Honfleur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Honfleur
|
||
|---|---|---|
Honfleur Harbour
|
||
|
||
 Honfleur
Location in France
Honfleur
Location in Normandy
|
||
| Country | France | |
| Region | Normandy | |
| Department | Calvados | |
| Arrondissement | Lisieux | |
| Canton | Honfleur | |
| Intercommunality | Communauté de communes du Pays de Honfleur | |
| Area
1
|
13.67 km2 (5.28 sq mi) | |
| Population
(1999)
|
8,178 | |
| • Density | 598.24/km2 (1,549.4/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
14333 /14600
|
|
| Elevation | 0–117 m (0–384 ft) (avg. 5 m or 16 ft) |
|
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
.svg)
Honfleur is a charming and historic town located in northwestern France. It is a commune found in the Calvados department, which is part of the region of Normandy. This beautiful port town sits right where the River Seine flows into the English Channel. Honfleur is well-known for its picturesque harbor, its old, unique buildings, and its strong connection to famous artists.
Contents
Where is Honfleur?
Honfleur is in the Calvados department of France. This area is part of the Normandy region. The town is located on the southern bank of the Seine River estuary. This is where the river meets the English Channel. Its special location has made it an important port for centuries.
A Coastal Town's Geography
The town's landscape is quite varied. It has flat areas near the harbor and river. There are also hills that rise up to 117 meters (384 feet) high. This mix of land gives Honfleur beautiful views. The climate is mild, influenced by the nearby sea. This makes it a pleasant place to visit.
A Glimpse into Honfleur's Past
Honfleur has a very long and interesting history. It was first mentioned in official documents in the year 1027. For many centuries, it was an important trading port. Ships from Honfleur sailed all over the world.
Honfleur's Role in Exploration
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Honfleur was a key port for explorers. Many famous voyages started from its harbor. For example, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain left Honfleur. He sailed to North America and founded the city of Quebec in Canada. This shows how important Honfleur was in the Age of Discovery.
A Port Town's Defenses
Because of its important location, Honfleur was often involved in conflicts. It was a strategic point during the Hundred Years' War. The town had strong defenses to protect its harbor. These defenses helped it survive many attacks over the centuries.
Honfleur and the Arts
Honfleur is famous for inspiring many artists. Its unique light, old buildings, and busy harbor attracted painters. They came to capture the beauty of the town.
The Honfleur School of Painting
In the 19th century, Honfleur became a popular spot for artists. Painters like Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet spent time here. They were part of a group known as the "Honfleur School." These artists often painted outdoors, capturing the changing light. Their work helped lead to the Impressionism art movement.
Art Galleries and Museums Today
Today, Honfleur still celebrates its artistic heritage. The town has many art galleries. There is also the Eugène Boudin Museum. This museum displays works by Boudin and other artists who loved Honfleur. It's a great place to see how the town inspired them.
What to See and Do in Honfleur
Honfleur is a popular place for tourists. There are many things to see and do that make it a fun visit.
The Old Harbor (Vieux Bassin)
The most famous part of Honfleur is its old harbor, called the Vieux Bassin. It's surrounded by tall, narrow houses with slate roofs. These houses are very old and give the harbor a unique look. You can see many boats docked here. It's a perfect spot for a walk or to enjoy a meal at a waterside restaurant.
Saint Catherine's Church
One of Honfleur's most interesting buildings is Saint Catherine's Church. It's special because it's the largest wooden church in France. It was built by shipbuilders in the 15th century. The church looks a bit like an upside-down ship's hull. This shows the town's strong connection to the sea.
Exploring the Old Town
Beyond the harbor, Honfleur has charming narrow streets. These streets are filled with historic buildings, small shops, and cafes. Walking through the old town feels like stepping back in time. You can discover hidden courtyards and beautiful architecture.
Local Government and Community
Like all towns in France, Honfleur has a local government. It is led by a mayor. The mayor helps manage the town's services and represents its people.
The Mayor's Role
The mayor of Honfleur works to improve the town for its residents and visitors. This includes managing things like public services, local events, and town planning. Michel Lamarre was the mayor from 2008 to 2014. The mayor helps make sure Honfleur remains a great place to live and visit.
Images for kids
-
Eugène Boudin, Navires dans le Port à Honfleur, 1856, Princeton University Art Museum
-
Honfleur harbour, now, a busy tourist spot
-
Port d'Honfleur
See also
In Spanish: Honfleur para niños
