Honfleur is quite different from other places with its tall, slate-fronted houses tightly packed around the harbour, the 16th century governor's house guarding the harbour entrance. The cathedral in the main square is quite unique in that it was built entirely of wood by the Honfleur shipbuilders of that time. The area has attracted painters for more than a hundred years and a group of Impressionists, including Boudin and Monet, settled at the Ferme St-Siméon on the hill behind. Artists still jostle for a place around the old port and the town's charm is enhanced by numerous art galleries.

Of the string of other places along the Côte Fleurie, on whose long sandy beaches the fashion for sea bathing was born in the 19th century, Deauville reigns supreme. Its neo rustic villas, smart shops and night-life attract many people who come for the yearling sales and racing, the regattas and to play roulette, golf, polo or tennis.

Inland is some of Normandy's most beautiful countryside, heavy with blossom or apples and thick with bright green pastures and grazing cattle, which produce the rich creamy milk that goes into making Camembert and Pont L'Evéque cheese. To appreciate the intimate charm of the countryside though, it is best to take the country roads to see the colourful manor houses or cottages with flowers planted in the thatch and noisy farmyards.