Honfleur, the Venice of Normandy

Publication date
25.01.2023
Tags
#France #TotemMotoTours
Honfleur, the Venice of Normandy.
Honfleur is a charming coastal town located in the Calvados department of Normandy, France. Known for its picturesque old town and charming harbor, Honfleur is a popular destination for those looking to experience the unique culture and history of Normandy.
Honfleur's Old Pier.

One of the main draws of Honfleur is its historic old town, which is home to a number of well-preserved half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets. Visitors can explore the town's many art galleries, museums, and shops, or simply take a stroll along the famous harbor and its Vieux Bassin (Old Pier) and stop at a café's terrasse to admire the many small boats and yachts while enjoying the local seafood. It is a popular spot for painters and photographers, who are drawn to the picturesque views and the charming atmosphere of the harbor.

Honfleur's narrow cobblestone streets.
The Vieux Bassin and its many boats and yachts.
Honfleur's lieutenancy.
The typical narrow houses of the Old Port.
The Old Pier, Honfleur, Normandy.

Another must-see attraction in Honfleur is the Saint Catherine's Church, which is the largest wooden church in France and a true architectural masterpiece. The church is believed to have been built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Honfleur. It is notable for its wooden structure, which is a unique feature in Normandy where most of the religious buildings are made of stone. The church is also known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its impressive altarpiece, a masterpiece of the flamboyant gothic style.

Saint Catherine's Church in Honfleur, Normandy.
The stained-glass windows, seen from the outside.
Saint Catherine's Church in Honfleur.
A beautiful steeple in Honfleur.

For those looking to experience the natural beauty of the area, Honfleur is surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastal landscapes. Visitors can take a walk along the beach, go hiking in the nearby hills, or even take a boat trip to explore the nearby estuary. And, of course, Honfleur is only a 45-minute ride away from Étretat and its striking chalk cliffs and natural arches, sculpted by the sea.

The city of Étretat in Normandy.
The white chalk cliffs of Étretat.
The Needle is the most emblematic rock formation in Étretat.
The plunging cliffs of Étretat, Normandy.
Sunrise over Étretat, Normandy.

Discover Honfleur & Étretat with the Normandy Legends Tour!
Honfleur is part of the Normandy Legends Tour itinerary. Explore the beauties of Honfleur & Étretat and enjoy the most scenic coastal rides of Normandy with the Normandy Legends Tour. Get more information on the Normandy Legends Tour page!

Vincent Martinez
CEO & Founder Totem Moto Tours

Photo credits

Vincent Martinez
Sophie Louisnard on Unsplash
Ilnur Kalimullin on Unsplash
Heloise Delbos on Unsplash
Philipp Angerhofer on Unsplash
Ansgar Scheffold on Unsplash