Visiting Honfleur (Calvados): what to see, when to visit and how to get there

Why visit Honfleur?

Honfleur is perfect for a day trip, whether departing from Rouen or Paris. Here is what you need to see, when to come, and how to organize your journey without wasting three hours on connections.

Honfleur and its Old Basin, lined with tall houses, form one of the most photographed landscapes in Normandy. A short stop is enough: everything can be done on foot, between the harbor, the galleries, and the seafood restaurants.

Located in the Calvados region, about 200 km from Paris and 90 km from Rouen, Honfleur is just as suitable for a day trip as it is for a weekend. The town is easy to get around once you are there: it is the outward journey and the evening return that require planning.

Must-see attractions in Honfleur

• 1. The Old Basin (Vieux Bassin)
• 2. The wooden Sainte-Catherine Church
• 3. The narrow streets of the Sainte-Catherine district

The best time to visit: Spring weekends and the sailors’ festival.

A day in Honfleur, hour by hour

Getting to Honfleur without a car: the reality

Honfleur is not served by any direct train lines. Travelers without a car rely on regional buses, whose schedules are based on local needs rather than Parisian trains or flights. A car with a private driver removes this final hurdle: you leave at the time you choose and arrive right at the doorstep, luggage included.

Prices start from 250 € in a sedan to Paris, and 305 € in a 7-seater van. The price is fixed and is shared between all passengers in the vehicle: for three or four people, comparing this with train tickets and a taxi for the final leg works heavily in our favor.

How to get to Honfleur — and back

Honfleur is located about 200 km from Paris and 90 km from Rouen, which is a 2-hour-and-5-minute drive from the capital. In a private car with a driver, the journey is direct, from your address to your hotel, starting from 250 € in a sedan and 305 € in a 7-seater van, for the entire vehicle.

For airport transfers departing from Honfleur, expect 275 € to Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and 270 € to Orly. Upon your return, the driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and track your flight in real-time.

• Honfleur → Paris Shuttle
• Honfleur → Roissy CDG Shuttle
• Honfleur → Orly Shuttle

Good to know before you leave

• Wear comfortable shoes: the center is best explored on foot.
• Book your tours and tables in advance during high season.
• Parking is often crowded on weekends: being dropped off saves you from driving around for half an hour.
• The Norman climate changes quickly: a windbreaker is warmer than an umbrella when facing the sea breeze.
• The last trains leave early: check the return time before booking a dinner.

Areas served around Honfleur

We do not just stop in the center of Honfleur: hotels, guesthouses, reception venues, businesses, and surrounding villages are served at the same mileage rate. Here are the most popular nearby destinations, each with its own dedicated page.

• Deauville → Paris Shuttle — Calvados, approx. 15 km from Honfleur. What to see in Deauville
• Trouville-sur-Mer → Paris Shuttle — Calvados, approx. 20 km from Honfleur. What to see in Trouville-sur-Mer
• Lisieux → Paris Shuttle — Calvados, approx. 10 km from Honfleur. What to see in Lisieux
• Le Havre → Paris Shuttle — Seine-Maritime, approx. 15 km from Honfleur. What to see in Le Havre
• Villers-sur-Mer → Paris Shuttle — Calvados, approx. 25 km from Honfleur. What to see in Villers-sur-Mer
• Étretat → Paris Shuttle — Seine-Maritime, approx. 15 km from Honfleur. What to see in Étretat

Taxi, VTC or private shuttle in Honfleur?

Many travelers search for a “Honfleur taxi” when they are actually looking for a price known in advance. The difference is simple: a taxi starts the meter and the amount depends on traffic; a private hire company like Navette Privée provides the price at the time of booking and does not change it, even in the event of traffic jams or a delayed flight.

• Honfleur Taxi: convenient for short trips in town, variable price, advance booking rarely guaranteed.
• Honfleur Private Hire (VTC): booking at your chosen time, known driver, confirmed vehicle, fixed rate.
• Honfleur Airport Shuttle: 275 € to Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle, 270 € to Orly, 250 € to central Paris in a sedan, tolls and luggage included.

For an early morning departure, a night return, or a Honfleur – Paris journey with luggage, a private shuttle is often cheaper than a metered taxi, and far less stressful than a train with connections. Call 06 88 14 67 82 or request your quote online: you will receive a response within minutes.