Discover all you need to know to make the most of your day in Le Havre cruise port.
Le Havre is often a port of call on Northern Europe cruise itineraries. At first glance, it may not seem to be the most exciting of cruise ports but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a city packed with art, architecture, history and much more.
It is sometimes advertised as Paris Cruise Port or Le Havre (for Paris) but in reality, the city is a good few hours drive away. Unless it is your only chance to visit Paris, it is worth skipping the long drive and spending your time exploring Le Havre itself and the surrounding area.
To help you make the most of your time I’ve put together this Le Havre port guide based on my visit there.
My cruise port guides are designed to help you make the most of your time in port, whether that is a few hours, a day or an overnight stay. I share some of the highlights and must-see attractions along with practical information so you can easily plan your visit.
At a Glance: Things to do in Le Havre
- Wander around the city centre
- Visit St Joseph’s Church
- Marvel at the Catene de Containers
- Stroll along the beach (Plage du Havre)
- Enjoy the art at the Musée d’art moderne Andre Malraux
- Discover what Le Volcan is
- Take a day trip or shore excursion to Honfleur, Rouen or the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy
A little bit about Le Havre
Le Havre is located on the coast of Normandy, France where the River Seine meets the English Channel.
The city was almost destroyed in the bombings of World War II and was rebuilt in a modernist architectural style. Reconstructed under plans designed by Auguste Perrot, a French architect who was a trailblazer in the use of reinforced concrete, the city looks unlike any other in France.
In 2005, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of being an outstanding post-war example of urban planning and architecture.
Few buildings survived the onslaught from the war, however two that are still standing are Le Havre Cathedral and Graville Abbey.
The great impressionist artist, Claude Monet, grew up in the city and one of his most famous artworks, Impression, Sunrise is a view of Le Havre harbour.
Le Havre Cruise Port
The Port of Le Havre is the second largest port in France (after Marseille) and welcomes many cruise ships each year.
The cruise terminal is around 2 km from the city centre. It takes around half an hour to walk into the city. Depending on your cruise line there may be a free shuttle into the centre of the city. This was the case when I visited, buses ran between the port and city at regular intervals.
The city is easily explorable on foot and you can comfortably see the main sights during your time in port.
At the cruise terminal, there is a tourist information desk where you can pick up a map of the city and ask for advice. There is also a small gift shop if you’d like to pick up a souvenir from your visit.
Things to do in Le Havre from a Cruise Ship
Look below the surface and you’ll find more things to do in Le Havre during your port day that you might think. Here are a few suggestions of how to spend your time.
St. Joseph’s Church
Dominating Le Havre’s skyline is St Joseph’s Church. Constructed during the rebuilding of the city after the war, the church stands as a memorial to the victims of the bombings.
While striking from the outside, it is even more impressive inside with stunning stained glass windows that bounce the light around the interior.
The 170 meters tall bell tower was designed as a beacon to help sailors as they navigated through the harbour.
Catène de Containers
Another one of Le Havre’s striking landmarks is the modern art installation Catène de Containers.
The colourful containers rise 28.5 meters above the ground in an arch-like shape. Designed by Vincent Ganivet, the installation was commissioned to celebrate the city’s 500th anniversary.
Plage du Havre
A short walk from the centre is Plage du Havre. A rocky and pebbly (at least the bit I strolled along) beach, which stretches for around 2km. On the beach you’ll find colorful beach huts and artwork.
If the pebbles are a bit much (and they can be uncomfortable to walk on), the esplanade is a nice walk and in the summer you can grab a snack or drink at nearby restaurants and cafes.
MUMA – Musée d’art moderne Andre Malraux
The Musée d’art moderne Andre Malraux is home to one of the most extensive collections of impressionist paintings in France.
Located in a modern building along the waterfront, the museum is a little unconventional in that it has large windows letting light flood in (although in a controlled way).
The collection includes pieces by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and Boudin, some of the world’s most renowned artists.
Le Volcan/ Oscar Niemeyer Library
Le Volcan is Le Havre’s cultural heart. Designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the volcano-shaped building is home to a theatre, ultra-modern library and cafe.
Popular Shore Excursions
There is a wide range of shore excursions available from Le Havre. From pretty nearby fishing villages to the bright lights of the French capital Paris. Check with your cruise lines to see what excursions they offer.
Honfleur
A picturesque coastal town not too far from Le Havre, Honfleur is a popular destination for a day trip or shore excursion.
I took an afternoon excursion here where we had a walking tour with a guide and then some free time to explore ourselves. While I could probably have got there myself, doing a tour allowed me to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.
If you’ve seen a picture of Honfleur it is likely to be of its charming harbour which is the heart of the town. After strolling along the quay admiring the colourful buildings you can grab a snack or drink in one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes that line the harbour.
It’s hard to tear yourself away from this area but there is much to explore nearby including St Catherine’s Church, the oldest surviving wooden church in France.
The town is home to a thriving art scene and there are many art galleries and art shops to explore both displaying and selling traditional and contemporary art.
Rouen
Rouen is a historic city located on the banks of the River Seine. It is the capital of Normandy and full of character and culture.
Sights not to miss include the beautiful Rouen Cathedral which was depicted in Claude Monet’s paintings and the Joan of Arc museum (she was burned at the stake in Rouen) where you can learn more about her story and martyrdom.
Dating back to the 14th century, the Gros-Horloge, an astronomical clock, is another attraction not to miss.
D-Day Normandy Landing Beaches
Visiting Normandy today, it’s a little hard to imagine the horrors the region saw during World War II. However, it played a key role during the conflict and was the location of a turning point in the war.
From Le Havre, you can take a shore excursion to visit some of the historic landing sites including Omaha Beach, Juno Beach and Utah Beach. Tours also include time at some of the museums and memorials dedicated to the events of 6 June 1944.
Paris
Many cruise lines advertise Le Havre as the cruise port for Paris. It may well be the City of Light’s closest cruise port but it is nowhere near it. In fact, it is a good 200 km inland.
Paris is a wonderful city to visit. With world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and art galleries and museums overflowing with some of the world’s most famous artworks, it’s a city every travel lover should visit at least once.
However, it is better explored as a city break rather than via a cruise. The journey from Le Havre to Paris takes around two and a half hours. Shore excursions here will be a 10 + hour round trip (assuming no issues with traffic) and take up your whole day in port.
If your cruise to Le Havre is perhaps the only time you’ll get to visit Paris, then it is worth going to get a small glimpse of the city. If not, then it is best saved for another day.
Mont St Michel
Another famous French icon that is some distance from Le Havre is Mont Saint Michel. The medieval abbey, with its towering spires, perched on a small island off the coast of Normandy is one of France’s most recognisable images.
On the island, you can explore the abbey and discover Mont Saint Michel’s rich history which dates back over 1000 years. Alternatively you can wander around the small village taking in the shops, restaurants
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont Saint Michel is considered a marvel of engineering. When you think about it, it is amazing how it was built all those years ago without all the tools we take for granted these days.
One thing to be careful of if you visit is the tides. When the tide is low you can walk across the sand to reach the island. However, when the tide is high, the island is surrounded by water.
The Last Word
There is more than meets the eye in Le Havre, and with a little bit of pre cruise planning you can have a great day in port here.
Whether you are interested in architecture or art or just want to enjoy some French cuisine in a seaside town, you’ll find something of interest here.
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