Manoir de Roncheville, Honfleur

Historic Building in Honfleur

Roncheville Manor
Roncheville Manor
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dennis G. Jarvis

Roncheville Manor, also known as Manoir de Roncheville, is one of the top attractions in Honfleur, a rare architectural treasure that reflects the town's political, military, and maritime evolution. Built in 1470 on a site once occupied by the Bertan family-viscounts of Roncheville-the manor was reconstructed by Admiral Louis de Bourbon after he regained governance following the Hundred Years' War. Its brick and flint façade, medieval plan, and layered additions make it one of the must-see places in Honfleur for travellers interested in heritage and architecture.

Throughout the centuries, Roncheville Manor adapted to the needs of its inhabitants, shifting from the residence of Honfleur's governors to the base of prosperous shipowners. Often visited on walking tours of Honfleur, the manor preserves this remarkable history within its elegant structure. Today, its artistic exhibitions and cultural events offer one of the best places to see in Roncheville Manor for those wanting to experience a blend of history and contemporary creativity.

History and Significance of Manoir de Roncheville

Before the current structure was built, the site belonged to the Bertan family, powerful viscounts who shaped early Honfleur. The manor as it stands today was constructed in 1470 by Admiral Louis de Bourbon-Knight of the Order of Saint-Michel and a central figure in Honfleur's post-war recovery. Tasked by King Louis XI with restoring the town's fortifications after the Hundred Years' War, Louis de Bourbon rebuilt the manor as part of the city's revival.

During the late 15th century, under King Charles VII, the manor became the official residence of Honfleur's governors. Robert de Floques, Jean de Montauban, and Louis de Bourbon himself all lived within its walls, cementing the manor's role as a political and administrative centre.

By the 16th century, Honfleur’s maritime industries had expanded, and shipowners took up residence in the manor. They enlarged the building with new wings, storage areas, and workspaces, transforming the noble residence into a practical hub for maritime trade. This shift illustrates the town’s adaptability and its deep connection to the sea.

Things to See and Do in Manoir de Roncheville

Visitors can admire the manor’s intricate brick and flint exterior, a hallmark of Norman craftsmanship. The medieval layout, timber elements, and later Renaissance-style additions reveal how the structure evolved over centuries.

Inside, the manor now serves as a cultural venue hosting art exhibitions, heritage events, and local gatherings. Its atmospheric rooms, thick stone walls, and exposed wooden beams create an evocative setting for contemporary artworks and creative displays. This blend of the old and new makes a visit one of the things to do in Honfleur for travellers who enjoy cultural experiences set within historic architecture.

Walking around the manor, visitors can still sense its noble origins and practical maritime adaptations. The preserved wings and courtyards offer excellent opportunities for photography and quiet exploration.

How to Get to Roncheville Manor

Most visitors travel to Honfleur via Deauville-Normandie Airport, which offers domestic and limited international flights and is a short drive from the town. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Honfleur on Booking.com.

Honfleur does not have a railway station, but nearby Deauville-Trouville Station provides good connections from Paris Saint-Lazare and other Normandy cities. From the station, buses, taxis, and shuttles offer convenient access to Honfleur. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Driving to Roncheville Manor is straightforward thanks to the A13, A29, and surrounding regional road network. Public parking areas around the town centre make it easy to reach the manor on foot through Honfleur’s historic streets. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Roncheville Manor

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Suggested tips: Check the event schedule ahead of your visit to catch exhibitions or cultural activities.
  • Best time to visit: Spring through autumn, when cultural programming is most active.
  • How long to spend: Around 30-45 minutes for the manor itself; longer if attending an exhibition.
  • Accessibility: Some uneven floors and historical stairways may pose challenges.
  • Facilities: Nearby cafés, shops, and restrooms in central Honfleur.
  • Photography tip: Capture the building’s brick-and-flint façade in late afternoon light for warm, textured images.
  • Guided tours: Occasionally available during heritage events.
  • Nearby food options: Numerous bistros and cafés are within a short walk in the old town.

Where to Stay close to Roncheville Manor

For a charming stay near the manor and Honfleur’s main attractions, consider Les Maisons de Léa, offering boutique comfort in a central location. For luxury and history near the estuary, La Ferme Saint Simeon is an outstanding choice. Another elegant and convenient option is Hôtel L’Ecrin, within easy walking distance of the manor.

Is Roncheville Manor Worth Visiting?

Yes-Roncheville Manor is absolutely worth visiting. Its layered history, architectural beauty, and role as both noble residence and maritime hub make it one of Honfleur’s most fascinating landmarks. Whether you are exploring its past or enjoying contemporary exhibitions inside its storied walls, the manor offers a memorable journey through the town’s heritage.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (6)

Manoir de Roncheville, at 8 Rue Saint-Antoine in Honfleur, is a grand town residence in the old quarter with a charming courtyard that's free to enter from Place de Roncheville or the small Rue des Boucheries; visitors note it hosts artist exhibitions suitable for families and that an entrance plaque explains the site's past, making it a lovely, well worth seeing spot in the heart of town.

a a docto
a year ago
"Love the place."
Stibbe Ivan
a year ago
"The stately home of the Roncheville family. Rulers of Honfleur until the Hundred Years' War. A grand town residence awaits discovery. Free accessfrom Place de Roncheville or via the small rue des boucheries. The site hosts artist exhibitions for families to explore. A plaque at the entrance reveals the history of the site...."
Sternchen B
2 years ago
"Beautiful old house in the heart of the old town with a lovely courtyard. Well worth a visit."

FAQs for Visiting Roncheville Manor

Yes, it is open during exhibitions and cultural events; schedules vary.
Fees depend on the event or exhibition being held.
Some rooms are accessible during events, while others may remain closed.
Generally yes, though exhibition rules may vary.

Nearby Attractions to Roncheville Manor

The Manoir de Roncheville appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Honfleur!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free.

Address: Rue Saint-Antoine 14600 Honfleur France
Honfleur: 0 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs