Le Manoir des Impressionnistes Hôtel takes its name from the painters who flocked to Honfleur in the nineteenth century, drawn by the light on the Seine estuary and the colours of the old harbour. Boudin, Monet and Jongkind all worked here, and the town still has a studio feel, with galleries, a museum and the wooden church of Sainte-Catherine. A manor-house hotel in this setting offers a more characterful stay than a chain hotel, with a country-house atmosphere, individually decorated rooms and a quieter pace, and it suits couples, friends and anyone who wants to combine sightseeing with time to unwind. Honfleur itself is small and picturesque, and the Vieux Bassin, lined with tall slate-fronted houses and cafe terraces, is the centre of the evening. This hotel is an upper-mid-range choice, below the five-star splurge of La Ferme Saint-Siméon and well above the budget options, so it is a good middle path.
Location and getting around
Honfleur is compact and the old harbour is easy to reach on foot, although the exact walking time depends on where the hotel sits in relation to the Vieux Bassin, so check this when you book. Parking in the centre is difficult in high season, so ask whether the hotel has its own spaces or a recommended car park.
Deauville and Trouville are a short drive along the coast, Étretat is around an hour, and Le Havre can be reached over the Pont de Normandie. Bayeux and the D-Day beaches are around an hour and a half away, so Honfleur is a base for the north coast and the Pays d'Auge rather than the landing sites.
The rooms and the feel
Manor-style hotels usually offer a mix of room types, from classic doubles to larger rooms and suites, often with exposed beams or garden outlooks. Details such as air conditioning, lifts, a breakfast room, a garden and a lounge vary, so read the room descriptions and recent guest comments. Breakfast is commonly offered for an extra charge, and Honfleur has many bakeries and cafes if you prefer to start the day in town.
Who it suits
Couples on a romantic break, small groups of friends and travellers who want charm and a good location without a five-star price. It is a strong match for visitors interested in art, food and coastal walks, and for those who plan to try cider, calvados and the seafood of the estuary. It is less suited to guests who need a spa or a pool, to families on a strict budget and to travellers focused on D-Day sites.
Booking tips
Honfleur is a favourite weekend destination for Parisians, so Friday and Saturday nights are expensive and sell out, particularly in summer and on holiday weekends. Midweek stays and shoulder months such as May and October offer better value and quieter streets. Reserve early for the dates of local festivals, ask about parking, and check the cancellation terms. If you arrive by car from Paris, allow for traffic on Friday evenings and for the one-way streets around the harbour.
Why stay here
- ✓Manor-house hotel in Honfleur
- ✓Near the Vieux Bassin (check walking time)
- ✓Individually styled rooms
- ✓Breakfast available (extra charge)
- ✓Garden or lounge (check when you book)
- ✓Parking (ask when booking)
- ✓Quiet setting in a historic port
- ✓Free Wi-Fi (check when you book)
Good questions
Is it close to the Honfleur harbour?+
Honfleur is compact, and the hotel is in town. Check the exact walking time to the Vieux Bassin when you book.
Is it a good base for the D-Day beaches?+
Not ideal. Honfleur is about an hour and a half from Bayeux, so it suits the north coast and the Pays d'Auge better.
Is parking easy?+
Parking in central Honfleur can be difficult in summer. Ask the hotel whether it has spaces or a recommended car park.
