Vieux Phare de Honfleur

Lighthouse in Honfleur

Vieux Phare de Honfleur
Vieux Phare de Honfleur
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Philippe Alès

The Vieux Phare de Honfleur is one of the top attractions in Honfleur for travellers intrigued by maritime history and coastal scenery. Built in 1853 to help guide ships into the port, it replaced an older wooden beacon known as the Tour à feu and worked alongside the Phare de Fatouville. Though decommissioned in 1908, the lighthouse remains one of the must-see places in Honfleur thanks to its elegant masonry tower, historic charm, and peaceful location overlooking the Seine estuary.

Its square white tower, detailed with granite cornices and stonework from Cherbourg, reflects 19th-century engineering and style. Often visited on walking tours of Honfleur, the lighthouse also offers one of the best places to see in the Vieux Phare de Honfleur area for enjoying wide views across the estuary and the surrounding coastal landscape.

History and Significance of the Vieux Phare de Honfleur

The Vieux Phare was constructed in 1853 and first lit in 1857, replacing the earlier Tour à feu-the wooden beacon that had long assisted sailors entering Honfleur’s harbour. Its purpose was to work in tandem with the nearby Fatouville Lighthouse, catching the attention of ships navigating the shifting waters of the estuary.

For over 50 years, the lighthouse played an important role in Honfleur's maritime operations until 1908, when its lantern was removed and installed in the new Phare du Butin. Although no longer active, the tower was preserved due to its architectural merit and symbolic importance. Today, owned by the city of Honfleur, it remains a proud reminder of the region's seafaring heritage.

The lighthouse’s robust construction-with granite chainage, cornices, and white masonry-illustrates the craftsmanship of the period and showcases a style typical of mid-19th-century French lighthouse design.

Things to See and Do in the Vieux Phare de Honfleur

Visitors cannot enter the lighthouse itself, but the exterior alone is worth the trip. Its sturdy square tower and clean architectural lines make it an excellent subject for photography, particularly in early morning or late-afternoon light.

The surrounding area along the Seine estuary offers scenic walking paths and quiet spots for admiring views of the river, passing boats, and the natural landscape. This peaceful stretch is one of the things to do in Honfleur if you enjoy coastal walks away from the busier town centre.

Interpretive signs or local guidebooks can provide context about the lighthouse’s operational years, its link to Fatouville and Butin lighthouses, and its role in the evolution of maritime navigation in the region.

How to Get to the Vieux Phare de Honfleur

Travellers typically reach Honfleur via Deauville-Normandie Airport, the closest regional hub offering domestic and limited international connections. From there, Honfleur is a short trip by car or taxi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Honfleur on Booking.com.

Although Honfleur does not have its own railway station, visitors can arrive at nearby Deauville-Trouville Station, which receives frequent trains from Paris Saint-Lazare and other Normandy cities. Buses, taxis, and shuttles then connect easily 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 the Vieux Phare de Honfleur is straightforward thanks to the A13 and A29 motorways and surrounding local roads. Public parking areas near the estuary and harbour offer convenient access for a short walk to the lighthouse. 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 the Vieux Phare de Honfleur

  • Suggested tips: Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the estuary paths around the lighthouse.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and calmer surroundings.
  • How long to spend: 15-30 minutes, depending on how long you enjoy the views and nearby walkways.
  • Accessibility: The paths around the lighthouse are generally flat and easy to walk.
  • Facilities: Limited on-site; cafés and restrooms are available closer to town.
  • Photography tip: Capture the lighthouse with the estuary in the background for dramatic compositions.
  • Guided tours: Usually not available, as the lighthouse is not open inside.
  • Nearby food options: Numerous restaurants and cafés can be found in Honfleur’s historic centre.

Where to Stay close to the Vieux Phare de Honfleur

For a boutique stay near Honfleur’s attractions, consider Les Maisons de Léa. For a luxurious retreat with estuary views, La Ferme Saint Simeon is an excellent option. A comfortable and central choice is Hôtel L’Ecrin, offering proximity to the harbour and coastal paths.

Is the Vieux Phare de Honfleur Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Vieux Phare de Honfleur is worth visiting for anyone who appreciates maritime history, quiet coastal scenery, and distinctive 19th-century architecture. While you cannot enter the tower, its serene setting and historical importance make it a rewarding stop during your exploration of Honfleur.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

5.0 (3)

Phare de la Jetée de l'Est in Honfleur sits by a charming port that visitors call wonderful; the area is very touristy with a summer carousel for adults and children, fishermen's landings on certain days that are affordable, and a cluster of ice cream shops, small shops, restaurants and bars around the basin. Parking can be some distance away and is paid, and the site can be difficult to navigate for people using wheelchairs.

geraldine lepaon
8 months ago
"Hello everyone, very touristy place I am from Honfleur, summer ride for adults and children, the fishermen's landing at least on Wednesday andSaturday not expensive, on the other hand I am not delighted for people in wheelchairs because it is very hard for a person to roll and in the seat, parking lots quite far away and above all paying, ice cream parlors around the pool, small shops restaurants, bar...."
Laine Zaine
a year ago
"What a wonderful port"
Gilles Gottigny
a year ago
"👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻"

FAQs for Visiting the Vieux Phare de Honfleur

No, it is not open to the public.
No, the exterior area can be visited freely.
Yes, the nearby paths and open space are family-friendly.
It’s a pleasant walk or short drive from Honfleur’s main attractions.

Nearby Attractions to the Vieux Phare de Honfleur

The Vieux Phare de Honfleur 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!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Vieux Phare de Honfleur, D513, Honfleur, France
Honfleur: 1 km

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