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Honfleur, at the mouth of the Seine River, is so picturesque it has been memorialized by impressionist artists like Georges Seurat, Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin. And the good news is that today, while quite touristic, it's still a darling place to visit. Its appeal is not just its medieval ambience and its half-timbered Norman-style buildings, pretty harbor and cobbled streets. It's also the light, as it reflects the sky and sea, which has inspired so many artists from the impressionists to hobbyists.
And while Honfleur has some historic attractions, it's also a perfect port for simply strolling through the lanes, sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe or doing a bit of shopping.
Don't Miss: On a walking tour, visit St. Catherine's Church. It was built entirely out of wood in the 15th century. The Eugene Boudin Museum honors the impressionist painter who was a native of Honfleur.
Independent Meanderings: Shop for authentic French wares at Saint James de la Mer. For a sublime lunchtime splash-out, dine at a Seine-facing table at Les Impressionistes in the La Ferme Saint Simeon Hotel. (Try the apple-glazed foie gras and "fishing boat" sole if they're on the menu). The less ambitious can create their own picnics by picking up delicious Norman cheeses and meats at any local food shop.
Active Pursuits: Stroll around the old harborfront and make sure to explore backstreets, too.
Insider Tips: Honfleur's only downside: Very few riverboats can actually dock here. In our case, we were based in Rouen and there was an hourlong bus transfer to Honfleur. And like Rouen, this is a port of call for both ocean and river travelers (via day trip).
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