Deauville & Honfleur: Private Sidecar Tour with Distillery Visit

Summary

Vintage sidecars, apple orchards, and Normandy’s timeless coast

You’ll ride vintage sidecars from Deauville through Normandy’s countryside to Honfleur, guided by locals who share stories along the way. Explore St. Catherine’s Church, wander cobbled lanes, then visit a family-run distillery for cider tasting among apple trees. It’s equal parts laughter, history, and that odd sense of belonging only travel gives you.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I almost bailed when I saw the rainclouds over Deauville that morning — but our sidecar pilot just grinned and handed me these ridiculous goggles. “Normandy weather is part of the adventure,” he said, which felt like a dare. The engine coughed to life and suddenly we were weaving past grand old villas and the racecourse, my helmet slightly askew (I never did get it to sit right). The air smelled like wet grass and sea salt. My friend was in the basket cracking up every time we hit a bump.

We stopped in Honfleur where the streets are so narrow you can almost touch both sides at once, if you stretch. Our guide — Baptiste — pointed out St. Catherine’s Church and told us how shipbuilders made it out of wood from old boats; you could smell the timber inside, this faint sweetness mixed with incense. There was a moment in front of the harbor where everything just went quiet except for gulls fighting over a crust of bread. I didn’t expect to feel so… small? But in a good way.

The highlight (for me anyway) was rolling up to this family-owned distillery between Deauville and Honfleur. Apple blossoms everywhere, bees bumbling around. We met Madame Lefèvre who poured us cider and pommeau — she laughed when I tried to say “calvados” with a French accent (I failed). There was this warmth in her kitchen that made me want to linger forever. The ride back felt slower somehow, like we’d borrowed someone else’s afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sidecar tour from Deauville to Honfleur

• Meet pilot at hotel or tourist office
• Pass by Hotel Barrière Le Normandy
• Visit historic Deauville building
• See Villa Strassburger
• View Deauville-La Touques Racecourse
• Explore Villerville film location
• Arrive at Honfleur harbor
• Visit St. Catherine’s Church
• See Notre-Dame de Grâce chapel
• Enjoy panorama of Honfleur port
• Tour Manoir d'Apreval estate
• Return to hotel or tourist office

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Deauville & Honfleur sidecar tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel in Deauville or Trouville or at the tourist office.

How many people fit in each vintage sidecar?

Each sidecar fits one passenger behind the pilot and one in the basket—so up to two per vehicle.

Does the tour include stops at local attractions?

Yes, you’ll stop at places like St. Catherine’s Church in Honfleur and Villa Strassburger.

Are tastings at the distillery included?

Cider, pommeau, and calvados tastings are included during your visit to the family-run estate.

What if it rains during the tour?

Rain gear is provided so you can enjoy the ride regardless of weather conditions.

Is this private tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 4 years old; families are welcome as long as everyone meets that requirement.

How long does this day trip from Deauville to Honfleur last?

The experience lasts about 3.5 hours including all stops and tastings.

Can I book for more than two people?

You can book for up to six people; larger groups (up to twelve) may be possible upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting at Deauville tourist office, all rides in vintage sidecars with pilot guides, use of helmets and goggles (plus rain gear if needed), anecdotes along the way, entry into local sites like St. Catherine’s Church and Villa Strassburger when possible, plus cider, pommeau and calvados tastings at a family-run distillery before returning comfortably at the end of your journey.