Book one of our Honfleur hotels and discover a town with a rich history and cultural heritage which is one of the most visited places in France.
Old dock
Overlooked on three sides by old townhouses, their reflections shimmering in the water, the Vieux-Bassin or old dock was built in 1681 on the instructions of Louis XIV's finance minister. It has changed little since then. The houses on the Quai Sainte-Catherine have two ground floors – one opening onto the quay and a higher one on the other side.
At one end of the dock stands La Lieutenance, a 17th-century stone building used as a residence by the King's Lieutenant. It is the only building left from the ancient port before it was revamped. On one side is the Porte de Caen gate, which guarded the entrance to the medieval fortress.
Close to the port is St Catherine's Church built in the 15th century by the sailors who lived in the area – the roof is similar to a ship's hull. Look out too for the bust of Samuel de Champlain, who set out from Honfleur to found Quebec in 1608, by the old harbour wall.
Museums
The 14th-century Church of Saint-Étienne is now the Maritime Museum, dedicated to Honfleur's seafaring history. You'll see model ships, artwork, plans, maps, sea chests and other maritime artefacts, as well as displays on different explorers.
Landscape painter Eugène Boudin was born in Honfleur in 1824 and encouraged many artists to come to the town, including Monet, who he mentored. The museum named after him displays works by 19th and 20th-century artists, including Monet, Jongkind, Gernez and Courbet as well as the man himself.
The former home of the composer Erik Satie is now a museum dedicated to the eccentric musician, who inspired Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky. Headphones play you his music as you walk through the rooms and discover his crazy world.
Eating and drinking
With two Michelin stars, a title standing for ‘flavours, quality,natural' and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, SaQuaNa is the brainchild of chef Alexandre Bourdas. There's a choice of either a five-course or eight-course menu, and a kids' menu too. Another popular Certificate of Excellence winner is L'Assiette des Mondes, whose menu mixes influences from France and the rest of the world. There is an emphasis here on inclusivity and on welcoming people of all religions and from all walks of life. For light lunches, breakfast, brunch, cakes and pastries, head to a third Certifcate of Excellence winner, the popular Travel's Coffee. Expect a warm welcome, generous portions and perhaps a seat on the terrace in fine weather.
