Former Vicomtal Prison

You’re now in Rue de la Prison, one of the oldest streets in Honfleur. Its name is no accident: this was once the site of the prison belonging to the Vicomté de Roncheville, housed in a sixteenth-century half-timbered building. It was a modest structure, used to lock up those accused of crimes or simply waiting for trial, and sometimes it held passing prisoners, sailors or travelers caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. The prison was under the authority of the Vicomté de Roncheville, which had governed Honfleur since the Middle Ages. Part of the old premises today is home to the Museum of Ethnography and Popular Art, a charming place where you can explore historic interiors, costumes, everyday objects, and maritime traditions. Over time, the prison itself vanished and the building blended into the townscape, but the name stayed with the street. It’s a fine example of how a city preserves its memory: even when functions change, place names hold on to the past. And as you continue your walk, you’ll notice that every street in Honfleur tells its own little chapter of history, sometimes glorious, sometimes darker, but always fascinating.