Few towns and villages in France are as quaint as Honfleur.
Enjoy Honfleur by strolling along its quays, and walking along the roads and paved alleys of Ste-Catherine's quarter; stop before the facade of an old dwelling, before an artist's easel or at a café terrace around the Vieux-Bassin and have a bowlful of cider.
The Vieux-Bassin was created by Duquesne under the orders of Colbert. It is surrounded by beautiful quays and the yachts add a touch of charm. The rich two-story, sloping roof stone dwellings on St-Étienne quay contrast with those of quay Ste-Catherine where narrow and tall houses, up to 7 stories, thrust up their wooden facades protected by slate (overlapped boarding). The Lieutenance, which overlooks the vertical lift bridge, completes this unique ensemble.
The Lieutenance is the old gate of Caen. One of two entrances to the old medieval village is embedded on the facade of this 16C dwelling between two watch towers. A plaque commemorates the departure of Champlain to Canada in 1608 that led to the foundation of Quebec. Old riggings are visible: the Dehel, cutter pilot sailing boat form Ouistreham, Ste-Bernadette, a rowing boat from Honfleur, the Roche-Bleue, from Barfleur, etc.
On the Arthur-Boudin Square, old slate shingled houses border this small square of the Enclos quarter, the centre of the old city, formerly encircled by fortifications. Notice the salt lofts , 17C buildings made of stone and covered with tiles. These lofts were built under the salt tax agreement to stock salt, which was necessary for storing cod. In this quarter, the former church of St-Étienne houses the Marine Museum.
The Ste-Catherine's Church is beautiful old wooden church. After the One Hundred Years War, there was a fight over builders and architects in order to commence the «reconstruction» process. The «axe masters» of Honfleur, at that time, centre of the dockyards became impatient and decided to build the church themselves, in their own way: with two twin naves and two aisles. Each nave is covered with a wooden vault with an exposed framework supported by oak pillars. Do not miss the sculptured panels of the 16C galleries and the beautiful 18C organs.
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