Honfleur: Day Trips and Tours from Paris

On the coast of Normandy, perfectly situated by the sea, is the city of Honfleur. With a history spanning 1,000 years, Honfleur was an important transit point when crossing over to the British Isles and remains a popular destination in France.

Exploring a picturesque old harbor and trawlers, cobbled alleys and wooden buildings, a day trip to Honfleur from Paris can be a very fulfilling experience.

Here is everything you need to know about Honfleur, one of the most exciting day trips from Paris.

How to travel from Paris to Honfleur?

Honfleur is located on the Normandy coast, about 200 kilometers northwest of Paris. It is easily accessible by car or bus.

From Paris to Honfleur by car

To get to Honfleur by car from Paris, you need to go westward on the A13 motorway and then change to the A29 in a northbound direction towards Le Havre.

When you reach Pont l’ Evêque, the D579 will lead you to the center of Honfleur. The journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

From Paris to Honfleur by bus

You can catch a direct bus to Honfleur from the La Défense or Quai de Bercy stations in Paris. Depending on the route you chose, the journey can last about 2 hours or 3.5 hours.

Guided tour to Honfleur from Paris

Should you wish to avoid taking the bus or driving out to Honfleur, you can go on a guided tour. These tours may also include pickup from your accommodation, making the round trip even more relaxed.

What is the typical itinerary?

The journey to Honfleur begins in Paris and depending on the tour you have booked, you may stop along the way in Giverny, Rouen or Etretat. After a bit of sightseeing in the area, you will continue to Honfleur.

With the help of a guide, you can explore the coastal town and check out some of the main sights. You will also have the opportunity to visit a calvados distillery to sample the locally produced drink.

Your journey may then continue to Mont Saint Michel with stops along the way in Deauville and Pays d’Auge to stretch your legs. After you have toured the island of Mont Saint Michel, your guided will return you to Paris.

What tour options are there for visiting Honfleur?

Guided tours to Honfleur from Paris

The most straightforward way to experience Honfleur is with a guided tour. Typically, these tours also include visits to other places along the way, such as Rouen, as well as local food and wine tasting.

A guided tour will also take you to other key towns and areas in the region, such as Deauville and the Côte Fleurie.

Private transfer without guide to Honfleur from Paris

Should you desire to explore Honfleur on your own, you can book a private transfer without a guide. Once there, you can plan your day trip in Normandy as you please.  These services are round-trip and include pickup from your accommodation.

Private tour to Honfleur plus Mont Saint Michel from Paris

For a more relaxed and comfortable jaunt to Normandy, consider booking a private tour to Honfleur and Mont Saint Michel. The journey starts from your hotel in Paris and continues to Honfleur and then Mont Saint Michel.

These private tours are ideal for smaller groups and include round-trip transportation and entrance fees.

Private tour to Honfleur plus Giverny and Rouen from Paris

Should you prefer a more intimate and flexible experience, you have the option of a private tour to Honfleur along with Giverny or Rouen. During the tour, you may also stop at other areas of interest in the area, such as Monet’s House or Etretat.

They also include hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, and calvados tasting at a local distillery.

What is the typical cost of a day trip from Paris to Honfleur?

Guided tours to Honfleur cost between €180 and €330, depending on the additional stops along the way (such as Rouen or Etretat) and the size of your group. For a private transfer to Honfleur without a guide, expect to pay about €100 per person.

Private tours to Honfleur plus Mont Saint Michel from Paris will usually cost between €160 to €600, depending on the size of the group, destinations and length of the trip.

The cost of a private tour to Honfleur plus Giverny and Rouen ranges from €200 to €450, depending on group size and additional stops along the way.

What will you see and do?

Old Harbor

The main attraction in Honfleur is the Old Harbor, also known as Le Vieux Bassin. The port was built in the 1600s and is distinguished by the wooden-framed houses, old churches and cobbled alleys in the surrounding area.

On a nice sunny day or starlit evening, it is ideal for a drink or bite in one of the many bars and restaurants with a romantic view of the harbor.

Saint Catherine Church

Near the town port, you will find the Church of Saint Catherine, which is the largest and oldest wooden church in France. This church is unusual in that its bell tower is separate from the main building.

It was constructed in the 15th century, after the end of the Hundred Years’ War, and is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Honfleur.

Le Jardin des Personnalités

Located on the northern side of Honfleur, the Jardin des Personnalités (Garden of Personalities) is a short walk from the old port. This landscaped park features small gardens dedicated to various personalities associated with the town.

A stroll through the park with busts of local legends and well-known artists who visited or lived there will reveal much of Honfleur’s history.

Calvados

No visit to Normandy is complete without a sampling of calvados. This locally produced brandy is made from apples or pears (or a combination of both) and is one of the region’s greatest exports.

In Honfleur you will find many stores dedicated to the alcoholic beverage and visit local producers for tasting tours.

When is the best time to visit Honfleur?

The best time to visit Honfleur is from May to September, when the weather is warm. During autumn and winter, the weather can be mild, but also rainy.

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 Bayeux

Travel tips

• It is easy to get around Honfleur on foot, so make sure you pack a pair of comfortable shoes.
• If you enjoy seafood, don't forget to try moules-frites, which is mussels with French fries.
• Should you travel to Honfleur by car, keep in mind that parking is not free.