Free walking tours in Honfleur and what to see

Must-sees

Honfleur is a Normandy port on the Seine estuary, facing Le Havre. Its classic view is the Vieux Bassin, the old harbour surrounded by tall, narrow houses with slate and timber façades, where sailing boats now moor. At the harbour entrance stands the Lieutenance, the former residence of the king’s representative, and the surrounding streets are full of art galleries.

A few steps away is the church of Sainte-Catherine, built of wood by shipwrights, with its bell tower standing separately across the square. The Eugène Boudin museum recalls the painters who worked here and on the nearby coast, and the Maisons Satie are devoted to the composer, who was born in the town. For views of the estuary and the Pont de Normandie, climb the Côte de Grâce hill, where there is a small sailors’ chapel.

Free tours and guided visits

Honfleur has no regular free walking tour. The options are more original: a food tour of the market to taste Norman produce, a bike ride around the town and its surroundings, and a private sidecar tour leaving from Honfleur to explore the area. The tourist office is a good starting point for getting your bearings.

How long to spend

The centre can be explored in half a day: the Vieux Bassin, Sainte-Catherine and the gallery streets. If you add the Eugène Boudin museum, the climb to the Côte de Grâce and a leisurely lunch, allow a full day. Honfleur works well as a base for two or three days, combined with the Côte Fleurie, Trouville and Deauville, the Pays d’Auge or a visit to Étretat across the estuary.

Where to stay

The nicest place to stay is the historic centre, by the Vieux Bassin or in the Sainte-Catherine quarter, with small hotels, guesthouses and apartments in old buildings. In the evening, once the day visitors leave, the harbour is much quieter. On the outskirts and towards the Côte de Grâce there are places with gardens and parking, practical if you are driving.