Lieutenance d'Honfleur, Historic royal residence in Honfleur, France
The Lieutenance d'Honfleur is a former royal building with two round towers standing at the harbor entrance. The structure combines medieval stone foundations with 17th-century brick additions and now houses exhibition spaces.
The building was constructed in the 14th century and served for centuries as the residence of the king's representative in the city. It remains the last surviving section of the city's medieval fortifications and has endured through major political changes.
The building sits at a busy corner where visitors and locals naturally gather to look out at the harbor. It has become a natural starting point from which to explore the old town.
The building is easiest to reach from the harbor square since it sits directly by the water. Most visitors plan about one hour to explore the rooms and enjoy the views across the port.
A restored clock face adorns the building's exterior and hints at how timekeeping mattered for managing the busy harbor. The dial still works today, though the city around it has transformed completely.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
