If you have long dreamed of plunging into the atmosphere of past centuries, wandering along the cobbled medieval streets, sitting on the banks of the picturesque port, where huge cargo ships arrived in the past century, and also admiring the lovely half-timbered houses, then you should definitely visit Honfleur.
The small port town of Lower Normandy attracts tourists from all over the world. It seems that even time here moves somehow differently.
How to get there
From Moscow you can get to the city of Honfleur (France) through Paris, from where a high-speed train follows to Deauville. Travel time is 2 hours. Deauville is 10 km from Honfleur. You can get to your destination by bus or by taxi.
Climatic conditions
The weather in Honfleur (France) is very comfortable throughout the year. Thanks to the dominance of the temperate marine climate, mild, warm winters and fairly cool summers are here. It should be noted that from the middle of autumn the rainy season begins in the city. But even this fact does not stop numerous tourists who want to enjoy walks in the medieval city.
History
The first mention of the city of Honfleur (France) dates back to the 11th century. In ancient times, these lands were in the possession of the Vikings. This is where the name comes from. Hon is the "corner", fleu is the "river", and Honfleur is the "river turn", it refers to the Clare River, which before bouncing into the Seine makes a bizarre bend.
In the XII century, a trade route already passed through the port of the city. Due to its location, Honfleur is both a sea and a river port, which was of great importance during the Middle Ages. Honfleur served as a place of protection of the river, which led to the capital, and was also the starting point of the route of sailors to distant countries.
The city of Honfleur played a very important role in several wars.
During the French Revolution, decline and poverty reigned in the city, and only at the end of the 19th century, the successful trade in timber with Europe led to the heyday of the city.
In the late XVIII - early XIX centuries, the city of Honfleur became the center of artistic life. It brings together watercolorists and landscape painters, who are attracted by the romantic atmosphere of a medieval city located between two hills.
sights
The most significant and interesting sights of Honfleur (France) are concentrated near the port. Along the old harbor is the marvelous St. Catherine promenade, on both sides of which tiled houses of different heights are built. In addition, artists who come to Honfleur (France) find inspiration on the Sainte Caterine.
On the ground floors of the old buildings there are now numerous restaurants and cafes where you can taste local dishes.
Behind the harbor is the quarter of St. Catherine or the quarter of sailors. Its center is the Church of St. Catherine, built in the XV century. The church is the largest wooden building in France, in addition, not a single nail was used in its construction.
The church was built in accordance with the model of a covered market. Outwardly, it is somewhat reminiscent of an inverted ship with windows located around the perimeter. This is not accidental, because during its construction the same methods were used as in shipbuilding.
The bell tower was erected separately from the temple - for fire safety, this solution paid off. When lightning struck the high bell tower on the hill, the church itself did not burn.
The church of St. Catherine has an organ that was donated by the Rouen parish, and the balcony, made in the Renaissance style, is decorated with figures of musicians.
Another significant attraction of Honfleur in France are the Salt Barns, built in the 17th century. They are made of stone, which was once the basis of urban fortifications. A huge amount of salt was stored in the barns, which was used for salting fish caught in coastal waters and the open sea. After restoration, the two preserved barn were recognized as cultural monuments and are currently used for various city events: concerts, performances, exhibitions, seminars.
Near the barns is the oldest church of Honfleur - the church of Saint Etienne, made in the Gothic style. It was erected in the 15th century. Now inside the church there is a museum of the sea, where qualified guides conduct excursions for everyone.
From the hill of Côte de Grasse, which can be reached either on foot or on a tourist train, an incredible view of the river opens. Over the hill, tourists can see the Notre-Dame-de-Grasse church, where sailors came to pray and ask for blessings before the upcoming exit to the sea.
Honfleur Museums
Not only art lovers, but also those who want to spend time watching the beautiful creations by great artists, should visit the Eugene Boudin Museum of Art, which will be opened in Honfleur and donated more than 50 of its paintings to this city. The works of his friends and colleagues are exhibited here, including the great Monet, who lived and worked in Honfleur for some time.
You can plunge into the life and life of the inhabitants of Normandy of past centuries by visiting a museum located in the building of a former prison of the 16th century. Here, the attention of tourists are presented household items, traditional costumes, interiors of medieval houses. A visit to this museum would be a great idea for tourists traveling with children.
A trip to the house of composer and musician Sati will be an interesting experience. The fact is that the museum is interactive. Each visitor is given headphones in which the composer's fantastic music tells the stories of his life and work.
The city has a large number of parks where you can have a good time, have a picnic, lie on the well-groomed grass or ride a bicycle.
Honfleur's interesting attraction is the Butterfly House. The huge pavilion maintains an equatorial climate and a constant temperature of 28 ° C. A huge number of colorful butterflies fly among tropical plants, accompanying tourists during their excursions, and sometimes even sitting on the traveler’s shoulder or arm.
Behind the Butterfly House is another place that can often be seen on magnets, a photo of Honfleur (France) and postage stamps.
Garden of personalities is a place where busts of famous personalities who lived or stayed for a while in the port city are installed. The gardens themselves are made in the form of boats, which once again emphasizes the originality of a cozy town.
Beach vacation
Butain Beach, according to reviews of Honfleur in France, is one of the best beaches in the country. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay: secure parking, sun loungers and umbrellas, a large number of shops and restaurants. The beach is very clean and well maintained. In the midst of the tourist season, a large number of tourists always want to relax here, who want to refresh themselves in the cool sea waters.
Honfleur Beach is an ideal place for those who wish to engage in various water sports. You can also take kitesurfing lessons here.
Where to stay?
Those who wish to spend some time in a cozy port town can stay at one of the many hotels in Honfleur (France).
At a distance of only 300 m from the promenade and the Old Port, there is a wonderful object for accommodation - Hotel L'Ecrin. According to reviews of tourists, it is considered one of the best in terms of price / quality. The comfortable rooms are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The cost of a night stay at this hotel starts from 150 euros.
The modern Domaine Du Clos Fleuri is located 3 km from the city center and just a 6-minute walk from the sea coast. A spa and wellness center are located on site. The average price per night is 240 euros.
Honfleur also has more budget accommodation. Tourists can stay in one of the many guest houses or hostels located in ancient buildings.
Restaurants
In the city of Honfleur in France there are a large number of cozy cafes and restaurants where you can taste delicious dishes of national cuisine.
A good place, according to tourists, is the restaurant Les Cascades. The chef's main dish is mussels. The average check is 10-30 euros per person.
At Au tu gourme restaurant, for a reasonable amount you can taste delicious seafood and one of the best snacks - a fish sandwich.
Dine on the veranda and enjoy one of the tourists' favorite dishes - herring fillets in the cozy restaurant L'Écluse. The average bill goes 10-20 euros. For those who want to save money, you can order a comprehensive lunch, including a wide variety of dishes.
Tourists reviews
According to reviews of Honfleur (France), the city receives the highest rating in all respects. Those who are fortunate enough to be here are enthusiastic about their impressions. Walking along the medieval streets, relaxing on the embankment of the old port, dining in cozy seaside restaurants - this is something for which you should definitely allocate at least one day and come to Honfleur.
Particularly noteworthy are walks through the night city, illuminated by numerous lights, when you can take your time to order a glass of real French wine in a coastal cafe and enjoy the views.