Location & Transportation
Honfleur is a truly picturesque and charming harbor nestled where the Seine estuary meets the Atlantic Coast. The port itself features three distinct docks: the western "Old Dock," the eastern Republican Dock (built in 1840), and the larger Carnot Dock (built in 1892). One of Honfleur’s unique qualities is that it functions both as a sea port and a river port.
Your ship will dock at the Quai de Seine, about 1.5 km from the town center. From the pier you can easily grab a taxi or enjoy a pleasant 5- to 10-minute walk to explore this historic town. The new terminal is fully accessible, and while there you’ll find a Tourist Office and a boutique selling souvenirs and regional specialties from Normandy.
Nearby Lodging
Honfleur offers a range of charming boutique hotels and guesthouses, many located near the picturesque old harbor. Staying in a converted historic building adds to the authentic Norman experience.
Nearest Airport
The closest airport is Deauville – Normandie Airport (DOL), which is about 20 km away. For more international flight options, Paris airports are roughly a two-hour drive away. Taxis and shuttle services can help you connect from the airport to Honfleur.
Sightseeing
Strolling around Honfleur feels like walking through a living museum. The town is renowned as the birthplace of impressionism and romanticism, and its rich maritime past is evident everywhere you look.
Highlights include:
- The enchanting Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) surrounded by crooked, slate-fronted houses, art galleries, and cozy cafés.
- A walk along the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses that tell the story of centuries past.
- The wooden St. Catherine's Church with its unique chestnut-shingled bell tower.
- Exploring narrow lanes that lead to hidden corners perfect for photography.
Don’t miss a visit to the local museums:
- Eugene Boudin Museum: Showcasing pre-impressionist and contemporary artworks by Norman artists.
- Maritime Museum: Discover maritime artifacts, model ships, and tales of seafarers from ages past.
Tours & Excursions
If you have a bit more time, step out of town and explore the beautiful surroundings of Normandy. Some great options include:
- A short trip to Deauville, a lovely 19th-century resort with long sandy beaches, wooden beach huts, and a charming boardwalk.
- Exploring the French countryside where rolling hills and scenic vistas set the stage for a relaxing day outside of Honfleur.
- Taking a guided walking tour to dive deeper into Honfleur’s maritime history and artistic heritage.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
Honfleur is a dream for lovers of antiques and unique works of art. In its old quarter, you'll find:
- A variety of galleries and antiquity shops filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.
- Local artisan boutiques offering handmade souvenirs that capture the spirit of Normandy.
Dining
The culinary scene in Honfleur is as charming as its streets. Seafood is a specialty here:
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor—the catch of the day is always a solid choice.
- For a truly local experience, visit the Saturday open-air market where you can pick up regional cheeses, excellent local cider, and other gourmet treats for a picnic.
- Many cafés and bistros in the town offer a cozy setting to relax and taste Normandy’s culinary delights.
Culture & Local Events
Honfleur is steeped in art, maritime history, and local traditions. Here are some tidbits to help you blend in:
Local Events
- During the summer, the town buzzes with art exhibitions, local markets, and festivals celebrating its rich seafaring past.
- Even if there isn’t a major festival on your visit, you’ll find that every street corner has a story, whether it’s through local art or an impromptu musical performance in a café.
Safety & Awareness
- The local emergency number in France is 112.
- While Honfleur is generally a very safe town, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Additionally, here are a few cultural notes that might be helpful:
- Though the Euro is the local currency, most places accept major credit cards. Still, it’s nice to have some cash for markets and smaller shops.
- Shops and cafés typically open around 8–9 AM. Many smaller businesses may close briefly for lunch between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, with some boulangeries remaining open on Sunday mornings until noon.