Le Havre - Discovering France

Travelling to Le Havre

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Le Havre, a pretty good destination in France (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Le Havre and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Le Havre, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through France, here's everything to know about Le Havre for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Le Havre

Le Havre is a city located in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is the second-largest port in France after Marseille and a major industrial center. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times, but much of it was destroyed during World War II and had to be rebuilt. Today, Le Havre is known for its striking modernist architecture and its long, wide beachfront. It is also home to several museums and cultural institutions, including the MuMa (Musée d'art moderne André Malraux) and the Maison de l'Armateur (Shipowner's house museum).

What to visit in Le Havre

Sure, here are the top tourist attractions in Le Havre, France, along with some information about each: 1. Musée d'art moderne André Malraux - This museum features an outstanding collection of Impressionist art and is known for its huge variety of Monet paintings.
2. Saint Joseph Church - It is a 19th-century church located in the heart of Le Havre and is considered to be one of the most important architectural landmarks of the city.
3. Le Havre beach - It is a stunning sandy stretch of beach, which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying many outdoor activities like beach volleyball, beach soccer, and water sports.
4. Jardins Suspendus - It is a beautiful garden situated high up in the hills overlooking the city, offering a panoramic view of the town. 5. Maison de l'Armateur - This well-renowned museum overlooking the sea will give you a glimpse of the history and culture of Le Havre with some really well-preserved artifacts.
6. Musée Maison de l'Armateur - This museum gives you an insight of how 18th century wealthy ship owners used to live.
7. Le Volcan - It is a modern opera house in Le Havre and one of the most impressive buildings in the city, which offers excellent performances and guided tours.
8. Notre-Dame Cathedral - It is an 18th-century cathedral situated in the Old Town of Le Havre, featuring an impressive facade blended with towering spires, offering a perfect view to witness the beauty of the city. 9. Le Havre Port - It is one of the biggest ports in France, which serves as a major hub for transportation and international business deals. Here, You can see vast ships and containers passing through the harbour.
These are just a few of the best tourist attractions that Le Havre has to offer, but there's a lot more to explore.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in France, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Le Havre.

When to go on holiday to Le Havre

The best time to visit Le Havre is during the months of May to September when the weather is generally warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that July and August can be crowded with tourists. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting in May or June or in September when the crowds have dispersed and the weather is still pleasant. Note that winter months in Le Havre can be quite chilly and rainy, so it's best to avoid visiting from November to February if you're looking for warm weather.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Le Havre

There are several ways to get to Le Havre, France: 1. By plane: The closest international airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) which is about 2 hour drive from Le Havre. From there, you can take a train or a bus to reach Le Havre.
2. By train: Le Havre has its own train station, which is well connected to other major cities in France. You can take a train from Paris, Rouen, Caen, and many others.
3. By bus: There are several bus companies that offer services to Le Havre from Paris, Rouen, and other nearby cities.
4. By car: You can reach Le Havre by car by taking the A13 motorway from Paris. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.
5. By ferry: Le Havre has a large ferry terminal, with regular services from Portsmouth (UK) and other ports along the English Channel.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Le Havre, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Le Havre

Here are some typical foods of Le Havre, France: 1. Sole meunière - This is a classic French dish made with Dover sole, which is lightly pan-fried in butter and served with a lemon butter sauce. Sole is a popular fish in the coastal city of Le Havre.
2. Coquilles Saint-Jacques - This dish consists of scallops that are sautéed in butter and served with a creamy sauce made of white wine and cream. It is a popular seafood dish in Le Havre.
3. Moules marinières - Mussels cooked in a broth of white wine, shallots, and herbs. The dish is often served with bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
4. Teurgoule - A local rice pudding from Normandy made with cinnamon, sugar, and whole milk. It is baked for several hours to create a caramelized top and is often served as a dessert in Le Havre.
5. Caramel au beurre salé - A rich, creamy caramel sauce made with salted butter. This sauce is commonly drizzled over ice cream or used as a topping for cakes and pastries in Le Havre.
6. Tarte Tatin - A classic dessert from Normandy made with caramelized apples and puff pastry. It is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You can find general info about typical foods in France here.

Is Le Havre an expensive destination for tourists?

Le Havre is generally considered to be a mid-range priced destination compared to other destinations in France. Accommodation and dining options are available at a variety of price points, so it is possible to plan a trip to Le Havre on a budget or splurge on luxury accommodations and dining experiences. In general, prices tend to be slightly higher in the summer months when tourism is at its peak. However, compared to some of the more expensive tourist destinations in France, Le Havre can be a more affordable option.

Where to find accomodation in Le Havre

The best areas to find accommodation in Le Havre are the city center, the Saint-Vincent neighborhood and the beach areas such as Sainte-Adresse and Les Bains des Docks. These areas provide easy access to many of the top attractions in Le Havre, including the MuMa (Musée d'art moderne André Malraux), the Saint Joseph Church, and the stunning beach promenade. Additionally, the city center offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, making it a convenient location for tourists.
You can check hotel prices at Le Havre here:
Booking.com

Is Le Havre a safe destination for tourists?

Overall, Le Havre is a relatively safe place for tourists. As with any destination, it is always wise to exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods or after dark. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas, so be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid flaunting expensive jewelry or electronics. However, Le Havre has a low crime rate and is generally considered a safe city to visit. As always, it is important to follow common-sense safety practices and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in France here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Le Havre.

What type of travelers will enjoy Le Havre the most?

Le Havre, France is a destination that caters to a variety of interests and travel styles. Here is some information about who might enjoy this destination the most: 1. Couples: Le Havre is an ideal place for couples looking for a romantic and peaceful getaway. The city offers a variety of attractions such as the St. Joseph's Church, a beautiful beach, and the stunning MuMa - Musée d'art moderne André Malraux art museum, where you can enjoy an intimate time together.
2. Young people looking for fun: Le Havre boasts a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs that are perfect for young people looking to have a good time. The city has a variety of music festivals taking place all year round that attracts visitors from all around the world.
3. Families: Le Havre is also a great destination for families with children, as the city offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as cycling, hiking, and exploring the local sea life. There are also several parks and museums that cater to children, including the Maison de L'Armateur and Fontainebleau forest.
Overall, Le Havre, France is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic getaway, young people looking for fun, or a family looking for outdoor activities and museums, this city has it all!

How to get around Le Havre

In Le Havre, one can use the public transportation system which includes buses and trams. Taxis are also available for hire. Additionally, walking and cycling are popular modes of transportation in the city.

What to see around Le Havre

Sure, here are a few great places to visit in a day trip from Le Havre: 1. Étretat: A picturesque coastal town known for its stunning white cliffs and beach.
2. Honfleur: A charming port town with a historic harbor and many traditional half-timbered houses.
3. Rouen: A medieval city famous for its Gothic cathedral and picturesque old quarter.
4. Deauville: A chic seaside resort with a famous beach, casino, and glamorous boutiques.
5. Bayeux: A historic town with a magnificent medieval cathedral, famous tapestry, and several excellent museums.
6. Giverny: A charming village in Normandy where Claude Monet lived and created some of his most famous works of art.
I hope this list helps you plan a wonderful day trip from Le Havre!
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