Honfleur Cruises
Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.
Top Experiences
Bayeux Tapestry
Just over an hour away from Honfleur, the town of Bayeux – specifically the Bayeux Tapestry Museum – is home to the Bayeux Tapestry. The legendary embroided cloth is nearly 70 metres in length and depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, culminating in the Battle of Hastings.
Art
Honfleur is known for its impressionist painters, the most well-known being Monet.
Churches
Saint Catherine’s church is made entirely of wood and is in fact France’s largest timber-built church. The previous stone church was destroyed during the hundred years’ war and was replaced with the new wooden church in the late 15th century. Opposite the church is a separate bell tower made of oak.
Honfleur is home to many other churches, including the Chapel of Notre Dame de Grace. The Chapel was re-built in 1615 by sailors and local people, and is a pilgrimage site to Our Lady of Grace. The chapel is dedicated to protecting sailors and fishermen. It sits on a hill and is surrounded by trees, providing spectacular views.
Cruises to Honfleur
River Cities of France & Portugal • L2413
- Cruise along the serene River Seine en route to Rouen
- Sample French wine and cheese, and custard tarts in Lisbon
- Discover the history of the Age of Discoveries
Discovering Normandy & the Channel Islands • S2411
- Sample camembert and Calvados in Honfleur
- Discover the history of St. Peter Port in Guernsey
- Enjoy the sub-tropical microclimate of the Isles of Scilly
Discovering Normandy & the Channel Islands • S2419
- Sample a Fred. Olsen cruise over the Bank Holiday
- Enjoy a Scenic Discovery around the Channel Islands
- Visit the glorious Tresco Abbey Gardens
Floral Amsterdam, Normandy & the Isles of Scilly • S2509
- See horticultural highlights in three destinations
- Meet a local tulip grower in Amsterdam
- Explore the beautiful Abbey Gardens in Tresco, St. Mary's
France & Spain with the River Seine • L2508
- Balmoral's smaller size allows her to dock in the heart of Bordeaux
- Visit a local French vineyard and enjoy a tasting session
- Enjoy Scenic Discoveries of the River Seine
French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux • L2516
- Sail along the picturesque River Seine, only possible on smaller ships
- Join a tour to France's capital and experience Parisian life
- Discover the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo
French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux • L2521
- Enjoy scenic cruising of the Seine en route to Rouen and Bordeaux
- Experience Parisian daily life on a tour to the capital, from Rouen
- Visit the iconic tidal abbey of Mont St. Michel
Dramatic Coastlines of France & Britain • T2516
- Explore the iconic Jurassic Coast and Mont St. Michel
- Sample Cornish pasties, cream teas and local cider
- Discover the botanical treasure of the Lost Gardens of Heligan
River Cities of France & Portugal • L2609
- Sail along the beautiful Tagus, Douro and Seine rivers
- Discover the Portuguese delicacy of pastéis de nata
- Uncover port and wine production in Oporto and Bordeaux