The historic town of Honfleur is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Normandy. A quaint harbor surrounded by well-preserved narrow houses, ancient churches and buildings, made it a favorite among French artists in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today it remains popular among French and foreign tourists who want to explore the history and culture of Normandy.
There are many hotels and B&Bs to choose from in Honfleur, but one of the very best is La Petite Folie, a B&B of five rooms that also has three apartments (maison d’hôtes et appartements de charme). The location of La Petite Folie is ideal: set in the center of historic Honfleur (St Catherine), it is only a few minutes away from the harbor, and from the birth places and museums of Alphonse Allais and Erik Satie.
La Petite Folie is owned by Penny Vincent and her French husband, Thierry, and together they offer guests a stylish, intimate place to stay. La Petite Folie is comprised of three houses; the first two (side by side) at 42 and 44 rue Haute, which house the B&B and three large apartments. A third house with two more apartments overlooking a lovely garden (at 94 rue Haute) will be opening this summer.
The main house at 44 ( the bed and breakfast) dates to 1830 and is built in the Directoire style offering 5 individually decorated bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. All bedrooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, bath products from Aveda, and large comfortable beds. Breakfast — served around the large table in the original kitchen where a wood-burning stove creates a warm atmosphere during the winter months — features fresh breads, jellies and pastries from Honfleur’s finest bakers, and on market day, fresh local butter, cheese and fruit juices.
Chambre Directoire
Chambre Kiosque
The house at 42 rue Haute, which dates back to the 14th century, is certainly one of the oldest houses in town, has three exquisite apartments each of which comprise a floor of the house and are self-catering. All apartments have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and full kitchens. Pictured below is the largest of the three apartments – Le Trois – which features a blend of contemporary and traditional, decorated with Pierre Frey fabrics and Porthault linens.
Appartement Le Trois
The main house has a curious kiosk (or Petite Folie) in the garden dating back to 1871. In the spirit of late 19th century Maroccan or oriental style, it was once used as a bathhouse for its prestigious owners. This ‘petite folie’ has been completely renovated and guests are welcome to visit.
Indeed one of the reasons to stay at La Petite Folie is the personal attention you get from Penny and Thierry. They share with guests a list of their favorite places to eat, shops where you can buy paintings, antiques, Calvados products and more.
Prices start at 145 EUR per night; the apartments require a minimum 2-night stay. La Petite Folie is not suitable for children (except at the apartment Anis where they accept children over the age of 10). It is definitely the place for couples on a romantic holiday or weekend.
La Petite Folie
4 rue Haute
14600 Honfleur, France
+33 (0)6 74 39 46 46
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.
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