France: Honfleur

Honfleur is beautiful port town at the Seine’s estuary, it dates back to the 11th century. It boomed during the Hundred Years’ War in 14th century thanks to its strategic harbor, which Charles V fortified against English raids. In the 16-18th centuries, Honfleur thrived on trade with North America and Asia, and many ships to the New World departed from here. Honfleur is famous for its colorful half-timbered houses surrounding Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) that is simply postcard-perfect. The square harbor is exactly the spot where the Seine River meets the English Channel and the drawbridge is right at its mouth.