Honfleur Old Port
Normandie
Honfleur Old Port, located in the heart of the town of Honfleur in Normandy, France, is a historic harbor renowned for its narrow slate-covered houses that line the basin, reflecting beautifully in the water. Established in the late 17th century under the orders of Colbert and expanded by Louis XIV, the port replaced an older, narrower harbor and became a hub of maritime trade. The charming quay Sainte-Catherine, with houses dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, is a protected historic monument and a favorite subject for artists such as Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin, Claude Monet, and Johan Jongkind, who contributed to the emergence of the Impressionist movement. The port area includes the quai Saint-Étienne, home to the historic town hall and the Saint-Étienne church, now a maritime museum, and the lieutenance building, the last significant remnant of the town's fortifications. Historically, Honfleur was a key port for transatlantic trade, including voyages to Canada and the West Indies, and was involved in the French slave trade. Today, the Old Port remains a vibrant tourist attraction, with many restaurants and brasseries occupying the ground floors of the historic buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's maritime and artistic past.
Plan your trip to France with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit Honfleur Old Port in the spring or early autumn to enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds. Booking accommodations or dining reservations in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Many of the historic quay-side buildings house restaurants and shops, so plan some time to explore these. Visitors can purchase combined tickets for the maritime museum and other local attractions to benefit from discounts. The port area is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for leisurely strolls.
Interesting facts
- •The Old Port's slate-covered houses were frequently painted by famous artists such as Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin, Claude Monet, and Johan Jongkind.
- •Honfleur was a significant port for the French transatlantic slave trade, organizing 142 expeditions and deporting approximately 50,000 captives.
- •The Old Port basin covers about one hectare, measuring approximately 130 meters in length and 70-85 meters in width.
- •The Saint-Étienne church near the port is now a maritime museum and is protected as a historic monument.
- •The port was expanded under the direction of Colbert and later Louis XIV in the 17th and 18th centuries.
History
The first records of Honfleur date back to 1025.
The Old Port (Vieux Bassin) was created between 1681 and 1684 by order of Colbert, replacing an older, narrower harbor and requiring the demolition of part of the town's fortifications.
Louis XIV further enlarged the basin in the early 18th century.
Honfleur thrived as a maritime trading hub from the 16th to 18th centuries, including involvement in exploration voyages to Canada and the West Indies and participation in the French slave trade.
The port's strategic location made it important during the Hundred Years' War and subsequent conflicts.
Its fortifications are now largely gone, with only the lieutenance building remaining as a historic vestige.
Place Guide
Quai Sainte-Catherine16th-18th centuries
This quay is lined with about forty narrow houses dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, many with slate facades and some built in encorbellement. These houses are protected as historic monuments and are a hallmark of Honfleur's charm, frequently depicted by Impressionist painters. The ground floors now host restaurants and brasseries, making it a lively area for visitors.
Quai Saint-ÉtienneVarious, church protected since 1932, town hall since 1989
Located on the eastern side of the basin, this quay includes the historic town hall and the Saint-Étienne church, which has been converted into the maritime museum. The area is accessible via three small alleys and offers insight into Honfleur's maritime heritage.
Lieutenance BuildingHistoric fortification, exact date unknown
The lieutenance is the last major remnant of Honfleur's fortifications and was formerly the residence of the king's lieutenant. It sits on the northern maritime side of the basin and is an important historical landmark.
The Basin ItselfCreated 1681-1684, expanded 1720-1725
The Vieux Bassin covers about one hectare, measuring roughly 130 meters by 70-85 meters. It was created in the late 17th century to replace an older, narrower harbor and has been expanded since. The basin is surrounded by public quays and includes a movable bridge over the channel to the outer port.
Contact
Phone: 06 50 89 40 51