A particular favourite of the Impressionist painters, Honfleur is a beautiful port town with timber and stone mansions lining the narrow streets which meander towards the water on the Seine estuary. You’ll find the town at its busiest during the summer months, when families congregate on the beaches and seafood eateries offer tables which spill out onto the street. Brilliant for couples, families or groups, our list of the best places to stay in Honfleur includes cosy B&Bs in the city centre, as well as superb country hotels for a tranquil rural escape.

History buffs will adore strolling around L'Enclos, the oldest part of town, and admire the marine museum, salt halls and various merchants’ houses. Visit 15th-century Saint Catherine’s Church, explore the Musée Eugène Boudin and see the Satie House & Museum for a sense of the area’s past. There are some very pretty walks within Honfleur — including around the Le Vieux Bassin, where painted fishing boasts bob in the water — as well as up Panorama Mont-Joli and the Garden des Personnalités. The Naturospace Butterfly House will be a sure-fire hit with keen naturalists of all ages, and there's plenty to see and do around the beaches or on the water.

Don’t miss seeing the fishing boasts return to port, laden with their catch in the mornings and evenings. The seafood in Normandy’s coastal towns is fabulous, and many of the best places to stay in Honfleur have wonderful restaurants specialising in fresh regional produce. Foodies will be spoilt for choice!

The Best Places to Stay in Honfleur

For a City Stay

• L'Absinthe Hôtel offers comfortable rooms in the centre of town. Whirlpool baths are a real treat, and the two restaurants promise gourmet French seafood or regional dishes in a relaxed setting. Also affordable.
• La Maison de Lucie boasts romantic rooms set around a verdant courtyard and terrace. Close to appealing restaurants and sights, this central spot is the perfect pad for well-heeled couples. Unwind in the cellar spa before sipping drinks at the bar.
• A L'Ecole Buissonniere is a pretty B&B with cosy rooms featuring exposed brick walls and French windows in a former schoolhouse. Offering five rooms close to all the key sights and hearty breakfasts. An intimate city stay.

For a Coastal Escape

• La Chaumière is a chic little coastal hotel with tranquil gardens facing the water. Book one of nine smart contemporary rooms, explore the area on the hotel's bicycles and feast at the gourmet restaurant. A romantic beach break.
• Le Manoir des Impressionnistes is a striking half-timber house nestled within mature gardens between the forest and the mouth of the Seine. Expect classic French interiors with pastel walls and antique furnishings. There's a pool, a small spa and a fabulous restaurant, too. Lovely for keen foodies eager to stay by the sea.
• Le Manoir de la Plage is a majestic seaside manor house, fusing traditional French country decor with more contemporary pieces. Rooms are light and spacious, there's a sauna, indoor pool and tennis court, and the beach is just moments away. A delight for couples or families — additional beds and smaller adjoining rooms can be booked for children.

For Families or Groups

• La Cour Sainte Catherine, set in a former convent, is a welcoming B&B in the heart of Honfleur. Book the self-catering house — which sleeps six — if travelling as a family or group. Charming, child-friendly and relaxed.
• La Petite Folie is a splendid B&B, providing gorgeous rooms and suites with vaulted ceilings, cosy fireplaces and contemporary furnishings. A superb stay for families with older children or for groups. Self-catering apartments sleep up to four guests.
• Les Maisons de Léa offers rooms, suites and a private cottage set across three buildings in central Honfleur. Expect heaps of style, a lovely spa and a great restaurant. The cottage sleeps five, and the largest house up to 12 — with a sitting room, dining area and kitchen. Great for groups.

For Rural Luxury

• Le Domaine d'Ablon is a chic rural property with just four sophisticated suites set within an idyllic half-timbered house. Think roll-top baths, big cosy beds, regional dishes serves in settings of your choice throughout the gardens, and appealing shared spaces to unwind. Spend your days walking, cycling and horse riding.
• Auberge de la Source promises an idyllic countryside escape in a pretty farmhouse with beamed ceilings and beautifully appointed rooms and suites. The excellent restaurant is a big draw for foodies, whilst families will appreciate the plethora of acitivites.
• La Ferme Saint Siméon is a striking 17th century inn, offering five-star stays close to the coast. Once a centre of the Impressionist movement, the hotel has beautifully decorated interiors, a top-notch spa, fine dining restaurant and roof terrace with panoramic views. A delight for a luxurious couples' holiday.
• Le Clos de Grace is a carefully restored coutry residence on a secluded estate. Take cookery lessons with the hotel chef, relax in the wellness centre and at the indoor pool, or stroll through manicured gardens. Charming, intimate and indulgent, for couples or families.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Deauville-Saint-Gatien Airport, just 20 minutes from Honfleur. Alternatively, make the most of regular bus and train connections to larger nearby cities.
• Normandy is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking at around 20°C in July and August — although this is the busiest time of year. September is a great choice for a quieter trip. Winters can be cool and windy.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Rouen.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Normandy.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Honfleur