Honfleur, its Old Basin, its gardens, its Impressionists and the Normandy Outlet

Around the fishing harbour with its adorable slate-covered houses, the panorama of this scenic Norman town was for a longtime a destination for artists. Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin, Erik Satie and Claude Monet drew their inspiration here along with the Impressionist movement. Over time, this town showcased its patrimony and has morphed into a four-season seashore resort, not far from the capital.

Normandy Outlet, the new asset of Honfleur

Stroll along the picturesque winding streets of its 16th century historical center. Le Grenier à Sel, the churches of Saint-Léonard and Sainte Catherine, la Lieutenance, the Garden of Personalities, the Côte de Grâce and the Mont-Joli are the gems of this Pays d'Auge town. But the new asset of Honfleur is L'Outlet, a village of brands implanted at the foot of the Normandy bridge.

Soon to become a residence for artists, la Lieutenance also shelters a gallery. © DR

In memory of the painter Claude Monet, who often visited this Norman seashore town, this garden-islet bears his name. © DR

A 4th generation village of brands

With 28,800 m² of vegitalized rooftops and 24,200 m² of green spaces on the ground, the very ambitious project of the British real estate promoter, Resolution Property, is an open-sky site for shop-ops and clever purchases, open year-round. Built by architect Edouard François, its structure combining  contemporary codes and local tradition has attracted 700,000 French and foreign visitors, in 50 venues, including food, fashion and art of living. Without any competition for 130 kms, a new commercial and touristic destination is born along the Côte Fleurie !

Encountering a frank success amongst the local population and tourists, the Normandy Outlet is very close to the Normandy bridge. © DR

Address book

• Musée Eugène Boudin and Maison Erik Satie. To be inspired by the Honfleur spirit, discover the collection of Impressionist masters and the works of the composer and pianist. www.musees-honfleur.fr 
• The Garden of Personalities. Spanning 10 landscaped hectars, the promenade unveils "boat-gardens" where one discover busts representing the actors of the town's historical and cultural patrimony. www.ot-honfleur.fr
• SaQuaNa. Nestled at the heart of a typical building in the historical center, and awarded 2 stars by the Michelin guide, the restaurant of Alexandre Bourdas serves the best products from the sea in a rustic and cosy atmosphere. www.alexandre-bourdas.com 
• La Ferme Saint-Siméon. With 5 stars and its affiliation to the Relais & Châteaux hotel chain, this Norman house, dating back to the 17th century, offers a spectacular view on the Seine estuary, a superb Spa and the refined cuisine of Sébastien Saramond. www.fermesaintsimeon.fr

Former refuge of Impressionist painters, today the Ferme Saint-Siméon features savors and well-being. © DR