A Day in Honfleur France: A Hidden Gem

A day in Honfleur France makes for a perfect adventure whether you are visiting the Normandy region or are simply looking for a day trip from Paris. While studying abroad in Le Havre, I had the opportunity to explore several Normandy towns, and with its moody vibe and coastal charm, Honfleur did not disappoint!

Listed below is everything you need to know about planning an Honfleur day trip itinerary:

Getting To and Around Honfleur

Paris To Honfleur, France

Flying into Paris makes the most sense when planning a trip to the Normandy region. Whether you are planning a day trip from Paris or if Honfleur is one of many stops in Normandy, here are your options for getting to Honfleur using public transportation:

By Train and Bus

Take the train from Paris Saint Lazare Station to Le Havre (~2 hours), from there take the bus line 111A (~30 minutes).

By Bus~ Best Option

Utilize FlixBus for the most straight-forward transportation option to Honfleur from Paris. Taking about 3 hours. Pricing is variable depending on demand.

Honfleur to Other Normandy Attractions

Honfleur to Rouen

Rouen is a great central location in Normandy to plan various day trips in the area, such as Giverny, Honfleur, Etretat, and Deauville.

From Rouen, take the bus to Le Havre and the same bus 111A to Honfleur.

Honfleur to Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is another popular stop on a Normandy itinerary that is also logistically hard to reach. If you want to visit both Mont Saint Michel and Honfleur, then I suggest visiting Honfleur first, then heading to Caen.

From Caen, utilize FlixBus for the most straightforward way to Mont Saint Michel.

For more information about Caen, France, read my guide about the best things to do while visiting.

Best Things to do in Honfleur, France

The best way to see any city is by simply wandering around and exploring. Of course, it’s nice to have a semblance of a guide to see the major sites. First stop at the visitor center where you can get a map and talk to the staff about their suggestions and what to see in Honfleur.

Vieux Basin (Old Basin)

The vieux basin is the must-see attraction in Honfleur, where the picturesque houses are lining the water. The houses remind me of the Nyhavn in Copenhagen, but moodier.

If you are looking for another activity with the beautiful backdrop, you will find several shops and restaurants surrounding the basin.

Eglise Saint Leonard

Rebuilt in the 17th century, from the previous church that was destroyed in the Hundred Years War. Admire the church’s beautiful gothic architecture and the stunning frescos on the walls and ceiling. If you are around at the top of the hour you will hear the ringing of the bell the reverberates throughout the whole town.

Church of Saint Catherine and Bell Tower

A day trip to Honfleur is not complete without visiting the Church of Saint Catherine, which was built in the 16th century out of wood from shipwrights to replace the previous structure that was destroyed in the Hundred Years War.

Make sure to also check out the bell tower that really adds to the mystique of Honfleur with the timber frame and dark shingles.

Market

Every Saturday morning, there is a market at the Church of Saint Catherine where farmers sell their produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood. The bell tower provides a beautiful backdrop for this lovely market.

I always love walking around the local markets to get a glimpse of the culture and interact with the residents.

The Lieutenancy

Getting its name from being the King Lieutenents’s accommodation during the 17th century, the Lieutenancy is the oldest structure in Honfleur and has been renovated as an exhibit with various installations showcasing maritime history. There are three different rooms with exhibits and a terrace that provides beautiful views of Honfleur’s basin.

Admission: 6 euros for adults, free for children

Honfleur Museums

For such a small town, I was surprised by the fact that Honfleur has three different museums you can choose from, ranging from different maritime subjects including ethnography, navy, and art. Listed below are each of the museums within the city center:

Note: There are discount options when you combine multiple museums and the Lieutenancy.

Eugene Boudin Museum

The Eugene Boudin Museum houses several pieces of art from the famous French landscape painter who was notoriously inspired by the Normandy landscape.

Admission: 8 Euros for adults, Free for children

Museum of Ethnography

The museum is housed in the former 16th-century prison of the Viscount of Roncheville. The museum guides you through various rooms that showcase popular Norman interiors and art.

Admission: 4 Euros for adults, free for children

The Maritime Museum

The maritime museum contains collections and models related to ships and other maritime objects dating back to the late 1800s.

Admission: 5.50 euros, free for children

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