Visit Honfleur by sidecar 1.5 to 3.5 hour tour along the coast





Description
Experience the RETRO TOUR NORMANDY adventure in and around Honfleur! Awaken your senses along the Côte Fleurie with an unforgettable journey. Your "Gentleman Sider," an expert sidecar guide and driver, will take you through the prestigious orchards of local calvados, cider, and pommeau producers. Along the way, marvel at breathtaking landscapes and dive into captivating stories about the Vikings in Normandy, the rise of Impressionism, and the history of William the Conqueror. A memorable visual and gastronomic experience awaits you!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your pilot will pick you up at the cruise terminal, your hotel or the tourist office of Honfleur.
The Vieux Bassin of Honfleur is the beating heart of this charming Norman port town, renowned for its authentic character and unique maritime atmosphere. Dug in the Middle Ages, this historic harbor played a central role in Honfleur's commercial growth, serving as the home port for merchant ships and fishing boats that shaped the town's history. Surrounded by colorful half-timbered houses, renowned seafood restaurants, and lively art galleries, the Vieux Bassin offers an enchanting, postcard-perfect setting. Its picturesque quays, lined with vibrant fishing boats and elegant sailboats, create an idyllic backdrop for a romantic stroll or a leisurely meal on a sunlit terrace. This iconic spot has also inspired many famous artists, including Gustave Courbet and Eugène Boudin, who found endless creative inspiration in its maritime landscapes. Today, the Vieux Bassin continues to captivate visitors with its timeless charm and bewitching atmosphere, seemingly suspended in time.
The Church of Sainte-Catherine in Honfleur is an exceptional architectural treasure, embodying the rich historical and maritime heritage of the town. Built in the late 15th century, this entirely wooden church is the largest of its kind in France, making it a truly remarkable monument. Its unique architecture is the result of the craftsmanship of the shipbuilders of the time, who applied naval construction techniques to create this place of worship. The main nave, with its shape resembling an overturned ship’s hull, is supported by massive oak beams, exuding both strength and elegance. The detached bell tower, reminiscent of an old ship’s lighthouse, further emphasizes the maritime connection that defines Honfleur.
Built in the early 17th century, this chapel is a cherished pilgrimage site for local sailors and fishermen, who come to pay their respects to the Virgin Mary and seek her protection before setting out to sea. The chapel’s architecture is marked by its understated elegance, with stone walls and a slate roof that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by delicate stained glass windows that cast soothing patterns of light on the wooden walls. The sanctuary houses a revered statue of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, surrounded by numerous votive offerings from grateful mariners. The intersection of faith and maritime tradition is also evident in the ceremonies held here, including ship blessings and prayers for safe voyages. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is a haven where history, devotion, and natural beauty converge, providing visitors with an experience of charm and authenticity.
You will have access to a beautiful panorama and it is worth seeing especially on a sunny day. You will see the basins of the port and the two pylons of the bridge of Normadie connecting Honfleur to Le Havre and just below a good part of the old city with its narrow streets.
At Manoir d'Apreval, a family-run estate located between Deauville and Honfleur, you'll have the chance to meet our friends and family, who have been passionately producing cider and calvados for five generations. Specializing in the cultivation of apples and pears, Manoir d'Apreval blends traditional and modern methods with a commitment to environmental respect. All our products, including pure fruit juices, cider, pommeau, and calvados, are organic. Set amidst the lush orchards of the Pays d'Auge, this charming estate offers an authentic and flavorful experience, immersing you in the heart of Norman tradition while uncovering the secrets of our production.
INCLUDED IN THE 2.5 AND 3.5 HOUR OPTIONS "A monkey in winter", a film by Henri Verneuil, was shot there during the winter of 1961-1962. Villerville appears there under the name of Tigreville. A local association, created in 2001, perpetuates the memory of the shooting. Since June 2007, a large photo of the film Jean Gabin and Jean-Paul Belmondo, the two stars of the film, has been hanging on a wall at the entrance to the main street. Down this street is the Norman Cabaret, a restaurant used for filming.
INCLUDED IN THE 3.5 HOUR OPTION On the initiative of Duc de Morny, founder of the Deauville resort, the racecourse was inaugurated in August 18631, the year in which two first races were held on 14 and 15 August. Gradually, the reunion expands, with the creation of the Deauville Cup in 1866, endowed with 20 000 F and an object of art of 10 000 F and the Grand Prix of Deauville in 1871.
INCLUDED IN THE 3.5 HOUR OPTION The Hotel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville is a grand hotel of the Groupe Lucien Barrière at Deauville in Normandy. It was built as the Hôtel Normandy by François André in 1912.
INCLUDED IN THE 3.5 HOUR OPTION The present building dates from the twelfth and thirteenth century. The building is registered as a historic monument on September 23, 1977.
INCLUDED IN THE 3.5 HOUR OPTION It was built between 1907 and 1912 on the plans of the architect Georges Pichereau Caen on behalf of Henri de Rothschild, on the site of a farm he had bought in 1875 Gustave Flaubert, farm Coteau . She is the archetype of the second generation of the neo-Norman style.
INCLUDED IN THE 3.5 HOUR OPTION *This stop may be excluded if your guide estimates that there is not enough time left.* The bridge was designed by Michel Virlogeux, the general studies having been led by Bernard Raspaud from Bouygues. The works management was shared between G. Barlet and P. Jacquet. The architects were François Doyelle and Charles Lavigne. Construction by Bouygues, Campenon Bernard, Dumez, Monberg & Thorsen, Quillery, Sogea and Spie Batignolles began in 1988 and lasted seven years. The bridge opened on 20 January 1995.
Your pilot will bring you back to your hotel or the tourist office.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Reminder: (1 to 2 passengers = 1 sidecar) (3 to 4 passengers = 2 sidecars) (5 to 6 passengers = 3 sidecars)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Six people max per booking, may go to twelve people upon request
- Minimum age: 4 years old
Reviews(188)
A big thank you to Florent who exudes passion for his region! I hope you get to be in his company.
Fantastic Motorbike and side car trip around Honfleur with the lovely Nicholas driving. Nicholas stopped at places of interest to tell us about them and took us up to a high spot with lovely views over the town. We then drove into the countryside where we stopped for Cider and Calvados tasting. Highly recommend this tour.
It was simply amazing! Between the landscapes, the anecdotes, and the sidecar ride, it was a real feast for the eyes. An original, friendly, and unforgettable experience. We recommend it 100% to anyone who wants to discover Normandy in a different way. See you very soon! 🏍️
Superb experience with Florent. A custom tour for a ninety-minute discovery of Normandy. Full of anecdotes and a great pilot.
We loved this trip! Remi was so awesome and it was truly a one of a kind experience. He went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. There were no worries!! Would highly recommend if you want to see more of the beautiful countryside!
I did the 2 hours retro sidecar trip from Deauville to Honfleur. It was one of the best tours I've ever done ...any where! Nicholas, my guide, had excellent English and was very knowledgeable. I learned so many interesting facts on our tour. It was exhilarating whizzing along the Normandy roads to Honfleur - it was a damp dull mid-week day which was great as there were fewer people about and meant I got to see more and take some great pictures! I enjoyed seeing the churches and the highpoint view of the Normandy bridge and Honfleur, and also the Calvados tasting - the apple juice was the best I've ever tasted. I was very sad when it ended as Nicholas had been a wonderful travel companion and guide for 2 hours and I left with some special memories and more knowledge of Normandy! This tour was one of my holiday highlights and would thoroughly recommend.
We couldn't go but our friends went and said it was fantastic. The pilot was excellent, the time at the distillery was wonderful and of course the weather cooperated. It was to be the highlight of our trip so I am disappointed that we were too sick to go but, as I said, our friends said it was wonderful in every way.
Superb afternoon, very good guides who explain the history of Honfleur. Walked in complete safety; we were all delighted with this outing.
For our sidecar baptism, we were in very good hands with our guide-pilot Florent! Very friendly and smiling, Florent introduced us to Honfleur and its surroundings, all enhanced by a tasting at a cider house! A very beautiful experience that we recommend.
Our guide was Nicolas and he was absolutely excellent, well informed and relaxed. We enjoyed his company. We loved the side car tour to Honfleur- we saw and learned a lot in the two hours and stopped by an apple farm on the way back. Nicolas was a very safe driver which was appreciated.



