Key Facts About Honfleur, France

📍 Location

• Region: Normandy (Normandie)

• Department: Calvados

• Nearest Major City: Le Havre (~30 min), Caen (~1 hr), Paris (~2 hrs by car)

• Coordinates: 49.4194° N, 0.2329° E

• Situated on: The southern bank of the Seine estuary

🌟 What Makes It Special

• Iconic Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) lined with slate-roofed 16th–18th century buildings

• Birthplace of Eugène Boudin, mentor to Claude Monet

• Center of early Impressionist art

• Home to France’s largest wooden church

• Delightful mix of fishing village charm and artistic legacy

🌞 Best Time to Visit

• May to September for sunshine, street performers, and open galleries

• December for a cozy Christmas market

• Avoid rainy late autumn if you want clear harbor views

🎨 Top Things to See & Do

• Vieux Bassin (Old Port) – the heart of Honfleur, perfect for strolls and seafood

• Église Sainte-Catherine – a unique all-wooden church built by shipbuilders

• Eugène Boudin Museum – features works by Boudin, Monet, Courbet, and more

• Maisons Satie – surreal museum dedicated to composer Erik Satie, born here

• Jardin des Personnalités – riverside sculpture park honoring local figures

• Panoramic views from Côte de Grâce – a short hillwalk with scenic rewards

🍴 Local Flavors

• Fresh oysters and mussels served right by the port

• Galettes (savory buckwheat crepes) with regional cider

• Apple tarts and creamy Norman cheeses (try Pont-l'Évêque or Camembert)

• Calvados brandy and Pommeau (apple aperitif) tastings

• Authentic fish stew and butter-based pastries

🛏️ Where to Stay

• Chic harborside hotels with marina views

• Half-timbered inns with historical flair

• Cozy guesthouses and boutique B&Bs tucked away in cobbled alleys

🚗 Getting There

• By car: 2 hrs from Paris via A13

• By train: Nearest station is in Deauville, then short bus/taxi

• By bus: From Le Havre, Caen, or Rouen

• On foot: Explore the compact town easily without a car

📸 Travel Tip

Golden hour at the Old Port offers the best photography lighting — the colorful buildings reflect beautifully off the water, just like a Monet painting.

✨ Did You Know?

Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet, and Johan Jongkind all painted scenes of Honfleur. The town played a major role in the birth of Impressionism.

📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing art history, seafood feasts, or tranquil harbor walks, Honfleur is a dreamlike destination that delivers on both beauty and culture. It’s a must-visit for romantic getaways, Normandy road trips, and lovers of all things French.