Honfleur: Private Guided City Tour by Vintage Sidecars

A tour that combines nostalgia, scenic beauty, and local flavor, this sidecar adventure through Honfleur is unlike any other. For $291 per group, up to two people, you’ll spend between 1.5 and 3.5 hours riding in vintage sidecars, discovering the town’s cobbled streets, stunning viewpoints, and charming countryside. Your guides, experienced and enthusiastic, will share stories along the way, making the experience both fun and informative.

What we love most about this tour is how intimate and personalized it feels—being driven through narrow alleys and panoramic viewpoints in a vintage vehicle is a genuine experience. Plus, the chance to taste Normandy’s famous cider and Calvados adds a delicious local touch. On the downside, wind exposure can be a bit chilly, so dressing warmly is advised.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a unique, offbeat way to explore Honfleur, appreciate its history and landscapes, and enjoy some local tastings. If you’re comfortable on a motorcycle or open to a slightly adventurous ride, you’ll find this experience both memorable and worthwhile.

Key Points

Unique experience riding in vintage sidecars through Honfleur and its surroundings.
Private tour, driven by knowledgeable guides who share local stories.
Highlights include Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Mont-Joli viewpoint, and Villerville.
Tastings of Normandy cider, pommeau, and Calvados add a flavorful touch.
Flexible pickup from your hotel or a location of your choice in Honfleur.
Duration varies from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, offering options for different schedules.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Honfleur Sidecar Tour

Exploring Honfleur in a vintage sidecar is a genuinely different way to see this picturesque Normandy town. We loved the way the open-air ride puts you right in the middle of the sights, sounds, and smells of Honfleur’s charming streets. From cobbled alleys to scenic vistas, this experience makes sightseeing tactile and engaging.

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Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or a location you specify within Honfleur. This personalized touch means you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics—just meet your guide, hop into the sidecar, and get ready for a ride.

Rue Baudelaire: A Perfect Photo Stop

Your first stop is Rue Baudelaire, a street that captures the essence of Honfleur’s artistic legacy. This quick five-minute break allows for photos and a chance to get a feel for the town’s ambiance. Your guide might share anecdotes about the famous poet and the area’s artistic heritage, making the stop both visual and educational.

Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: A Window into 1400 Years

Next, you’ll visit Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce, a church that has watched over Honfleur for over a millennium. This 20-minute stop offers a guided visit, giving insights into the church’s architecture and history. Many reviews highlight how passionate guides bring these sites to life, with travelers commenting on the interesting stories shared during these short visits.

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Mont-Joli Panorama: Breathtaking Views

One of the tour’s highlights is the Mont-Joli lookout, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Normandy coast. This 20-minute scenic stop is a perfect photo opportunity and an ideal chance to soak in Honfleur’s beauty from above. Travelers often mention how the views leave them speechless, making it a must-see spot.

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Villerville: A Filming Location

The tour then takes you to Villerville, a tiny village famous as a filming location for Monkey in Winter. A brief 10-minute visit allows for photos and a quick exploration of this quaint spot. Many guests find it charming and enjoy the connection to film history.

Local Tastings at Manoir d’Apreval

No Normandy experience is complete without tasting local spirits, and here you’ll enjoy a 30-minute tasting of cider, pommeau, and Calvados at Manoir d’Apreval. This part of the tour is often praised for the quality of the tastings and the friendliness of the staff. It’s a good chance to learn about Normandy’s famous apple-based drinks and appreciate their craftsmanship.

Optional Extra: Exploring Deauville and Trouville

Some tours, especially the longer ones, include a drive to Deauville, a glamorous resort town known for its casino, beautiful beaches, and horse racecourse. One reviewer mentions that their guide, Nicholas, drove them all the way to these towns, highlighting the flexibility and depth of the experience.

Return to Honfleur

After a full day of riding, sightseeing, and tasting, your guide will return you to your starting point. The overall experience provides a delightful blend of history, scenic vistas, local flavors, and the thrill of vintage riding.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Guides and Their Knowledge

Reviewers consistently mention how passionate and engaging the guides are. From sharing historical tidbits to personal anecdotes, guides like Nicholas and Florent make the experience memorable. Many call out their enthusiasm and local expertise, which adds depth to what might otherwise be just a sightseeing ride.

Stunning Views and Authentic Atmosphere

The Mont-Joli viewpoint and the ride through Honfleur’s alleys give riders a real sense of the town’s charm. The open-air aspect allows you to feel connected to the surroundings, and the vintage vehicles add a nostalgic touch that elevates the experience.

Local Tastings

Tasting Normandy’s renowned cider and Calvados is a highlight. It’s an authentic way to connect with local culture, and many say it’s worth the slightly premium price for the quality and atmosphere.

Flexibility and Privacy

Being a private tour, it’s tailored to your pace and interests. The pickup from your hotel adds to the convenience, especially after a day of exploring.

Possible Considerations

Wind exposure can be a concern, especially in cooler weather, so dressing appropriately is key. The tour’s duration can vary, so if tight on time, check the available slots. Also, children under five aren’t suited for this experience, and participants should wear appropriate footwear—bare feet are not permitted.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who loves scenic drives, authentic local experiences, and unique transportation, this is a great fit. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a bit of adventure and seeking an intimate way to see Honfleur’s sights. History buffs, photography enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a story-rich experience will find this tour particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up

This vintage sidecar tour in Honfleur offers more than just a sightseeing experience—it’s a chance to feel the town’s soul while enjoying the thrill of a classic ride. The guides’ knowledge and the stunning viewpoints make it a memorable outing, while the tastings add a delicious local touch.

While wind exposure and weather might influence your comfort, this experience is well-suited for travelers craving something different from the usual walking or bus tours. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate authentic, small-group adventures that combine history, scenery, and fun.

If you’re after a personalized, story-filled exploration of Honfleur with a touch of vintage charm, this tour is hard to beat. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to add a bit of adventure to their Normandy trip.

FAQ

How many people can fit in each sidecar?
Each sidecar accommodates up to two passengers, with one person behind the driver and another in the sidecar itself, making it an intimate experience.

Am I allowed to drive the sidecar?
No, you will not be driving. The vehicles are driven by experienced guides who handle all the navigation and steering.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Honfleur, adding convenience to your day.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly is recommended, especially since riding in open vehicles can get chilly. Bring gloves or a hat if you tend to feel cold.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 years old are not allowed, likely because of safety concerns and the need for a certain level of comfort during the ride.

How long does the tour last?
Duration varies from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the specific booking and route options.

What are the main stops included?
Stops include Rue Baudelaire, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Mont-Joli viewpoint, Villerville, and a tasting at Manoir d’Apreval.

Is there a guide during the entire tour?
Yes, an experienced guide or pilot accompanies you throughout, sharing insights and stories in both French and English.

What is the price for this experience?
The cost is $291 per group, accommodating up to two people, which many find reasonable given the personalized and memorable nature of the trip.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.

In all, this vintage sidecar adventure offers a charming, authentic way to explore Honfleur’s streets and landscapes, perfect for those seeking a blend of history, scenery, and fun. It’s a delightful addition to any Normandy itinerary, especially for travelers eager for a story-rich, small-group experience that feels uniquely theirs.