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Port · Honfleur, Normandia
Vieux Bassin
Old dock of Honfleur, dug out during the reign of Louis XIV, surrounded by tall, narrow slate- and wood-covered houses. It is the town's postcard image and the subject of many paintings.
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 Vieux Bassin
The Vieux Bassin ("Old Dock") is the heart of Honfleur. It is a closed dock, dug in the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV, to shelter the port's boats, which at the time was one of the busiest in the estuary of the Seine.
Around the quay are the tall, narrow houses, covered in slate or wood, that appear in paintings by Eugène Boudin, Claude Monet and Johan Barthold Jongkind. On the south side is the cais Sainte-Catherine; on the north side, the cais Saint-Étienne, with the old church of Saint-Étienne.
At the entrance to the dock stands the Lieutenance, what remains of the governor's old castle, one of the few traces of the city's walls. From here in the 17th century expeditions to North America departed, including that of Samuel de Champlain, who founded Quebec in 1608.
Today the quay is occupied by pleasure sailboats, restaurants and art galleries. Boats depart from here for estuary cruises and even to the Pont de Normandie.
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
One hour to walk around the dock at a relaxed pace; more if you linger in a café.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when there are fewer people and the light hits the façades. In the European summer and on weekends the quay gets crowded.
How to get there
It is in the center of Honfleur. Those arriving by car leave their vehicle in the parking lots at the town entrance and walk about 10 minutes. Regional buses stop near the center.
Tip
Walk all the way around the dock: the view from the cais Saint-Étienne toward the cais Sainte-Catherine is the most famous. Restaurants with a view tend to be pricier; on the streets behind there are simple options.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vieux Bassin
What is the Vieux Bassin?
It is the old dock of Honfleur's port, dug in the 17th century and surrounded by tall, narrow houses that inspired several painters.
Can you take boat trips departing from Honfleur?
Yes: boats depart to the Seine estuary and near the Pont de Normandie. Check dates and times, which depend on the season and the tide.
How much time should I set aside for Honfleur?
Half a day covers the Vieux Bassin, the church of Santa Catarina and one museum. A full day lets you add Étretat or see everything at a relaxed pace.