Honfleur & Étretat from Paris: A Normandy Day Trip
Honfleur's Old Harbour, Étretat's spectacular cliffs — the finest Normandy coast day trip in V-Class.
Jan 5, 2026
Honfleur: Jewel of the Norman Coast
Honfleur's Old Harbour is one of Normandy's most photographed sites. Its colourful timber-framed houses, art galleries, and Church of Sainte-Catherine (built entirely from wood) create a unique atmosphere. 2 hours from Paris via the A13.
Stroll through the Sainte-Catherine quarter lanes, visit the Eugène Boudin Museum (father of Impressionism), and savour a seafood platter on the harbourside. Allow 2-3 hours to appreciate Honfleur.
Étretat: The Iconic Cliffs
The Étretat cliffs rank among France's most spectacular landscapes. The Aiguille creuse, Porte d'Aval, and Manneporte are unique geological formations that inspired Monet, Maupassant, and Maurice Leblanc (Arsène Lupin).
The cliff path offers breathtaking views — allow 1.5 hours for the full loop via the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde chapel. Wear walking shoes and mind the wind, which can be fierce at the cliff edge.
The Ideal One-Day Itinerary
Leave Paris 8 AM → Honfleur (10 AM-12:30 PM, visit + lunch) → Étretat (1:30-4 PM, cliffs + beach) → Paris (return 6:30-7 PM). It's a comfortable programme with no need to rush.
Alternative: add Le Havre and its UNESCO-listed architecture (Auguste Perret reconstruction) or Deauville and its famous boardwalk. Your chauffeur adapts the circuit to your wishes.
Norman Specialities to Try
Honfleur is a gourmet paradise: bouchot mussels, scallops (in season), Camembert, cider, and calvados. Sa.Qua.Na (2 Michelin stars) by Alexandre Bourdas offers exceptional cuisine for foodies.
For a simpler meal, the Old Harbour terraces serve fresh seafood platters and Norman crêpes with salted caramel butter. The Saturday morning market is a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
