The Museums of Old Honfleur

Museum in Honfleur

CC BY-SA 1.0 / René Hourdry

The Maritime Museum, located in the former Saint-Etienne Church on the edge of the Vieux Bassin, captures the seafaring essence of Honfleur. As the oldest church in the city, this Gothic structure now serves as a cultural landmark where ship models, tools, engravings, and artifacts narrate the vibrant history of fishing, shipbuilding, and commerce in the 18th and 19th centuries. Each exhibit is a window into the lives of sailors and craftsmen, showcasing their skills and contributions to the town’s economic and cultural fabric. The Maritime Museum also delves into Honfleur’s role in exploration and trade, making it an invaluable resource for understanding its maritime identity.

Nearby, the Museum of Ethnography and Norman Popular Art is housed in a 16th-century half-timbered building that was once the Viscounty of Roncheville prison. This museum brings to life the traditions and lifestyles of Norman society through its twelve meticulously recreated rooms. Each room represents a different aspect of daily life, from the Mercier boutique and cooper workshop to the weaver’s room and sailor’s dining area. Norman costumes, headdresses, furniture, and handcrafted objects are displayed alongside earthenware from Pré-d’Auge, providing a tangible connection to the region’s heritage. The museum also preserves its original prison spaces, offering visitors a glimpse into Honfleur’s legal and penal history.

Together, these museums create a holistic narrative of Honfleur’s evolution as both a maritime hub and a center of Norman culture. They reflect the town’s resilience, ingenuity, and creativity, making them perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Whether you’re marveling at the ship models in the Maritime Museum or stepping back in time in the ethnographic rooms, the Museums of Old Honfleur offer an immersive journey into the heart of this enchanting port town.

The The Museums of Old Honfleur appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Honfleur!

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Visiting The Museums of Old Honfleur

Hours:

April – September, daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

October – March,

Weekdays 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Weekends 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Price:

€4.20 for adults

Address: Rue de la Prison, 14600 Honfleur, France