Port information & tips for Honfleur
Honfleur is a picturesque jewel on the Côte Fleurie in Normandy and enchants visitors with its timeless maritime charm. The historic port city impresses with its narrow, slate-roofed half-timbered houses, which are harmoniously grouped around the famous harbor basin and have already inspired artists such as Claude Monet or Eugène Boudin. Cultural highlights include the iconic Vieux Bassin, the impressive wooden church Église Sainte-Catherine and the Musée Eugène Boudin, which keeps the region's artistic tradition alive. Cruise ships dock at the modern Quai en Seine 3 terminal, from where the vibrant city center is easily accessible thanks to a distance of around 1.5 kilometers by shuttle service or a relaxed, approximately twenty-minute walk.
Honfleur, a picturesque sea and river port in the Seine estuary, welcomes small to medium-sized cruise ships. The ships dock at the Quai de Seine, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the historic city center and integrates seamlessly into the charming harbor atmosphere thanks to the new cruise terminal.
Car
Honfleur is easily accessible from the DACH region via well-developed motorways, particularly the French A13, which enables a direct connection from Paris in less than 2.5 hours. When arriving, simply follow the signs toward Pont de Normandie/Honfleur/Deauville/Trouville/Caen and take exit D675. Various parking options are available in Honfleur for cruise guests, including the secure "Parking des Cascades" for long-term parkers, located only about a ten-minute walk from the harbor. Paid parking lots such as "Cours des Fossés Parking" and "Sainte Catherine Parking" also offer daily rates, while "Naturospace Parking" represents a free alternative, though it can fill up quickly during high season.
Train
Honfleur does not have its own train station. Nevertheless, the city can be easily reached by rail by taking a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to the Trouville-Deauville station, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. Alternatively, Le Havre station is also a good option. From Trouville-Deauville, you can easily reach Honfleur with bus line 20 of the Bus Verts du Calvados in about 25 to 30 minutes. Regular bus connections to Honfleur also exist from Le Havre station, taking around 30 minutes of travel time.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Deauville-Normandie (DOL), only about 11 to 17 kilometers from Honfleur. From there, the harbor is reachable in just 12 minutes by taxi (cost: approx. 26-32 €) or in about 20 minutes with bus line 111 (cost: approx. 3-5 €). Should you arrive via one of the larger Parisian airports such as Charles de Gaulle (CDG), a pre-cruise hotel in Honfleur is recommended due to the longer travel time (about 2 hours by car without traffic) to start your cruise relaxed. Many charming hotels in Honfleur, such as L'Invitation au Voyage or the Best Western Hotel Le Cheval Blanc, are located in the immediate vicinity of the historic harbor and offer an ideal starting point for your journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Honfleur, a picturesque sea and river port in the Seine estuary, welcomes small to medium-sized cruise ships. The ships dock at the Quai de Seine, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the historic city center and integrates seamlessly into the charming harbor atmosphere thanks to the new cruise terminal.
Car
Honfleur is easily accessible from the DACH region via well-developed motorways, particularly the French A13, which enables a direct connection from Paris in less than 2.5 hours. When arriving, simply follow the signs toward Pont de Normandie/Honfleur/Deauville/Trouville/Caen and take exit D675. Various parking options are available in Honfleur for cruise guests, including the secure "Parking des Cascades" for long-term parkers, located only about a ten-minute walk from the harbor. Paid parking lots such as "Cours des Fossés Parking" and "Sainte Catherine Parking" also offer daily rates, while "Naturospace Parking" represents a free alternative, though it can fill up quickly during high season.
Train
Honfleur does not have its own train station. Nevertheless, the city can be easily reached by rail by taking a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to the Trouville-Deauville station, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. Alternatively, Le Havre station is also a good option. From Trouville-Deauville, you can easily reach Honfleur with bus line 20 of the Bus Verts du Calvados in about 25 to 30 minutes. Regular bus connections to Honfleur also exist from Le Havre station, taking around 30 minutes of travel time.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Deauville-Normandie (DOL), only about 11 to 17 kilometers from Honfleur. From there, the harbor is reachable in just 12 minutes by taxi (cost: approx. 26-32 €) or in about 20 minutes with bus line 111 (cost: approx. 3-5 €). Should you arrive via one of the larger Parisian airports such as Charles de Gaulle (CDG), a pre-cruise hotel in Honfleur is recommended due to the longer travel time (about 2 hours by car without traffic) to start your cruise relaxed. Many charming hotels in Honfleur, such as L'Invitation au Voyage or the Best Western Hotel Le Cheval Blanc, are located in the immediate vicinity of the historic harbor and offer an ideal starting point for your journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Honfleur is situated on the picturesque Seine estuary and, thanks to its advantageous location, allows for a convenient exploration of the historic old town.
Shuttle Service
For ships docking at the industrial quay outside the center, cruise lines usually provide comfortable shuttle buses. These take you directly to the central parking lot near the Vieux Bassin in a short ride of about five to ten minutes.
On Foot
The center of Honfleur is reachable from the cruise pier in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The path leads along the coast and, thanks to the flat terrain, offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the maritime atmosphere of Normandy immediately after leaving the ship.
Taxis and Nomad Buses
Official taxis wait at the terminal upon the arrival of the ships and offer a quick connection into town or to destinations in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the port is connected to the regional Nomad bus network, which also provides regular trips to nearby cities such as Deauville or Le Havre.
To experience the maritime charm of Honfleur at its best, we recommend focusing on the picturesque harbor basin and the historical and coastal treasures of the city, all within easy walking distance.
Vieux Bassin
The historic old harbor basin is the heart of the city and enchants visitors with its narrow, slate-covered facades and numerous cafes right on the water. The lively atmosphere and the special light make this place a paradise for photographers and, at the same time, offer the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll along the quays.
Église Sainte-Catherine
This impressive wooden church from the 15th century is the largest of its kind in France and fascinates with its architecture, which, thanks to the shipbuilding skills of the time, resembles two overturned ship hulls. It is centrally located in the historic quarter and is also a significant witness to regional history, boasting a warm and inviting interior.
Plage du Butin
The fine sandy beach is located on the western edge of the city and is quickly accessible thanks to a pleasant walk along the promenade, making it ideal for a short break by the sea. The area offers a magnificent view of the Seine estuary and is perfect for guests who wish to round off their visit to Honfleur with a refreshing sea breeze.
Le Vieux Bassin and the Historic Old Town
The picturesque "Vieux Bassin" is located in the heart of Honfleur and is easily accessible on foot from the pier in just a few minutes. The tall, narrow houses with their characteristic slate facades provide an incomparable backdrop and invite you to take a relaxed stroll through the charming, cobblestone streets. Thanks to the numerous first-class cafés directly on the water and the many small art galleries, you can enjoy exactly the atmosphere that once inspired famous Impressionists like Claude Monet. Ideally, visit the harbor in the morning to experience the special light and the peace before the day tourists arrive, and plan a relaxed return to the ship in the early afternoon.
The way back to the berth in Honfleur is very relaxed and safe thanks to the short distances and the clear city structure.
On Foot
From the picturesque Vieux Bassin harbor basin, you can enjoy a comfortable ten-minute walk along the water directly back to the Quai en Seine. The path is level and easy to find thanks to the clear signage to the Terminal Croisières.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks are located at Place de la Porte de Rouen and in the immediate vicinity of the Office de Tourisme at Quai Lepaulmier. In addition, you can easily have a taxi called from the larger hotels in the city center to get to the ship punctually and comfortably.
Shuttle Service and Buses
For ships docking at the somewhat more distant industrial pier, the cruise lines' shuttle buses usually start at the central Quai Lepaulmier near the old town. In addition, the regional bus station Gare Routière provides good orientation, as all important connections lead directly from there towards the port area.
