Beautiful seaside town you can easily drive to – but you’ll need your passport
Beyond the British borders and within driving distance you can discover this charming and historic seaside town in Normandy.
There is so much to explore beyond the British borders if you are still yet to plan a summer holiday getaway.
The enchanting town of Honfleur, in Normandy, which was popular among impressionist painters such as Monet and Boudin is well within driving distance and historic sites are waiting to be explored.
It is also just a six-hour drive away from London via the Eurotunnel at Dover, reports MyLondon.
Quintessentially French and full of culture, the charming town is on the Seine estuary and has tall narrow buildings that look like they have been squeezed onto the streets. Musicians and artists have found the city inspirational with its lush greenery and hills on either side.
A perfect painting spot for artists is the iconic old harbour, the Vieux-Bassin. The pastel-coloured waterfront terraces are buildings from the 13th century and the glistening harbour water stretching out in front of them makes for a beautiful view.
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For those that love nature, Honfleur has been handed prestigious awards in the “Towns and Villages in Bloom" (Villes et Villages Fleuris) competition. A must-visit is the Garden of Personalities (Jardin des Personallalités) which is 10 hectares of landscaped countryside and will give you a sense of serenity when you explore.
Honfleur’s port has also been of historical importance. It was originally founded by Vikings and expeditions to Quebec set sail from there. Today, the port has a fish market, and local delicacies include shrimp, local cheeses, and a Baileys-like cream liqueur.
A few minute’s walk from the old harbour is a medieval neighbourhood, Saint Catherine. You will walk down the narrow cobbled streets to come across the largest wooden church in France - Saint Catherine church. The iconic main bell tower was built separately from the church because it was too heavy to be supported by the wooden church’s rooftop.
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The Notre Dame de Grâce chapel sits on a hill above the charming city. The tiny church was built between 1600-1615 and at the top of the hour the bells play beautiful melodies. Get your best walking shoes on as the chapel can be accessed by a 30-minute walk uphill from Honfleur.
For the shopaholics, make sure you leave with a souvenir. The neighbourhood is full of boutiques selling art, clothing and specialised items from Normandy like caramels and tinned fish. They will make perfect presents for your loved ones upon your return back home!