Honfleur is a quaint seaside town on the Normandy coast. It is a popular tourist attraction today, and deservedly so. There are traditional narrow, cobble-stone streets that are still lined with old timber-frame houses that lead away from a 17th Century harbour. A wonderful setting for a few days holiday, or a great day out. Monet was also inspired by Honfleur, and that part of the Normandy coast.

Monet visited Honfleur a number of times, and painted a handful of canvasses there. Above is his painting of the bell-tower, Le clocher Sainte Catherine, a wooden belfry and bell-ringer’s home, that unusually stands apart from the church.

Today the bell-tower is an annex of the Eugène Boudin Museum. The main galleries of the museum that houses an impressive collection of pre-impressionist and impressionist paintings are located in the Augustine church and a few modern extensions. The bell-tower houses work of a religious nature, such as sculptures and other local religious items.

The Museum has 92 works by Eugène Boudin, who was born in Honfleur. And it was Boudin as Monet’s mentor who encouraged the young Claude Monet to paint outdoors. This wonderful collection of Boudin’s is displayed alongside that of his friends, such as Mozin, Monet, Dubourg, Jongkind, Pécrus, Courbet, and Cals; all well-known local artists from the 19th century.

Honfleur is well worth a visit, as is a visit to the Musée Eugène Boudin – for more information about the museum, such as prices and opening dates and times, follow this link.

There are over 25 hotels in Honfeur to choose from should you wish to take a break in this wonderful seaside town on the Normandy coast.