The Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur is a sight to be seen. After the Basilica of Lisieux, it’s the 2nd most visited church in Normandy.
The oldest part of this catholic church dates back to the mid 15th century. What makes the church special is the fact that the bell tower is separate of the church itself, and that it’s made almost totally of wood.
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The mostly wooden nave of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy
The mostly wooden nave of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy at night
Side entrance of the mostly wooden nave of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy at night
The large nave of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy at night
The nave was built like an upside down boat, a technique used for several churches and market places, since the villages were dominated by the fishing industry. It was the only way the local woodworkers knew how to build. The church was built like the way the Vikings used to build – with axes, not saws.
The separated bell tower from the nave of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur
The reason the bell tower was built away from the church itself was because the tower attracts lightning which can cause a fire. This way the parishioners would not be exposed to the risks of fire.
The porch was built in the 20th century using the model of many Normandy style churches:
Saint-Catherine church porch entrance in Honfleur
The beams inside are all of unequal length. This is because there were no oaks trees long enough for the pillars.
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Inside the Saint-Catherine church with its uneven beams/pillars
The organ of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy
The altar of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy
The upside down boat design of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy
Stained glass windows of the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur, Normandy
Small chapel dedicated to Saint Marcouf at the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur
Small chapel dedicated to sainte Therese de Lisieux. at the Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur
The organ in the second photo above came from the parish St. Vincent of Rouen.
The last photo is the chapel dedicated to the sainte Therese de Lisieux, who has a Basilica dedicated to her in Lisieux.
Conclusion
The Saint-Catherine church in Honfleur merits a visit. Its old, well preserved and interesting to see how the builders in the 15th century built a church.
Honfleur is the 2nd most popular tourist destination in Normandy, and for good reason; Although it has become very touristic, it's still a pleasant trip for sightseeing and food.
The Notre-Dame de Grace chapel lies on the Cote de Grace on the outskirts of Honfleur. The small but picturesque chapel was built by the local gentry and fishermen in the beginning of the 1600's.
The Ferme Saint-Simeon, a former farm, has been an institution for centuries. It has been an upmarket "hotel" and more importantly, a restaurant/bar where many famous artists would hang out. Today, it's a 5-star hotel / restaurant.
The "Jardin des Personnalités" (famous people garden) is a must see and it's free. Located next to the harbour entry, it's a big landscaped garden with small gardens inside, each named after a famous person who lived or worked in Honfleur.