Best Things to Do in Honfleur, France

Honfleur is a seaside resort on the Côte Fleurie in the Normandy region. With its picturesque Old Port, ancient churches and houses, and deep-rooted maritime history, the beauty of Honfleur has been depicted by many famous painters, including Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet.

With its stunning buildings and fascinating cultural heritage, it’s hard not to fall in love with Honfleur! Here are the best things to do in Honfleur, France, to experience its charm to the fullest.

What to Do in Honfleur, France

1. A Stroll along the Vieux Bassin (Honfleur’s Port)

One of the main Honfleur things to do is explore its charming Port. It is divided into two parts, with the older one known as Vieux Bassin.

This area is truly scenic, with the historical houses from the 17th and 18th centuries reflecting on the water. Several of these buildings are listed as historical monuments.

The area is also packed with cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy apéritif or a meal while people-watching.

Whether you decide to visit Vieux Bassin at sunrise, in the middle of the day, or at sunset, every angle of it will seem magical.

2. Sainte-Cathérine Church

Located near the Vieux Bassin, the Église Sainte-Cathérine is something special – it is the oldest surviving wooden church in France! Built in the 15th century, what’s particularly surprising is its interior, with the paneled roof looking like the hull of a sailing ship. This is not random since it was built by shipowners.

Everywhere you look, you will admire masterfully made wood art, from the richly decorated columns to the winding staircases.

Of note is also the Church’s bell tower, which is separated from the main building. It stands on the other side of the street and is now a museum of religious art.

Sainte Cathérine Church has been listed as a historical monument since 1879 due to its magnificent architectural details.

Address: Place Sainte-Cathérine, Honfleur; Opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

3. The Lieutenancy

The Lieutenance is one of the oldest buildings in Honfleur and is a must-see. Built in the 14th century, the Lieutenancy is the last remaining section of the fortifications that King Charles V ordered to be erected around the Old Town, a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Originally, the Lieutenancy, as the name suggests, also served as the house of the royal lieutenant, whose main duty was to enforce law and order.

The current building you can visit is not the original structure, but it is the one that resulted from the various modifications that occurred over the centuries.

Address: Quai de la Planchette, Honfleur; Opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

4. Salt Lofts

The famous Greniers à Sel are among the most interesting things to see in Honfleur. These are large salt warehouses built in the 17th century after the amendment of the salt tax agreement. The lofts, which have been remarkably restored, could store up to 10,000 tonnes of salt, whose primary use was to preserve cod.

Only two of the warehouses remain (Petit Grenier à Sel and Grand Grenier à Sel), and they are open to the public for temporary exhibitions, conferences, and concerts.

The Salt Lofts are listed as historical monuments for their incredible architecture influenced by marine construction techniques. In particular, the ceilings boast impressive designs.

The Greniers à Sel might not be a classic tourist attraction of Honfleur, but it’s one that should be on your bucket list!

5. Saint-Léonard’s District and Church

A few steps away from Vieux Bassin is the charming Saint-Léonard district. This area of the town boasts medieval houses grouped at the foot of the Eglise Saint-Léonard, which is also its main attraction.

Saint-Léonard Church dates back to the 12th century and is dedicated to Saint Léonard, the patron saint of prisoners.

The Church was partially destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, but many of its peculiar features can still be seen and appreciated. In particular, the main portal boasts a rich and flamboyant Gothic architecture. The entrance also supports a dome-like bell tower, reconstructed in the 18th century, giving the church a unique look.

Address: Place Saint-Léonard, Honfleur; Opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6. Jardin des Personalités d’Honfleur

One of the most beautiful Honfleur attractions is the Jardin des Personnalités d’Honfleur. In this ten-hectare park, you will find sculptures of famous people associated with Honfleur, from painters (like Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet) to historical figures (such as Charles V and Anne-Marie Louis d’Orléans) to navigators (like Binot Lepaulmier de Gonneville).

This park is a great place for a leisure walk and a picnic in summer, along with the locals. In summertime, the park is particularly beautiful, with the many rose bushes in full blossom.

The Jardin des Personnalités d’Honfleur is outside the Old Town but can be easily reached within a 10-minute walk along the Seine River.

Address: D513 Rte de Trouville, Honfleur; Opens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

7. Honfleur’s Museums

While in Honfleur, you should visit at least one of its many museums. These are the perfect places to discover the town’s cultural heritage and history. The museums of Honfleur have the particularity of being nestled in incredible historical buildings, another reason not to miss them!

Musée Boudin

Located in the former Augustinian Convent chapel, this museum is named after local painter Eugène Boudin. Born in 1824, he is famous for depicting Normandy’s landscapes. The museum houses around 200 of the artist’s works, with the permanent collection showcasing the works of other impressionist artists, including Monet.

Address: Rue de l’Homme de Bois, Honfleur; Opens from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Musée de la Marine

Housed in the Parish Church of Saint-Étienne, facing the Vieux Bassin, the Musée de la Marine is where you can discover the history of fascinating explorers, such as the Maquis de la Roche, and of incredible sea crosses, like the Roberval expedition to Canada.

The museum’s permanent collection boasts models, engravings, and objects related to the sea and navigation.

Address: 11 Quai Saint-Etienne, Honfleur; Opens from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Musée d’Ethnographie et d’Art populaire

This museum is inside the former prison of the Viscounty of Rocheville, a 16th-century half-timbered house. The exterior is already impressive, and once you get inside the museum, you will walk through several rooms with displays of objects and the staging of scenes about domestic and economic life in Normandy from the 16th to the 19th century.

Address: Rue de la Prison, France; Opens from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Satie House

The half-timbered building hosting this museum was where French avant-garde composer Erik Satie was born in 1866.

This museum is indeed entirely dedicated to Satie’s life and music and offers visitors an interactive experience through the use of innovative audiovisual installations and exhibits.

Address: 67 Boulevard Charles V, Honfleur; Opens from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

8. Plage du Butin (Honfleur Beach)

Honfleur is not only famous for its cultural heritage, but it is also a renowned seaside destination.

Its main beach, Plage du Butin, is located at the entrance of the Old Town and can be easily reached within 20 minutes on foot.

Butin Beach will welcome you with soft and golden sand that is perfect for taking long walks in total relaxation. In summer, the beach sees many locals and tourists enjoying the Normandy waters and chilling at the snack bar on site.

If you decide to visit Butin Beach, don’t miss the lighthouse located in the parking lot. Its main feature is that the lighthouse resembles a medieval tower, so much so that it is also called the “Tower of Honfleur.”

Things to Do Near Honfleur

If you have an extra day or two, here’s what to do near Honfleur.

9. Sentier Les Falaises des Roches Noires

Only 15 minutes from Honfleur is a stunning coastal path, the Sentier Les Falaises des Roches Noires. This sensitive natural area is perfect for a recharging walk while admiring stunning coast views.

The cliffs you will be walking are impressive geological formations dating back to the superior Jurassic age, meaning they are 160 million years old!

The Sentier Les Falaises des Roches-Noires is 2km long, for a total walk of 1.5 hours, and its starting point is inside the Parc des Graves (look for the panel on the picture above).

Note that you can access the coastal section of the path only during low tide, making the walk a loop. On the contrary, during high tide, you will need to go back to the starting point through the forest.

10. Pont de Normandie

When visiting Normandy, you can’t exempt yourself from crossing the famous Pont de Normandie. It was built in 1995 to link Honfleur to Le Havre, and it scored a world record at the time of its construction for its impressive characteristics: it is a cable-stayed bridge 215 meters high and 2141 meters long!

Its height permits the easy passing of boats sailing on the Seine. Moreover, the bridge has four cars, two pedestrians, and two cycle lanes.

The Pont de Normandie is a true symbol of maritime supremacy in the region, so much so that it appears on numerous postcards.

The best way to visit the Pont de Normandie is by water. So hop on one of the sightseeing boats with commentary leaving from the port and get ready to be astonished!

This Honfleur’s Landmarks & Gems e-bike tour is also a fun way to visit the Pont of Normandie (and other gems!)

11. The Cider Route

With a short drive of 45 minutes from Honfleur, you can get to the fantastic Normandy Cider Route. Winding through the landscape of the Pays d’Auge, this route is dotted by pretty villages, majestic manors, and around 20 cider-makers and distilleries.

Although you can find different styles of apple cider in the area, with more or less sugar, only the semi-dry cider Pays d’Auge is AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controllée). At the mouth, this Cidre du Pays d’Auge is round, fruity, slightly bitter but with no acid, and sparkling.

When venturing along the Cider Route, make sure to stop by different cellars to taste the locally produced ciders, apple-based spirits, and Calvados.

12. Deauville

Deauville lies 15km southwest of Honfleur. Easily reachable by car or public bus in half an hour, Deauville is certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Normandy.

With a glamorous vibe and hosting high-end events such as polo matches and the prestigious Deauville American Film Festival (yearly in September), Deauville is a fantastic day trip from Honfleur if you want to live the life of the rich and famous.

Deauville offers a variety of leisure activities. You can walk the Promenade Les Planches, indulge in some shopping, admire the stunning Belle Époque villas, and relax at the beach. You can also kayak in the sea or the river or discover kayak surfing.

With many restaurants where you can stop for a delicious seafood meal, don’t leave Deauville before trying your luck at the casino.

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