After a restful night in our petit château, we started our morning exploring Honfleur, a charming port town in Normandy. Its picturesque harbor, Vieux Bassin, is lined with 17th-century townhouses that have remained remarkably well preserved. The slate-fronted façades and cobblestone streets give the town a storybook feel, and it’s easy to see why artists like Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin were inspired to capture its light and maritime atmosphere.

Walking through Honfleur, it became clear why Havre de Grace, Maryland, was named after Le Havre. The preserved charm of Honfleur shows what a Normandy port might have looked like centuries ago, while Le Havre today bears the scars of wartime destruction and post-WWII reconstruction.

Honfleur’s maritime history is rich: it was a major base for explorers and traders during the 16th and 17th centuries, including voyages to the New World. Some historians note that ships from this region were among the first French vessels to trade and explore along the Atlantic coast of North America, creating early ties between Normandy and colonial settlements.

The town is also culturally vibrant today, with art galleries, museums, and local seafood markets celebrating both its artistic legacy and maritime traditions. One highlight is the Saint Catherine’s Church, the largest wooden church in France, built by shipbuilders and reflecting the town’s seafaring roots.

Strolling through the harbor, it felt like stepping back in time while also appreciating the historical threads connecting Normandy to America—through trade, exploration, and inspiration. Honfleur is a living reminder of France’s coastal history, artistic heritage, and enduring global connections.