 

If distinctive views out of your bed room window are a should, maybe the Les Maisons De Lea lodge, with its views out over Saint Catherine’s Church, is for you. From the skin, you could possibly be forgiven for considering that you’ve got stumbled upon a standard British village pub full with climbing ivy, however this was as soon as an previous salt storehouse relationship again to the sixteenth century.

Honfleur aire, one of many largest in France

If you’re travelling along with your campervan or motorhome, there’s additionally a wonderful aire on the opposite facet of the river inside quick strolling distance to the city. This aire, if you’re not already conscious, is likely one of the largest you’ll discover in France, and in excessive season count on to see between 150-200 campers parked up. It prices round £10 for twenty-four hours, with some pitches coming with electrical hook-up. We advise getting there by mid-afternoon if doable. We arrived simply after 4 pm and have been fortunate to get a spot. Be sure to additionally take some change with you for the little bakery van that comes round within the morning, delivering contemporary bread and croissants. 

48 hours in Honfleur Itinerary

Honfleur is a city that’s straightforward to navigate on foot, with many of the vacationer points of interest situated inside minutes of one another. Under is a instructed itinerary, permitting you to discover all the things the city has to supply throughout a two-day keep on this space of Normandy.

Day 1 in Honfleur

Breakfast at a standard French tea room

There are a number of bakeries round Honfleur the place you may choose up a croissant and a takeaway espresso must you want to eat on the go, however should you want a slower, extra relaxed begin to the day, Muffins et Gourmandises, Maison Blondel is a superb alternative providing a number of breakfast dishes together with eggs and omelets, fruits and pastries.

Vieux Bassin

After breakfast, head first to the Previous Port, Vieux Bassin, in-built 1681 and led to the destruction of a part of the town wall. In the present day, it has turn out to be one among Honfleur’s most spectacular and photogenic areas, wealthy in historical past and residential to a vibrant environment. Right here you’ll discover the homes are significantly slim and replicate within the water surrounded by quite a few boats which have moored up.

The Vieux Bassin presents an ideal instance of what lots of the buildings in Normandy are like, with their wood facades and slate roofs, which have been portrayed by painters Gustave Couber, Eugene Boudin, and Claude Monet, the artists answerable for forming the so-called Ecole de Honfleur, which led to the looks of impressionism in portray. 

In the present day, the colorful, elegant buildings are house to many artwork galleries, museums, cafes, eating places, and boutiques and stay one of many area’s most iconic and visited points of interest.

The port additionally boasts a energetic every day fish market, the place guests should buy contemporary seafood caught by native fishermen. This is similar seafood you’ll probably see within the eating places that line the Vieux Bassin, serving to showcase Normandy’s native flavours.

The Lieutenance

The Lieutenance is likely one of the most distinguished historic landmarks in Honfleur. The constructing, situated close to the harbour, has been round for the reason that 18th century and performed an essential function within the city’s historical past. 

The Lieutenance was initially constructed as a residence for the city’s lieutenant, who was answerable for sustaining regulation and order in Honfleur. The constructing served because the lieutenant’s house and workplace and was strategically situated close to the harbour to make sure fast entry to ships and sailors. Over time, the Lieutenance grew to become a logo of the city’s authority and performed an important function in its governance.

The Lieutenance was used as a jail through the French Revolution, and plenty of political prisoners have been held right here. Nonetheless, after the Revolution ended, the constructing was transformed right into a customs workplace and remained so till the early twentieth century. The constructing underwent a number of renovations and additions throughout this time, however its unique construction and character have been preserved.

In the present day, the Lieutenance is open to the general public and serves as a museum devoted to the city’s maritime historical past. Guests can discover the assorted rooms and galleries of the constructing, that are stuffed with artifacts and reveals that showcase Honfleur’s wealthy seafaring previous. The museum additionally incorporates a assortment of mannequin ships, navigational devices, and work that present perception into the city’s significance as a middle for commerce and commerce.

One of many highlights of a go to to the Lieutenance is the panoramic view of the harbor and the city that may be loved from the highest of the constructing’s tower. Guests can climb the slim spiral staircase to succeed in the highest of the tower and take within the breathtaking views of Honfleur and the encompassing countryside. It’s actually a memorable expertise that shouldn’t be missed.

Saint Catherine’s Church

The previous port is house to a number of historic landmarks, together with Saint Catherine’s Church (Church of Sainte-Catherine), one among France’s oldest and largest wood church buildings, constructed within the fifteenth century. The church you now see replaces a stone one destroyed through the Hundred Years’ Struggle. Its wood framework is paying homage to an upturned ship’s hull, with its wood planks and ribs forming the construction of the constructing. The church’s inside is equally spectacular, with a hovering vaulted ceiling and an ornate wood altar.

Saint Catherine’s church, with its hanging darkish wooden exterior, now dominates the city sq., and regardless that it was meant solely to be non permanent, it stays standing after 5 centuries and was designated as a historic monument again in 1879. Be sure to take within the detailed carvings, particularly the spectacular door body that could be a testomony to the workmanship that befell all these years in the past.

You may study extra in regards to the church’s historical past by the on-site museum, which incorporates a group of artefacts and reveals regarding the church’s building, historical past, and significance.

Saint Catherine’s Bell Tower

Saint Catherine’s Bell Tower

In contrast to different church buildings, Saint Catherine’s Bell Tower stands indifferent from the church itself however is in-built an identical fashion. Resting on a stone base, the tower has a facade very like many different buildings within the city and incorporates a climate vane within the form of a ship. It stays one of the photographed monuments in Honfleur.

Take pleasure in a standard crepe for lunch

No journey to Honfleur can be full with out stopping on the Creperie des Arts, which has an in depth menu of savoury galettes and candy crepes, with seasonal specialities regularly added to replicate the produce of Normandy. For people who get pleasure from sampling native tipples, this creperie additionally has an ideal number of native ciders to attempt to calvados espresso. 

Outdoors, the restaurant is quaint wanting, with a vibrant crimson entrance full with window packing containers stuffed with flowers to replicate the season. Inside, the decor can also be conventional to the area and comes full with a piano. Plus, should you go to throughout winter, you may be welcomed inside by a roaring open fireplace to maintain you heat.

Eugène Boudin Museum

After lunch, head to the Eugène Boudin Museum to find extra in regards to the French panorama painter born in Honfleur in 1824. Based in 1868, the museum opened simply earlier than Boudin’s loss of life and showcases a few of his most iconic works.

The museum has a group of over 800 works by Boudin, starting from oil work and watercolours to pastels and drawings. The gathering is split into a number of sections, every specializing in a distinct facet of Boudin’s artwork. Wandering by the separate rooms, you will note a number of seascapes, seashore scenes, cityscapes, and his observations of every day life in France.

A lot of Boudin’s seashore scenes depict the Normandy shoreline, with its broad, sandy seashores and dramatic cliffs. In distinction, one other room focuses on his travels to different elements of France and Europe, together with Venice and Amsterdam. The museum additionally homes a group of work and sculptures by different artists, together with Claude Monet and Edgar Degas.

Vieux Phare de Honfleur

After educating your self on Impressionist artists and their iconic Honfleur work, head additional out of city to the Vieux Phare de Honfleur.

The Vieux Phare de Honfleur is a lighthouse that has been a landmark of the city for the reason that early Seventeenth century. It stands on the entrance of the harbour, guiding boats and ships safely into port. The lighthouse is now a museum, which presents a captivating perception into the historical past of Honfleur’s maritime heritage.

Guests to the Vieux Phare de Honfleur can climb to the highest of the lighthouse and luxuriate in panoramic views over the city and out to sea. This climb generally is a bit difficult as there are 146 steps, however the view from the highest is properly well worth the effort.

Aside from the breathtaking views, the museum can also be house to a group of maritime artifacts, together with navigation instruments, lighthouse tools, and maps. On this museum, you may study extra in regards to the lives of the sailors and fishermen who lived in Honfleur and the significance of the city’s port to the native financial system.

Early Night Drinks

You could be tempted to sit down by the port and benefit from the environment within the early night forward of the dinner rush, however must you be searching for someplace cheaper the place the locals socialise, head to L’Union. Doubling up as each a bar and a tabac, L’Union presents an ideal number of native drinks to attempt, and must you be fortunate sufficient to get a desk outdoors, it’s a implausible place to chill out and people-watch for an hour or so.

Attempt some tapas at Bar La Taberna

Whereas small, this quaint little restaurant, with its giant oak barrels out entrance and timbered facade, is welcoming each summer season and winter. For round 25 euros, you may get pleasure from a sharing platter for 2 and a bottle of wine, or should you want, you may select a number of smaller dishes to get pleasure from whereas sipping cocktails or sangria.

Whereas it’s not significantly French, the meals and repair at Bar La Taberna make it a standout location at an affordable value whereas visiting what’s a really touristy city, full with inflated tourism prices.

Day 2 in Honfleur

Breakfast at a French Patisserie

Begin the 2nd day of your 48 hours in Honfleur slowly at La Petite Chine, a luxurious tea room with french pastries on show within the coronary heart of the previous city. If the number of macarons, cream truffles, and deep-filled fruit pies on show doesn’t entice you thru the door, maybe the broad number of teas, coffees, and luxurious scorching candies will. It takes a robust will to wander previous this double-fronted glass cafe and never enter. 

Naturospace Honfleur

Beginning with a distinct sort of attraction right this moment, head again in direction of the Vieux Phare de Honfleur to the Naturospace, a butterfly backyard. 

This distinctive and magical place is a paradise for nature lovers and people who get pleasure from spending time in serene environment. Residence to greater than a thousand butterflies from varied areas all over the world, a morning at Naturospace Honfleur will see you getting up shut to those stunning creatures.

The wonderful thing about Naturospace is that it’s indoors, so even when the climate is horrible, you may go to this indoor tropical habitat that can also be house to all kinds of unique vegetation and flowers, serving to to create the precise atmosphere for the butterflies to outlive. 

Naturospace is each instructional and entertaining. It supplies a singular alternative to study extra in regards to the cycle of butterflies and their significance in our ecosystem from the interactive reveals as they fly freely across the backyard.

Maisons Satie Museum

Not solely is Honfleur famend for impressionist painters, it was additionally as soon as the house of French composer Erik Satie and the Maisons Satie museum presents a singular glimpse into the life and inventive genius of one of the influential composers of the twentieth century.

The museum includes three homes renovated to create an immersive expertise. The primary home is a recreation of Satie’s childhood house, the place guests will find out about his adolescence and the influences that formed his musical fashion. The second home is a multimedia exhibit of interactive shows, soundscapes, and video projectors that showcases Satie’s most well-known works, together with Gymnopedies and Parade. Lastly, the third home is a up to date artwork exhibit that explores the affect Satie had on fashionable artwork and music.

The Jardin des Personnalités

Whereas on this space, if the climate is good, wander by the Backyard of Personalities, an enormous park stuffed with well-tended flower beds and busts of well-known people which have had an affect in town. Look out for the figures of not solely Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin, and Erik Satie but in addition explorer Samuel de Champlain, creator Francoise Sagan and actor Michel Serrault. 

One other day, one other Creperie

Whereas crepes are traditionally eaten extra in Brittany, you’ll discover a number of creperies in Normandy. Due to this fact, why not take this chance whereas visiting Honfleur to indulge on this mild chew at lunchtime? 

La Cidrerie, tucked away and really easy to overlook, has a standard really feel, with stoned partitions inside and darkish, heavy wood furnishings. Outdoors there are many small tables and vibrant blue metallic chairs, making it an ideal summer season lunchtime spot. Not solely does the menu embody the normal galette and crepe choices, however additionally they supply one thing known as a galichot, which is a combination of a pancake and a blini, providing a mixed candy and salty filling. Because the identify of this restaurant could recommend, these can all be washed down with a cider native to the realm.

Chapel of Notre Dame de Grace

After lunch, it’s time for a brief stroll up a hill to the Seventeenth-century Notre Dame de Grace chapel. Constructed to switch a earlier chapel that dated again to 1023, this small constructing was constructed by the native gentry and fishermen and presents beautiful views out over Honfleur.

The chapel itself is quaint and wouldn’t look misplaced in a British village. Inside, the brightly colored, stain-glass home windows draw the attention in direction of the altar at one finish and the organ at one other. Whereas subsequent to it stands a carillon of a number of bells that also toll each hour, on the hour. There may be additionally one other smaller chapel and a viewing space that gives clear views of the Seine Estuary, the Pont du Normandie and the Jardin des Personnalités.

Panorama du Mont-Joli

From the little chapel, proceed as much as the Mont-Joli for what’s the finest view of Honfleur. From right here, you may see your complete city, together with the Ferris wheel on the opposite facet of the estuary, after which over in direction of Le Havre.