Église Sainte Catherine

A wonderfully preserved wooden church made by shipwrights and dating back to the 1460. This is France’s biggest wooden church and a rare survivor. There is some lovely arches inside with chapels and plenty of room to look around. There is entrance fee but a donation can be made.

Beautiful early wooden church built apparently by ship builders the ceiling looking like a boat. Some lovely stained glass windows. Donations or purchase a souvenir coin or light a candle. A must see if in Honfleur.

Really enjoyed this place. Visited after cruise stopping off at Honfluer. Some said they couldn't get in earlier as it is still used, but we went in afternoon and no issues.

Amazing place. It is out of the ordinary and I would have expected to see such a church in the north. The inside was spiritual and looks corresponding to the outside. If you have time, don’t skip it!

This place is a must visit when you are in Honfleur. Also right next to it there is a Eugène Boudin Museum, where you can look at this church painted by different artists in quite different styles. So I highly recommend to visit both !

Beautiful church and one quite unique from what I have visited before as constructed from wood. However I have never seen so many candles in a church, so hopefully fire precautions are good considering it is made from wood! Very much worth visiting and no charge for doing so but donations appreciated.

Église Sainte-Catherine in Honfleur is a must-visit gem that left me in awe of its unique beauty and historical significance. Tucked away in the heart of Honfleur’s charming, cobbled streets, this 15th-century wooden church is unlike any other in France. As the largest wooden church in the country, its distinct maritime character and warm, inviting atmosphere make it a standout. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the remarkable architecture. Built by local shipwrights after the Hundred Years’ War, the church’s vaulted ceiling resembles an inverted ship’s hull—a nod to Honfleur’s shipbuilding heritage. The wooden interior, crafted from oak sourced from the nearby Touques forest, exudes a cozy, almost rustic charm that contrasts with the grandeur of typical stone cathedrals. The twin naves, with their sturdy oak pillars and intricate carpentry, create a sense of intimacy and craftsmanship that feels both timeless and unique. The stained-glass windows, though modest, cast a soft glow that enhances the wood’s warm tones, adding to the serene ambiance. The separate bell tower, located across the square, is another fascinating feature. Constructed to protect the main structure from lightning-induced fires, it’s a testament to the practical ingenuity of the era.

The oldest wooden church (15thc) , this beautiful and eye catching church with its separate Bell tower (now partly a toilet!) Is a must visit in Honfleur. Free entry and it looks even more beautiful in the evening lit up.

After visiting too many churches and cathedrals what a change when in Honfleur we visited St Catherine's. This seafaring town has a wooden church built by shipbuilders. No wonder it looks like a ship. Amazing to see.