Honfleur: Private Guided City Tour by Vintage Sidecars

If you’re looking for a way to explore Honfleur beyond the usual walking tour, this private sidecar experience might just be the highlight of your trip. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve gathered plenty of insights that can help you decide if this unique journey suits your style.

What I really like about this tour is its blend of scenic rides and cultural stops, giving you a feeling of being both a local and a tourist. Plus, riding in a vintage sidecar instantly ups the cool factor—something that’s rare in standard sightseeing. A possible consideration is the cost, which at $291 for up to two people might feel steep if you’re on a budget or prefer exploring on your own.

This tour would be best for travelers who want a memorable, personalized experience with a bit of adventure, especially if you enjoy picturesque scenery and historical spots with a touch of fun. It’s not ideal for very young children or those who prefer a more relaxed style of sightseeing, but if you’re open to an active and engaging way to see Normandy’s charming city and countryside, this could be perfect.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Riding in vintage sidecars adds a memorable, fun element to exploring Honfleur.
• Custom Private Tour: Perfect for those seeking a personalized experience with a guide.
• Scenic & Historic Stops: Visit iconic sites like Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and enjoy breathtaking views from Mont-Joli.
• Tastings & Local Flavors: Includes cider, pommeau, and calvados tastings that highlight Normandy’s local produce.
• Flexible Duration: Ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, allowing for a leisurely or more comprehensive adventure.
• Comfort & Safety: Sidecars are comfortable, and helmets and gloves are provided, but wind exposure can be a factor.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Honfleur in a Vintage Sidecar: What to Expect

When you picture exploring a historic Normandy town like Honfleur, you might imagine wandering its charming alleys on foot or cruising by in a car. This tour combines both elements in a way that’s engaging and intimate.

The experience begins with hotel pickup—so you won’t have to worry about logistics. From there, you’ll hop into your vintage sidecar, driven by an experienced guide who doubles as a storyteller. The journey is designed to be more than just transportation—it’s a storytelling adventure that brings Honfleur’s past and present to life.

The Route & Stops

Rue Baudelaire: Your first stop is a quick photo opportunity in this quaint street, perfect for snapping some introductory shots of the town’s charming facades. The guide shares brief tidbits that set the tone for the day.

Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce: With a 20-minute stop here, you’ll get to explore this historic church that has seen 1400 years of history. The guide provides insights into its significance, making the visit more meaningful than just a photo. Multiple reviews praise guides for their passion and enthusiasm, making these stops both informative and lively.

Mont-Joli Viewpoint: Next, you’ll head to a viewpoint that offers sweeping vistas of Honfleur and the surrounding Normandy coast. Expect to spend about 20 minutes soaking in the scenery—perfect for photos and just taking in the landscape. Reviewers mention that the views here are breathtaking and worth the trip.

Manoir d’Apreval: Here, you’ll enjoy a cider, pommeau, and calvados tasting. Normandy’s apple brandies are a highlight for many, and having this included makes the experience feel both authentic and indulgent. A 30-minute tasting allows you to sample some of the best local products.

Villerville: The last stop is this charming village, famous as a filming location for “Monkey in Winter.” The short 10-minute visit provides a glimpse into a movie-worthy setting, with some reviews noting the quick visit is just enough to appreciate its charm.

Finally, the tour concludes with a return to Honfleur, giving you a full picture of the town from the heights, alleys, and countryside—all from a comfortable, vintage sidecar.

The Experience & Atmosphere

The vintage sidecars are said to be comfortable and fun, often raising smiles as they pass. A recurring theme from reviews is how guides like Nicolas or Florent make the experience lively and insightful, sharing stories and local tidbits that add depth to the sightseeing.

Wind exposure might be an issue, especially if the weather is chilly or windy, so bringing a scarf or a balaclava is recommended—reviewers note that helmets and gloves are provided, but wind can cause some discomfort. The tour lasts between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, giving you flexibility depending on your schedule and interest level.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $291 for up to two people, this isn’t your cheapest sightseeing option. However, many reviewers feel the personalized nature, the scenic views, and the knowledgeable guides justify the expense. It’s a special way to see Honfleur that blends fun, history, and scenery, making it more than just a standard tour.

For couples or friends wanting an adventure that’s both engaging and scenic, the price can be seen as an investment in a unique memory. Plus, the included tastings are worth noting—sampling Normandy’s apple spirits is a tasty bonus that adds to the experience’s value.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you enjoy adventure and style. It suits travelers who want something beyond the usual sightseeing—something interactive and fun. The private nature makes it perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone celebrating a special occasion.

It’s not suitable for children under 5, and those who prefer a more relaxed, less active tour might find the ride a bit energetic, especially if the weather isn’t perfect. The tour is also more about scenery, history, and local flavors than deep cultural dives—so if those are your priorities, you’ll appreciate the focus of this outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book the tour with a specific pickup location?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Honfleur, making it convenient and hassle-free.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
The experience is designed for up to two people per sidecar, so solo travelers can book and ride alone, but it’s most cost-effective for couples or friends.

What should I wear for the ride?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, and since wind can be an issue, bring a scarf or balaclava, especially if the weather looks chilly.

Are helmets and gloves provided?
Yes, helmets and gloves are included, but wind exposure still exists as a consideration.

How long is the tour?
The duration ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your chosen schedule and stops.

Is food included?
No, food is not included, but the tour does feature a tasting of Normandy cider, pommeau, and calvados.

Can children join this tour?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years old, as the ride involves sitting in a sidecar.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect the experience, especially wind and cold. Check the forecast and dress accordingly. The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I see more of Normandy during this tour?
Yes, if you book the longer 3.5-hour option, guides have taken guests to nearby towns like Trouville and Deauville, adding extra sightseeing.

How do I prepare for the tastings?
The tastings are at a local distillery, and you’ll sample Normandy’s signature products. No special preparations are needed—just be ready to enjoy local flavors.

This private vintage sidecar tour in Honfleur offers a distinctive way to see a beautiful Normandy town. You get a combination of stunning vistas, historic sites, and a splash of fun, all delivered in an intimate setting that’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups eager for a bit of adventure.

While it’s pricier than some traditional tours, the personalized experience, the scenic views, and the engaging guides make it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a memorable day. Just be prepared for the wind and weather, and you’ll come away with stories and photos that stand out from the typical sightseeing fare.

If you’re after an experience that’s both fun and meaningful, and don’t mind the slightly higher price tag, this sidecar tour could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: