Antwerp to Honfleur Road Trip: Scenic Drive Guide

Driving from Antwerp to Honfleur spans roughly 320 kilometers, a journey that weaves through Belgium and northern France via the E17, A22, and A13 motorways. The route crosses the historic Scheldt River in Antwerp and passes within sight of the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel Bay as you approach Honfleur.

One of the least-known facts about this drive is that the E17 between Antwerp and Ghent runs along a section of the ancient Roman road 'Via Belgica,' which connected Cologne to the English Channel. This road trip offers a mix of bustling Flemish cities, serene French countryside, and the dramatic coastline of the Côte Fleurie.

The most efficient path from Antwerp to Honfleur involves taking the E17 south to Ghent, then the A22 and A13 toward Lille and Rouen. From Rouen, follow the A29 toward Le Havre and exit onto the D513 to reach Honfleur.

Total driving time is approximately 4 hours without stops, but you should budget 6-8 hours to enjoy the sights. Tolls apply on the French motorways: from the Belgian border to Honfleur, expect to pay around €15-€20.

• Fuel costs: approx. €40-€60 depending on vehicle.
• Toll cost: €15-€20.
• Road quality: Excellent on motorways, good on secondary roads.

The route transitions from the flat polders of Flanders to the rolling hills of Picardy and finally to the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Pays d'Auge. Near Rouen, the Seine River snakes through verdant valleys, creating a painter's palette of greens and blues.

Local commerce thrives along the way: from Antwerp's diamond district to the antique shops in Lille and the cider producers in Normandy.

• Antwerp: Central Station area for diamonds and fashion.
• Ghent: Vrijdagmarkt for local produce and flowers.
• Lille: Wazemmes market for antiques and textiles.
• Rouen: Old Market Square for local cheeses and textiles.
• Honfleur: Vieux Bassin for art galleries and seafood.

The motorways are well-maintained and well-lit, with average speed limits of 130 km/h in France and 120 km/h in Belgium. Beware of speed cameras, especially near Lille and Rouen.

For families, stop at the Citadel of Lille or the Seine-side parks in Rouen. Pets are allowed in most rest areas but not in some historical sites.

• Best rest stops: Aire de Nivelles (E17) and Aire de Bourgtheroulde (A13).
• Fatigue management: Every 2 hours, take a 15-minute break.
• Hidden off-route spot: The coastal trail at Étretat (30 min detour) offers stunning cliffs.