Fran left early for a visit to the d-Day beaches (hopefully she will write a blog post about her trip). As Chris and I had been there previously, I chose to stay onboard and work on my blog and take the shuttle bus to town in the afternoon for a walk around the village.
Honfleur is a charming port town in Normandy, France, located on the southern shore of the Seine estuary where the river meets the English Channel. The town has a population of around 8,000 people.
Honfleur has a rich maritime history dating back to the 11th century. It served as an important departure point for explorers heading to the New World, including Samuel de Champlain who sailed from here to found Quebec City in 1608. The town was also strategically important during various conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War.
The town's most iconic feature is its picturesque Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor), surrounded by tall, narrow houses with slate-covered facades that reflect beautifully in the water.
The Sainte-Catherine Church, built entirely of wood by local shipbuilders in the 15th century, is unique in France and stands as a testament to the town's maritime craftsmanship.
Honfleur became a magnet for artists in the 19th century, particularly Impressionist painters. Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, and Johan Jongkind all worked here, drawn by the exceptional quality of light and the scenic harbor views. The Eugène Boudin Museum houses works by these and other artists who painted in the area.
Today, Honfleur is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and annual festivals. The town maintains its authentic Norman character while welcoming visitors who come to experience its artistic legacy and coastal beauty.
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