Top 5 things to do in Honfleur: an unusual and practical guide

After walking the cobblestones of the Vieux Bassin and admiring the church of Sainte-Catherine, it’s time to discover Honfleur in a different way. Between gourmet escapades in the Augeron hinterland, cruises on the Seine estuary and moments of pure relaxation by the sea, the city of painters and its surroundings are full of authentic experiences. From cider vineyards to half-timbered villages classified as among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, and wellness breaks in intimate spas, here’s our selection of 5 not-to-be-missed activities to enrich your Normandy break. These experiences are the perfect complement to a visit to the historic centre, which you can explore on your own thanks to the audio-guided tours available in the region.

1. Discover the Cider Route in the Pays d’Auge

Category: € / Gastronomic & Cultural

Description: Just twenty minutes from Honfleur begins one of Normandy’s most emblematic tourist routes: the famous Route du Cidre. This forty-kilometre route winds its way through the lush green valleys of the Pays d’Auge, home to cider apple trees and half-timbered manor houses. The signposted route takes you from Cambremer to Beuvron-en-Auge, passing through pastoral landscapes where meadows, orchards and hedgerows create a picture of timeless beauty. Along the way, you’ll come across around twenty traditional producers who have been carrying on the Norman cider-making tradition for generations. Stop off at the farms in Auvergne to visit the production facilities, learn about the cider and calvados-making process and, of course, taste these typical beverages in vaulted cellars steeped in history. Passionate producers will explain the subtleties of the different apple varieties used, traditional pressing techniques and the secrets of calvados distillation. As well as the tastings, the route also offers a remarkable architectural heritage, with 15th- and 17th-century manor houses nestling in the valleys, flower-filled villages with timber-framed houses and typically Norman rural churches. Between visits to cider factories, stop off at Beuvron-en-Auge, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, where the old covered market halls and colourful facades will transport you back to authentic, unspoilt Normandy. For those with a sweet tooth, the Cider Route is also an opportunity to discover the Pays d’Auge’s PDO cheeses, such as Pont-l’Évêque and Livarot, in the traditional cheese dairies along the way.

Good to know: The Route du Cidre is accessible all year round by car, bike or motorbike. We recommend setting off from Cambremer or Beuvron-en-Auge, around 25 minutes from Honfleur. The 40 km route is signposted, so allow at least half a day to get the most out of the experience (3-4 hours with several stops). Most producers are open all year round, but opening times vary according to the season: generally from 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm in high season, closed on Mondays out of season. Free tastings are available at most establishments, with the possibility of buying on the spot (cider €6-12 a bottle, calvados from €25, pommeau €15-20). Several producers offer guided tours of their facilities (€5-8 per person, booking required). Cyclists can hire electric bikes from tourist offices in the area (€25-35 per day). A detailed map of the Cider Route is available free of charge from tourist offices or can be downloaded online. Best time of year: spring (orchards in flower April-May) and autumn (apple harvest September-October). There are several restaurants and inns along the route where you can enjoy a lunch of Normandy specialities. If you’re visiting by car, you’ll need a sober driver. Access to the tour is free, but there is a charge for tastings and purchases.

2. Take a cruise on the Seine estuary

Category: €€ / Nautical & Discovery

Description: Seeing Honfleur from land is magnificent, but contemplating the city of painters from the water offers a totally different and unforgettable perspective. A number of companies offer boat trips departing from the historic port to discover the Seine estuary from a whole new angle. Aboard the Aventura or the Calypso, you’ll embark on a one-and-a-half-hour cruise with commentary that will take you under the impressive Pont de Normandie, a veritable architectural feat culminating at a height of over two hundred metres. The captain, a connoisseur of the area, will share with you the maritime history of Honfleur, his anecdotes about the construction of the bridge, inaugurated in 1995, and the geographical features of this estuary where the Seine meets the English Channel. From the boat deck, you can admire the characteristic silhouette of the harbour, with its tall slate houses reflected in the water, the medieval fortifications of the Lieutenance and, in the background, the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce perched on Mont Joli. The walk also provides an opportunity to observe the local wildlife, including the seabirds that populate the estuary, and sometimes even to spot seals resting on the sandbanks. For the more romantic, some companies offer sunset cruises, a magical moment when the last rays light up the colourful façades of the Vieux Bassin and are reflected in the calm waters of the Seine. It’s also an opportunity to understand the historical importance of this port, which in the Middle Ages was one of the busiest on the Normandy coast and the starting point for many expeditions to the New World. An authentic maritime experience that will delight young and old alike, offering a unique view of this jewel of Normandy.

Good to know: Boarding at Honfleur harbour, Quai de la Quarantaine or, depending on the company, near the Vieux Bassin. Several options are available: a sea cruise through the estuary with a passage under the Pont de Normandie (1hr30mins, adult €18, children aged 3-12 €12, free under 3) or a tour of the Honfleur basins (45mins, adult €12, children €8). Daily departures from April to September, several times a day in high season (usually 10.30am, 2.30pm, 4.30pm). Out of season, departures subject to weather and booking. Tickets on sale at the ticket office in the port or online booking recommended in high season. Reduced rates for the disabled (€15). Most boats are accessible for PRM. Sunset cruises available July-August by prior arrangement (€5 supplement). Large boats like the Aventura seat around 145 people. Bring warm clothing, sun cream and sunglasses, even in summer, as it can get chilly on the water. Bar on board some boats. Outings cancelled in the event of very bad weather (strong winds, storms) with full refund. Pay parking near the port (Parking du Bassin de l’Ouest, 2-3€/hour). The boat can be hired out for groups or private events. Commentary in French and English depending on numbers. A not-to-be-missed experience to discover Honfleur from another angle, ideal in fine weather with clear visibility to admire the panorama as far as Le Havre.

3. Escape to Naturospace, the tropical butterfly hothouse

Category: €€ / Unusual & Family-friendly

Description: Just a stone’s throw from Honfleur town centre, Naturospace offers a tropical getaway from it all, perfect for a family outing or an original nature break. As soon as you cross the threshold of this one thousand square metre greenhouse, you’re instantly transported to the tropics, with a temperature maintained at twenty-eight degrees and humidity of eighty per cent, recreating the atmosphere of an equatorial forest. Hundreds of brightly coloured exotic butterflies flutter around you in a magical ballet: electric blue morphos from South America, giant atlases from Asia with wingspans of up to thirty centimetres, orange and black monarchs from Mexico, and delicate heliconius with zebra patterns. The lush vegetation of banana trees, hibiscus, orchids and other tropical plants creates an exuberant backdrop, with waterfalls and pools adding a touch of freshness. You can observe the complete life cycle of these lepidopterans thanks to the glass nursery where the chrysalises hatch, a unique opportunity to understand the fascinating metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. Educational panels along the way explain the characteristics of each species, their natural habitat and their crucial role in pollination. As well as butterflies, the greenhouse is also home to colourful tropical birds that roam freely, adding their melodious songs to the immersive atmosphere. Naturospace also represents a commitment to preserving biodiversity, with partnerships with certified breeding farms that guarantee respect for the insects’ natural cycle. It’s a unique sensory experience that’s sure to delight children and adults alike, and particularly enjoyable on a typically Normandy grey or rainy day.

Good to know: Naturospace is located on Boulevard Charles V, 14600 Honfleur, close to the Jardin des Personnalités, with free on-site parking. Open all year round, with opening times varying according to the season: April-October from 9.30am to 7.30pm non-stop, November-March from 9.30am to 4.30pm (closed from mid-November to early February for the winter period). Admission: adults and teenagers aged 12 and over €10.80, children aged 3 to 11 €8.10, under-3s free. Special family rate: €35 for 4 members of the same family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children). Reduced rate for disabled visitors on presentation of proof. Recommended length of visit: around 1 hour to get the most out of the experience. Tickets can be purchased on site or in advance on the official website. Normandie Qualité Tourisme accredited and holder of the Qualité Tourisme mark. Free cloakroom available for leaving coats and bags (recommended, given the heat in the greenhouse). Souvenir shop at the exit with decorative objects, books on butterflies and local products. No on-site catering, but picnic areas in the adjacent Jardin des Personnalités. Accessible to pushchairs and PRM. Pets not allowed. Perfect for keeping children occupied for 1h-1h30, ideal on rainy days. Make sure you take off your jacket and jumper at the entrance, as the tropical heat is very much in evidence. Photographers, get your cameras ready to capture the magnificent butterflies in flight, but do not allow flash photography to disturb them.

4. Recharge your batteries in a spa overlooking the estuary

Category: €€€ / Well-being & Relaxation

Description: After wandering the cobbled streets of Honfleur and exploring its heritage treasures, treat yourself to a moment of absolute relaxation in one of the region’s wellness establishments. Honfleur and the surrounding area is home to a number of intimate spas nestled in charming hotels or authentic Norman manor houses, offering treatments inspired by local and marine traditions. La Plage Concept-Spa, an emblematic establishment housed in an old seaside villa, offers a unique approach to well-being with its treatments based on Dead Sea minerals combined with the benefits of sea iodine. In their tastefully appointed space, you’ll enjoy a Finnish sauna, a traditional hammam and a cocooning relaxation room overlooking the estuary. The wellness massages on offer range from the classic relaxing Californian massage to more specific techniques such as hot stone massage or deep Balinese massage. The adjoining Jardin des Thés invites you to extend your relaxation with an organic herbal tea in a Zen atmosphere. Other establishments, such as the spa at Ferme Saint-Siméon, the famous inn that welcomed the Impressionist painters, offer day packages that include access to the spa with its heated indoor pool, saunas, hammams and jacuzzi, plus a treatment of your choice. The Manoir de la Poterie, between Deauville and Honfleur, has a spa area with an outdoor Nordic bath and a hammam dug into the rock, for a well-being experience in harmony with the surrounding nature. These havens of peace combine cultural discovery with physical regeneration, the ideal philosophy for a well-balanced stay in Normandy. The products used are often based on local seaweed, seawater and essential oils from Normandy, for authentic, rejuvenating treatments.

Good to know: Several establishments offer wellness treatments in Honfleur and the surrounding area. La Plage Concept-Spa: open Tuesday to Sunday by prior arrangement, treatments from €70 (1-hour massage), sauna + hammam + massage discovery package €110. Address: consult the Tourist Office for precise location. Le spa de la Ferme Saint-Siméon (Honfleur): full-day spa access with swimming pool, sauna and hammam from €150, body and facial treatments from €80. 19 rooms with private hammam available for a complete wellness break. Le Manoir de la Poterie (Pennedepie, 10 min from Honfleur): spa packages with Nordic bath and hammam from €90, massages €75-120. Booking is compulsory in all establishments, and is strongly recommended several days in advance in high season and at weekends. Most spas are open to non-residents. Bring a swimming costume, bathrobe and slippers (sometimes provided, depending on the establishment). Recommended duration: minimum 2-3 hours for optimum relaxation. Some establishments offer duo treatments for couples. Access generally reserved for adults (minimum age 16-18, depending on location). Gift cards available in most spas, ideal for gifts. Some establishments offer a combination of spa and gourmet restaurant for a full day of rejuvenation. Parking available on site in outlying establishments. Opening times vary according to location and season, so check websites or call to confirm availability. A cocooning experience perfect for recovering from a day’s sightseeing or simply taking a well-deserved break amid the soothing scenery of the Normandy estuary.

5. Explore Beuvron-en-Auge, Most Beautiful Village in France

Category: € / Cultural & Heritage

Description: Just thirty minutes from Honfleur, in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, lies a medieval jewel that has managed to preserve its authenticity over the centuries: Beuvron-en-Auge, proudly labelled the Most Beautiful Village in France since 1979. As soon as you arrive in the central square lined with old covered market halls, you’ll be struck by the architectural harmony of this village, where every façade tells a story. The colourful half-timbered houses from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries have been perfectly restored, and display their carved oak beams, elaborate corbels and typically Norman tiled or slate roofs. Stroll along the cobbled streets with evocative names like rue de l’Église and rue des Forges, discover the three listed manor houses that bear witness to the village’s past prosperity, and admire the houses with facades decorated with colourful geometric patterns created by the assembly of brick and half-timbering. The village is also home to several craft galleries where you can buy unique pieces: pottery, paintings, wood carvings and textile creations inspired by Norman traditions. Don’t miss the restored 17th-century Halles, which now host exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. Food lovers will love the restaurants and crêperies serving Auger specialities made from local produce: teurgoule, tarte normande, tripe à la mode de Caen, not forgetting the inevitable PDO cheeses accompanied by a glass of cider or pommeau. Beuvron-en-Auge is also the ideal starting point for the Route du Cidre, where you can combine a visit to the region’s heritage with a gourmet experience. As the seasons change, the village takes on a thousand colours: apple trees in blossom in spring, lush greenery in summer, ochre and golden hues in autumn and a cosy atmosphere in winter.

Good to know: Beuvron-en-Auge is around 35 km from Honfleur, a 30-35 minute drive via the D279 and then the D49. The historic centre of the village is entirely pedestrianised. Free parking at the entrance to the village (limited capacity, early arrival recommended in high season). Free access to the village 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recommended duration of visit: 1h30 to 2h to explore the narrow streets, visit the shops and enjoy a drink on the terrace. The Halles can be visited freely (except during private events). There are several restaurants and crêperies on site, so book ahead at weekends (meal budget €15-35). Craft galleries open from Wednesday to Sunday in season, weekends only out of season. Office de Tourisme Normandie Cabourg Pays d’Auge offers themed guided tours by prior arrangement (€7-10 per person). Traditional market on certain Sundays in season. Annual events: Geranium Fair in May, Christmas Market in December. Accessible to pushchairs for the most part (cobblestones in some alleyways). There are several other villages in the Pays d’Auge nearby where you can extend your visit: Cambremer (8 km), Clermont-en-Auge with its panoramic church (12 km), Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives and its medieval covered market (25 km). Possibility of combining with visits to cider factories along the Route du Cidre. Best time of year: spring (April-May) for the orchards in bloom, or autumn (September-October) for the colours and the harvest season. Avoid Sundays in summer if you don’t like crowds. An authentic Normandy experience not to be missed during your stay in Honfleur, offering a journey back in time to the heart of the town’s preserved heritage.

In conclusion, Honfleur and the surrounding area offer much more than just the magnificent Vieux Bassin and the church of Sainte-Catherine. Between the cider-making traditions of the Pays d’Auge, sea cruises on the Seine estuary, tropical escapes at Naturospace, wellness breaks in intimate spas and heritage escapades in the Most Beautiful Villages in France, this Normandy destination reveals an unsuspected wealth. These five complementary activities will allow you to explore all the facets of the region: its gastronomic heritage with the Cider Route, its maritime heritage with the boat trips, its unusual and family-friendly side with the butterfly hothouse, its relaxation dimension with the wellness establishments, and its architectural treasures with Beuvron-en-Auge. Whether you’re coming for a long weekend or a week’s holiday, with your family, as a couple or with friends, you’re bound to find something to make your stay memorable, combining culture, nature, relaxation and gourmet delights. Honfleur is an ideal gateway to discover the authenticity of Normandy in all its splendour, between land and sea, tradition and the art of living.

FAQ : Frequently asked questions about activities in Honfleur and the surrounding area

Can we do these activities all year round?

Most of these activities are available all year round, with some seasonal variations. The Route du Cidre and Beuvron-en-Auge can be visited in any season, each offering its own particular charm (spring flowering, autumn harvest). Boat cruises operate mainly from April to September, with reduced frequency out of season depending on weather conditions. The Naturospace is open all year round, except for the winter shutdown from mid-November to early February. The spas are open 24 hours a day. Spring and autumn generally offer the best conditions, with fewer visitors than in high summer.

What’s the budget for these five activities?

The budget varies considerably depending on your choices. The Route du Cidre and Beuvron-en-Auge are free to enter (just count your purchases of local produce and any meals, around €20-50). The boat cruise costs around €18 per adult, the Naturospace €10.80 per adult. The spa activities represent the biggest investment (€90-180 depending on the package). For a full weekend including these five activities plus accommodation and catering, expect to pay around €250-400 per person, depending on the level of comfort chosen. Reduced rates are often available for children and families.

Are these activities suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! The Naturospace is a particular delight for children, with its colourful butterflies and tropical atmosphere. The boat cruise captivates the little ones with its passage under the bridge and wildlife observation. Beuvron-en-Auge and the Route du Cidre offer fun discoveries, with apple juice tastings for youngsters and play areas on some farms. Spas generally accept teenagers from the age of sixteen, but sometimes offer treatments adapted to younger guests. Several establishments on the Route du Cidre have picnic areas and farm animals to delight children.

Do you need a car to enjoy these activities?

A car is highly recommended for exploring the Route du Cidre in comfort, reaching Beuvron-en-Auge and accessing the various sites in complete freedom. The Naturospace and boat cruises are accessible on foot or by public transport from the centre of Honfleur. As for the spas, this depends on their location: some are in the heart of Honfleur, while others require a vehicle. An eco-friendly alternative: hire an electric bike to explore the Route du Cidre and reach the surrounding villages while taking full advantage of Honfleur’s landscapes. Several hire companies offer specially-marked routes.

Is it possible to combine several activities in the same day?

Yes, several combinations are possible! A typical day might include: a morning on the Cider Route visiting producers and passing through Beuvron-en-Auge, lunch of Normandy specialities, then an afternoon relaxing at the spa or visiting Naturospace. Or: morning at Naturospace, lunch in Honfleur, then an afternoon boat cruise. The geographical proximity of these activities (all less than thirty-five minutes from Honfleur) makes it easy to combine them. For the best possible experience, we recommend that you spread these activities over at least two or three days, alternating active discovery with moments of relaxation.