Honfleur

This town first came to note in the 11th century under King Richard III. Honfleur had become a rich town by the middle of 12th century, being the harbour through which the trade from Rouen passed on its way to England.
It was therefore already fortified before the Hundred Year’s War began in 1337 and as the war dragged on its city walls were strengthened and reinforced. After the hundred years War finished, the trade, which had slowed but never stopped, picked up and again the town grew in importance but waned again when the religious wars of the 16th century interrupted affairs.

Many explorers left from this harbour including the founders of the city of Quebec and French trade with Canada developed from here. Again the French Revolution caused a lot of damage and with the later development of the new harbour of Le Havre on the other side of the estuary, Honfleur never again regained its former glory- but to this day has never lost it’s old world charm. There is no better illustration of this point than the many pictures of the town painted by artists such as Monet and Boudin, artists later to become known as the founders of Impressionist Art.

To Visit
– The historic town centre and harbour
– Sainte-Catherine’s church (the largest wooden church in France)
– Art galleries…

More information : Honfleur Tourist Office