France - Honfleur, Vieux Bassin

The Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour) is a picturesque port in Honfleur and the main tourist attraction of the town.

The harbour was remodeled in the year of 1681. It replaces the old beaching harbour which was much narrower. These expansion and deepening works required the destruction of the western part of the ramparts of the city. The work ended in 1684. Vieux Bassin has an area of about one hectare, with a length of 130 meters for a width of 70 meters on the south side and 85 meters on the north side.

On one side - Quai Sainte-Catherine - the harbour is lined with narrow and tall wooden 17th and 18th centuries houses (up to seven floors) with slate covered wooden façades. The Lieutenance - a former citygate and the residence of the town’s royal governor - dominates the entrance of the old harbour (PiP3).