Our final stop of our 3 day tour of France ended in Honfleur, France. Our ship is actually docked in Le Havre but we chose this cute little town about a 30 minute drive from the ship to explore. We’ve been here before in 2019 and loved it, hoping our friends will enjoy this quaint little town.
Honfleur’s history is as rich and colorful as its architecture. The town’s strategic location at the mouth of the Seine River made it a thriving port since the Middle Ages. It was a key player in the exploration era, with famous sailors like Jean-Paul Lemaire and Jacques Cartier setting sail from its harbor. The town’s prosperity is evident in the stunning 16th and 17th-century merchant houses that line the harbor. The colors of the houses make it a popular tourist attraction and photo stop.
In the 19th century, Honfleur became a haven for artists, including Impressionists like Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin. Their fascination with the town’s unique light and atmosphere is palpable in their works, and it’s easy to see why they were captivated by this enchanting place.
Our day began with a leisurely walk through the town center. Stopping at a French cafe for coffee and what we hoped would be crepes. However, they view crepes as a dessert so we would need to come back later. The coffee however was great for this cool morning.
We wandered through the narrow streets, admiring the half-timbered houses adorned with colorful flowers.
The Sainte-Catherine Church was on our list to see. A remarkable wooden structure built in the 15th century by local shipwrights, it is France’s largest wooden church and boasts a unique ship-like design. The church’s bell tower is a separate building, a precautionary measure against fire.
Honfleur’s population is relatively small, with just over 8,000 people. However, the town’s popularity as a tourist destination means that the population swells during the summer months. Despite the influx of visitors, Honfleur retains its authentic character and welcoming atmosphere.
It’s worth noting that Honfleur was the birthplace of renowned historian and writer, Albert Sorel. His works have significantly contributed to understanding French history. While we didn’t have time to explore any specific sites related to him, it’s fascinating to think about the intellectual legacy this town has produced.
As we walked through we couldn’t help but notice the plaques and memorials dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for France. Le Souvenir Français, a French association dedicated to preserving the memory of the fallen, plays a crucial role in maintaining these memorials. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
Honfleur played a significant role during World War II. The town was liberated on September 11, 1944, by the British Army.
Evidence of this tumultuous period can still be seen today, particularly at the Port de Plaisance. Here, remnants of the war, such as underwater obstacles and sunken vessels, serve as haunting reminders of the conflict.
As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves in a charming little eatery. The perfect ending to our day in Honfleur was indulging in the iconic French crepes. Sitting in the heart of Honfleur we had full view of its bustling harbor, people watching and reminiscing over our three days together exploring the history of our three countries.
Our next stop will be Bruges, Belgium
May God bless you always.
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 