Things to Do in Honfleur: Art, Seafood and a Walkable Port Town
Honfleur is a small harbor town in Normandy with winding alleys, boats lining the water, and tall buildings packed tight around the old port. It was a departure point for explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries, and later became a favorite of painters and writers. Today, it’s more about slow walks, good food, and taking your time. Honfleur isn’t about big attractions. It’s the kind of place you enjoy slowly, on foot, one neighborhood at a time.
Exploring the Harbor and Town Center
We parked just outside the old center and walked in. The harbor is the main draw, with narrow boats, tall townhouses, and a full loop of restaurants and cafés. It’s worth walking all the way around before heading into the side streets.
The town itself is compact, with timber-framed houses, stone alleys, and a few corners that still feel quiet even in high season.
Saint Catherine’s Church
Right near the harbor is Saint Catherine’s Church. It’s built entirely of wood and was constructed by shipbuilders in the 15th century. The interior feels more like a boat hull than a chapel. It’s small, free to enter, and doesn’t take long to see, but it’s worth checking out.
Eugène Boudin Museum
We also visited the Eugène Boudin Museum, a small collection of local art just a short walk from the harbor. Boudin was born in Honfleur and is often credited with influencing Monet. The two were friends, and Boudin encouraged him to paint outdoors , a key shift that shaped Impressionism. The museum focuses on coastal Normandy landscapes and includes works by Boudin, other local painters, and a few later pieces from the Impressionist period. It’s quiet, well laid out, and worth stopping in if you want a break from walking.
Erik Satie Museum
We didn’t know exactly what to expect from the Erik Satie museum, but it ended up being one of the most memorable stops of the day. You wear headphones the whole time, and the audio changes as you move through each room. It’s part biography, part surreal art installation. The museum is strange and a little disorienting in the best way. If you like music, or just want something completely different from the usual museum setup, it’s worth it.
Local Shops and Streets
Honfleur is full of shops selling cider, Calvados, salted butter caramels, and everything you’d expect from Normandy. Some are touristy, but others offer small-batch products worth picking up. We’ve brought home cider from Honfleur that was better than anything we found in larger towns later.
Where We Ate
We had lunch at Le Vintage, a few blocks from the harbor. It was quieter than the waterfront spots, which was exactly what we wanted. The food was fresh and well done. No gimmicks, no crowds. Better value than most places closer to the water. We had a 3 course menu for €25 and it was amazing.
Know Before You Go
When to visit: Late spring or early fall. Weekends can get busy, but early mornings are quiet.
How to get there: About 2.5 hours from Paris by car. Also reachable from Le Havre or Deauville in under an hour.
Where to park: Paid lots just outside the old town. Park once and walk.
What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes. The streets are cobbled and slightly uneven.
Planning More Coastal Travel in France?
If you’re exploring Normandy or heading along the coast, check out:
Things to Do in Étretat – Cliff hikes, sculpture gardens and local cider
Things to Do in Rouen – Gothic cathedrals, historic streets and a proper French dinner
A Weekend in Giverny – Monet’s garden, Seine views and a stay at Domaine de la Corniche