Driving Holidays to Honfleur, France

This picturesque fishing town at the mouth of the River Seine has given two gifts to the world: Canada and the impressionist movement. It was from this port that Jean Denis set off to discover St. Lawrence river estuary, and Samuel de Champlain departed a century later to found Canada. It was also under these Normandy skies that local painter Eugene Boudin experimented with painting weather conditions, passing on ideas to the Impressionists.

However, Honfleur’s wealth was actually built on salt. For generations, fishing had been a local affair. However, as fishermen explored further afield, they needed to keep their catch fresh. Salt preserved the massive hauls of cod brought back. It became a precious commodity and the basis for Honfleur’s prosperity.

Today, the town combines its principal industry with its artistic heritage. Attracting painters and visitors in search of a seafood supper. Explore the narrow streets and lively quaysides. Temptation awaits at each corner, the lures of the port, the antiques shops, the delicious fresh food and exhibitions make nonsense of any prepared itinerary.