Located on the left bank of the mouth of the Seine, the town of Honfleur in the Calvados department is renowned for its houses with facades entirely covered with slates that surround the Vieux Bassin (Old Basin). These essentages - slate coverings on a vertical wall - combine efficiency and aesthetics by protecting the buildings while contributing to their waterproofing. Mostly made to resist winds and bad weather, the essentages have remained unaltered over time and still allow appreciating the character of Quai Sainte-Catherine as it was painted by the Impressionists.