Honfleur is situated on the southern bank of the Seine estuary across from Le Havre and very close to the exit of the Pont de Normandie.
The port was originally founded by Vikings.
Located on the estuary of one of the principal rivers of France with a safe harbour and relatively rich hinterland, Honfleur profited from its strategic position during the Hundred Years' War.
An expedition in 1608, organised by Samuel de Champlain, founded the city of Quebec in modern-day Canada.