Tours/Honfleur/Visit Honfleur by sidecar 1.5 to 3.5 hour tour along the coast
Viator · Private tour

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

4.9(182)Honfleur1 hour
VIATOR4.9(38)TRIPADVISOR5.0(144)

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

1.5 HOUR OPTION
  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Discover Honfleur: Discover Honfleur and its secrets, then enjoy a tasting of local products in an authentic Normandy distillery. Pickup included
2.5 HOUR OPTION
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Tasting at a local distillery: Discover our local products through a tasting of apple juice, cider, and calvados. The most well-balanced tour.: Discover Honfleur and the charming fishing village of Villerville. Pickup included
3.5 HOUR OPTION
  • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes The most comprehensive tour.: Discover Honfleur, Villerville, and the legendary seaside resort of Deauville. Pickup included

Itinerary

Pass by

Your pilot will pick you up at the cruise terminal, your hotel or the tourist office of Honfleur.

15 min

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.

15 min

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.

15 min

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.

15 min

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.

30 min

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.

30 min

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.

15 min

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.

5 min

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.

15 min

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.

Admission included15 min

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.

20 min

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.

20 min

Your pilot will bring you back to your hotel or the tourist office.

Highlights

1 to 2 passengers per sidecar (one person behind our pilot and one person in the basket)
Vintage goggles
Rain gear
Anecdotes
Cider, pommeau and calvados tasting
Gloves
Helmets

What's included

Included
1 to 2 passengers per sidecar (one person behind our pilot and one person in the basket)
Vintage goggles
Rain gear
Anecdotes
Cider, pommeau and calvados tasting
Gloves
Helmets
Not included
Gratuities
Lunch

Pickup Locations & Times

Reminder: (1 to 2 passengers = 1 sidecar) (3 to 4 passengers = 2 sidecars) (5 to 6 passengers = 3 sidecars)

Traveller Ratings

4.9
182 reviews
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173
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8
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1
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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(182)

C
Christine_S
July 2, 2026
We couldn't go but our...

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.

E
E5802MEvaleriea
June 29, 2026
Wonderful.

Superb afternoon, very good guides who explain the history of Honfleur. Walked in complete safety; we were all delighted with this outing.

O
O9472FUsophieb
May 25, 2026
Discovering Honfleur and its surroundings by sidecar

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.

L
LucyCP
April 6, 2026
A brilliant, fun, informative tour

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.

E
E2879JSaudreyc
February 11, 2026
Toppppppp

Thanks to our great guide Nicolas who showed us around and tell us a lot of very interesting things about Honfleur...and thanks to your side cars Gustave..Nicolas is passionate...so don't hesitate I strongly recommend this walk...we will keep memories full audrey and gilberto head..

F
florence l
November 18, 2025
Super ride!!

It was for my daughter’s 30th birthday I found this activity, A little septic with the weather in November, but following an email exchange everything was clear. It was great , as discovered Nicolas our driver was a great guide. Everything was great , and visiting the apple grove 👍🏼 Really this is to make known this sidecar ride. Everything was planned in case of bad weather, gloves, glasses. We passed in places that only the Normans know!! We loved even Oscar our hairy😉

1 people found this helpful
S
Susy C
November 4, 2025
Exceptional visit in a privileged setting

Exceptional private tour with Nicolas; a lover of places with a captivating knowledge! His anecdotes and stories plunged us into this France rich in architecture and character. The car site was for us a fun and friendly experience. We already knew this beautiful area but today was something else. Thank you very much for everything Nicolas.

Y
YannChambrier
October 22, 2025
A must-try experience.

The Private sidecar tour and cider tasting from Honfleur by Retro Tour Normandy was a delightful experience on 9 Oct. Nicholas and Remi, our guides, were super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, adding a personal touch to the adventure. The highlight was undoubtedly the cider-tasting session, where my son not got a taste of the life of a cider-maker. The tour seamlessly combined thrill, education, and relaxation, making it a memorable journey through picturesque landscapes. Highly recommend this tour for anyone seeking a unique and enriching way to explore the beautiful region of Normandy.

K
Karlene_M
October 12, 2025
Best tour… such a unique experience

Amazing! Being picked up from port & then climbing into side cart, made us feel super special. All eyes were on us! Then off we went on a brilliant tour & got a little taste of history. Our guide was very friendly & knowledgeable. Only thing I say be aware of, is when you are on the bike and the winds are blowing in your face… it can be a little eye watering, so glasses are a must!

F
fcasbark
September 23, 2025
Highly recommend

What a wonderful way to see Honfleur and this magnificent area in Normandy. Our driver was friendly, knowledgeable and we felt safe. I highly recommend this to enhance and learn about this beautiful part of France.

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