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Church · Honfleur, Normandia
Église Sainte-Catherine
Church built almost entirely of wood by Honfleur's ship carpenters, with two naves that resemble inverted ship hulls and a separate bell tower on the opposite side of the square.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Église Sainte-Catherine
The Église Sainte-Catherine has a very rare feature in France: it was built essentially of wood. The most accepted explanation is that, after the Hundred Years' War, the town preferred to use the labor at hand — the shipyard carpenters — rather than wait for stone and masons.
The result is a church of two parallel naves, side by side, whose wooden vaults resemble ship hulls turned upside down. The interior is dark and sober, with galleries and wooden sculptures.
The bell tower stands separate, on the other side of the Place Sainte-Catherine, also made of wood and covered with small wooden shingles (castanholas). The separation was intended to protect the church in case of lightning. In summer the bell tower can be visited with a ticket from the Honfleur museums.
The square around it is one of the town's most visited spots, with half-timbered houses, cafés and, on some days, a market.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
Outside mass times. On summer weekends the square fills up at midday; in the morning it is quieter. Check before going if there is a market on the square.
How to get there
It is a few minutes' walk from the Vieux Bassin, uphill through the streets of the Sainte-Catherine quarter.
Tip
Look at the ceiling: the vaults look like ship keels. Then cross the square to see the separate bell tower.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Église Sainte-Catherine
Why is the church of Santa Catarina made of wood?
It was built by the town's ship carpenters after the Hundred Years' War, who used the materials and techniques they knew.
Why is the bell tower separate?
It stands on the other side of the square, and the traditional explanation is protection against fires caused by lightning.
Is there an admission fee to enter the church?
No. The bell tower, when open to visitors, is included in the Honfleur museums' combined ticket.