Honfleur: Day Trips and Tours from Bayeux

The picturesque port city of Honfleur is one of France’s most popular places to visit. The colorful half-timbered houses along the old harbor have caught the eye of more than one iconic artist, while the pier, art galleries, cafés and other well-known landmarks and historical sites ensure that visitors have plenty of options when exploring this scenic Seine Estuary destination.

For an immersive tour of the area, a day trip to Honfleur from Bayeux that includes sightseeing in Bayeux and an opportunity to sample the delectable cheeses and ciders of the region in Pays d’Auge is highly recommended.

Here's all you need to know about Honfleur, one of the most exciting day trips from Bayeux.

How to get to Honfleur from Bayeux?

The old port city of Honfleur is located on the banks of the Seine estuary, to the north-east of Bayeux.

From Bayeux to Honfleur by car

The most direct route to Honfleur from Bayeux, travels east and then north along the A13. The roughly 90-kilometer trip takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Bayeux to Honfleur by bus

It is possible to travel to Honfleur from Bayeux by bus. A direct journey takes just over an hour, while traveling along the region’s coastal roads via Trouville-sur-Mer requires one bus change and can take between two and four hours, depending on the connection time.

Guided tour to Honfleur from Bayeux

If you’re looking for a pleasant and hassle-free experience, consider a private guided tour with a knowledgeable guide to Honfleur from Bayeux. Your tour will begin with a pickup from your hotel and you’ll travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan. A private tour from Bayeux to Honfleur and Pays d’Auge lasts around eight hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical tour departs your hotel or the Bayeux Train Station in the early morning, starting the day with a visit to Bayeux Cathedral to see the iconic Bayeux Tapestry. In Honfleur, you will experience the charm of this waterside city that attracts artists and traders alike.

The next destination is Pays d’Auge where a demonstration on the production of Normandy’s famous apple brandy is followed by a stroll to appreciate the panoramic views of the Tourques Valley from Beaumont-en-Auge.

As the day draws to an end, your guide will return you safely to your Bayeux hotel or the train station for your onward arrangements.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Honfleur?

You can travel to Honfleur on a private excursion that begins in Bayeux.

Private full-day tour to Honfleur and Pays d’Auge from Honfleur

With a focus on Normandy’s cultural and culinary history, a private full-day tour to Honfleur and Pays d’Auge from Bayeux is suitable for visitors wanting the personal attention of an experienced guide.

The tour includes sightseeing in Bayeux, Honfleur and Beaumont-en-Auge, and a taste experience at Pays d’Auge. Children are welcome on the excursion, but under 18’s will not be able to participate in any tastings of alcoholic beverages.

How much does a day trip to Honfleur from Bayeux cost?

Private full-day tours from Bayeux that include Bayeux, Honfleur and Pays d’Auge cost from €400 to €900 per group, with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight participants.

Some admission tickets are included in the price, but you can choose whether to pay for optional activities, such as food tasting tours. Lunch and refreshments will be at your own expense.

What will you see and do?

A private tour beginning in Bayeux reveals the cultural and culinary heritage of Normandy. The impressive Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral is a top attraction in Bayeux, as is the iconic Bayeux Tapestry that commemorates the life of William the Conqueror.

As you travel from Bayeux to Honfleur, your guide will enlighten you about the long and fascinating history of this region of France, which is only a short distance away from England’s East Coast. A walking tour in Honfleur allows you to immerse yourself in this colorful waterfront town.

The Vieux Bassin, timber-framed houses in the old Town, and France’s largest wooden church - Saint Catherine’s – are all part of what makes this such a loved destination for locals and visitors alike. If you have time, you can ascend Mont-Joli for a panoramic view of Pont de Normandie, the largest cable-stayed bridge in the world spanning just over 2 kilometers from Honfleur to Le Havre.

After Honfleur, the tour begins to wind its way back west, stopping at Pays d’Auge for a Calvados experience. This immersive tour provides a multisensory experience that explores the history and production of one of Normandy’s oldest and most famous apple brandy producers. You will also have the opportunity to taste locally produced cheeses, including Camembert.

Next, a short stop in the small town of Beaumont-en-Auge, home to one of the last kaleidoscope manufacturers in France. Your tour concludes back in Bayeux. Depending on weather conditions, your sightseeing in Bayeux may also take place at the end of the day’s itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Honfleur?

The best time for a visit to Honfleur is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and pleasant. As one of the region’s most popular places to visit, it can get very busy during the summer months.

Are there any tours to Honfleur from other cities in France?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in France:

• Day trips to Honfleur from Paris

Travel tips

• Advise your tour operator if you would like to customize your tour.
• Pre-book your lunch reservation if possible.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes to better explore Honfleur.
• Carry a lightweight rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.