Honfleur is a very picturesque town centred on the old port in the middle of town with lots of little lanes of old buildings spreading outwards. It is well worth taking time to have lunch at one of the many waterside restaurants followed by a meander along the quaysides and the local streets.
My wife and I were on a tour of France that made a quick stop in Honfleur. Gorgeous sailboats were docked side-by-side in Honfleur’s picturesque little harbor. The harbor is lined with picturesque storybook shops, cafés, and restaurants. We were able to get a quick lunch of crêpes at harbor-side café, but didn’t really have enough time to explore the town. We wish we had been able to spend more time in Honfleur, as it looks like it would be an interesting place.
We were in Honfleur at an amazing time with the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Pentecost a couple of days apart. The blessing of the seamen celebrations along with the D-Day events made the port a special site. Children learning to sail in their mini-boats, the reflection of the multi-colored houses on the water and the reflection of the lights and carousel at night made le vieux bassin a wonderful place to celebrate life and freedom! If you are planning a Normandy visit put Honfleur (and obviously this port) on your list.
WE had breakfast (croissants and coffee) sitting outside at Quay side. wonderful watching the harbor
Honfleur is simply the most stunning coastal town in Normandy. A beautiful harbour, with so many amazing restaurants, galleries and bars.
Took a cruise ship excursion here. This is pretty typical of other small fishing villages. There are nice streets to walk around, places to stop and eat, and gift shops. Like many small towns they also have a carousel. The town is very picturesque, worth a look if you are in the area. I wouldn't recommend going way out of my way to stop here.
Stopped at Honfleur after reading some very positive reviews on TripAdvisor, was not disappointed! Wonderful small labour, lovely walk around the edges and plenty of places to eat. Saturday morning until 1pm there is also a good market thats worth a wonder around.
Must be seen to be believed. You may have seen plenty of pictures of Le Vieux Bassin by the Impressionists but nothing can compare with seeing this beautiful place in person. The changing light on the Seine estuary inspired Courbet, Monet, Boudin and many others. Today the port inspires many tourists with its amazing picturesque sights. It is amust to witness the myriad of shops known for their paintings and handicrafts as well as the alleyways and half-timbered houses, propped up by stiff, stone-clad mansions or leaning on the heads of former fishermen's cottages.
The pictures tell all: very many good restaurants overlook the harbour: when I last went two years ago, the eateries spread right from the houses out onto the waterfront: They were not so this time 2015, but they all have wonderful COVERED views of the boats and water. The ancient houses, eight or more stories high provide a perfect backdrop for this sanctuary harbour. At night, the area is alive with lights, very romantic, perhaps ladies should wear a sensible heel or flatties, the walkways and pavements are not all they should be, but hey! thats what ancient waterfronts are like, aren't they? The eating places are interspersed with little jewellery shops, which will tempt you. All Honfleur sites are accessible by foot.
The Vieux Bassin is beautiful, it is clear why artists have been painting here for years. Unfortunately there is dog mess all over the town so it's worth taking your time both for the scenery and for the sake of your shoes. Dog owners please take note...