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Le Havre-Paris (France)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Western Europe - Azores - Canary Islands

Local Time 2024-05-13 00:28

Port Le Havre-Paris cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Le Havre-Paris, France. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Le Havre (cruise port to Paris City) is a major port city located approx 200 km (130 mi) from France's capital. The port is on Europe's Atlantic coast and on the English Channel. The city has total area approx 47 km2 (18 mi2) and population around 240,000 (metro around 33,000).

Port Le Havre is France's second-largest commercial seaport (after Marseille /on the Mediterranean Sea) in terms of overall cargo tonnage but is ranked the country's largest containership port. It is popular as cruise port of call, especially on Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com).

Statistical data shows a constantly increasing number of cruise ship calls - 70 (in 2010), 97 (2011), 107 (2012), 124 (2013), 129 (2016, handled 332,515 passengers), 129 (2017, handled 397,552 pax), 145 (2018, handled 145 ship calls/including 40 roundtrips, ~418,000 pax).

For 2019 were scheduled 135 cruise ship calls (including 31 turnarounds/homeport calls on roundtrips) by 49 different vessels (from 20 cruise brands) and were handled 350,439 cruisers. Season 2019 featured 4x 3-ship days and 18x 2-ship days. Season's river cruise traffic increased from 112 riverboat calls with 14,000 tourists (2018) to 133 riverboat calls with 17,000 tourists (2019).

For season 2020 were booked 139 ocean cruise ship berthings. The Port plans to increase its cruise shipping traffic from the current 0,35-0,4 million passengers to 0,5M (by the year 2025) and to 0,6M (by 2030).

Next are listed several popular cities located in close proximity to Le Havre, with the travel distances and driving times (by car or taxi).

• Honfleur - 20 km / 13 mi (30 min)
• Rouen - 90 km / 55 mi (70 min)
• Bayeux - 125 km / 80 mi (90 min)
• Omaha Beach/Normandy landings' War Memorial - 145 km / 90 mi (100 min)
• Paris - 205 km / 125 mi (130 min)

Port Le Havre

Port Le Havre (officially "Grand Port Maritime du Havre", locode FRLEH) consists of a series of canal-like docks. Canal de Tancarville and Grand Canal du Havre connect Le Havre to Seine River.

The port operator is a state-owned agency created in October 2008 (replacing "Port Autonome du Havre"). The company manages all port facilities and developments. Le Havre's Harbour Office manages the shipping traffic providing forecasts, control, navigation and berthing assistance, radio connections, radar coverage, data, information. The Harbor Office also manages all vessel arrivals and departures.

Cargo ships transporting dangerous goods or marine vessels with LOA length over 70 m (230 ft) must be assisted by local pilots. As a gateway to the congested Northern European waterways (English Channel and North Sea), Port Le Havre provides pilotage assistance in these waters too.

Port Le Havre is also important for ship repairs and ferry services (between France and England and Ireland). Regularly scheduled cruiseferries link to Portsmouth (England UK) - by DFDS Seaways , and to Rosslare Europort (Ireland) - by IRISH FERRIES .

Main cargoes shipped through the port via tankers, bulk cargo carriers and container carriers (boxships) include crude oil, refined oil, gasoil, cereals, animal feed, coal, cement, general cargo, TEU-containers.

Le Havre Marina provides berthing for luxury yachts and pleasure boats without any tidal restrictions. Its current capacity is 1160 (mooring rings). The Marina's docking facility provides electricity and water supplies. In 2012 was inaugurated a second boat marina (Port Vauban) with capacity 500 (moorings rings). In addition to the new Marina was built Docks Vauban (commercial center) and Les Bains Des Docks (recreational complex with swimming pools). The new yacht marina is in downtown and close to the railway station, as well as to A29 highway (part of European Route E44). A29 connects the Port with A26 highway (at St Quentin) and also has junctions with autoroutes A13, A131, A16, A28, A1.

Le Havre was France's first containership port. Its infrastructure includes 3 sets of containerized cargo terminals and around 6,5 km (5 mi) long quays (docks).

• European Container Terminal has wharf length of 887 m (2910 ft) and is equipped with two post-Panamax gantry cranes, 18 carriers and one LHM 550 - Liebherr (mobile crane (max load 100 tons). The wharf's max draft is 14,3 m (47 ft) - constant level. The terminal's ground slots can serve up to 7800 TEUs (containers), while the blockstow can stock 2400 TEUs.
• Americas Container Terminal has wharf length of 484 m (1588 ft) length and is equipped with four post-Panamax gantry cranes (3 with 18 carriers and 1 with 20 carriers). The wharf's draft is 14,5 m (low tide). Each crane returns a productivity of 22 TEU-containers per hour. Terminal's ground slots can serve up to 3400 TEUs.
• Atlantic Container Terminal has wharf length of 800 m (2625 ft) and is equipped with four Post-Panamax gantry cranes (max load 60 tons), 18 carriers.
• The privately-owned Normandy Container Terminal covers an area approx 80 hectares and consists of two quays (named Asia, and Osaka). The terminal is served by five Post-Panamax gantry cranes.
• Ocean Terminal (Bougainville Quay) is a public facility covering a total area of 40 hectares. Quay's length is 1666 m (5466 ft) with max draft 13 m (43 ft) - constant level. It has seven gantry cranes plus one with max load 100 tons.
• "Port 2000" consists of two terminals (named France, and Oceana) and the Le Havre Wharf.

The Port also serves RoRo vessels of all types and sizes. Port's railway network facilitates freight cargo transportation connecting Le Havre to all parts of Europe. Port's river waterway network connects with the Paris metro region.

In November 2019, the joint venture company GMP-PortSynergy Group (DP World Dubai and CMA-CGM 's Terminal Link / port-operator companies) was awarded a 34-year concession to build and operate Le Havre Port 2000's new container terminal berths 11 and 12 (total quayside length 700 m / 23000 ft, land area 42 hectares). The new GMP container terminal added ~1 million TEUs to the Port's annual cargo capacity. The concession included a 2-year pre-construction period, 2-year period for engineering works and a 30-year operational period (thru 2053).

In December 2020, HLH (Haropa Ports Le Havre) launched the company's shore power program prioritizing cruise ships docking at terminals located close to the city. The project (scheduled for completion in 2023) also targets river cruises and consists of deploying (along Seine River) a network of 78 new riverboat terminals (to total 91 terminals) to allow distribution of water and shoreside electricity to the boats. Among the alternative marine fuels targeted by Haropa Ports are LNG (liquified natural gas/supplied via barges and trucks), CNG (compressed natural gas/by trucks) and HS (hydrogen/by trucks). HAROPA (Ports de Paris Seine-Normandie) announced the following main objectives set for 2020-2025:

• 50 MW photovoltaic electricity generation (by 2025)
• reducing fuel consumption - 15% (by 2025), 40% (by 2040)
• all port equipment to use eco fuels or electricity (by 2040)
• increased supply of alternative fuels to passenger ships and riverboats

In September 2025 are scheduled for inauguration two new cruise terminals at Pointe de Floride (three buildings with 3x berths and a shared wharf/quayside). The new cruise facility has a park area (with a vegetated walkway, sports facilities, restaurants, an Amphitheater) and is designed to be multi-purpose, also hosting cultural and social events during no-ship days. Marine works on the ~EUR 100 million project started in 2022 (when also "GIP Le Havre Croisieres" was created), with construction works starting in 2024-Q2. Combined, the new terminals have usable area 15000 m2 (161,460 ft2) and max daily capacity 13500 tourists. The new terminals have roofs covered with solar power installations and are also fitted with shore power capabilities .

By 2030, Le Havre expects to reach annual cruise passenger capacity ~600,000 (+45%).

In February 2024, HAROPA PORT initiated an infrastructure development for high-voltage power supply system at Le Havre cruise terminal. The project (Florida Point) includes installations at the Port's all three quays, with each outlet having a max capacity of 13 MW (30 MW total/combined). The contract was signed with a consortium comprising two subsidiaries of Vinci SA (1899-founded as Societe Generale d'Enterprises) - VINCI Energies (1984-founded) and VINCI Construction (2000-founded).

• Before the construction works, Enedis SA (2002-founded) was contracted (for EUR 5,6 million) to facilitate the Port's connection to the city's power grid (a 3-km/2-mi long underground network), including 3x 20 kV cables, and an additional transformer (40MVA EHV/HV) at the distribution substation, representing an investment of EUR 5.6 million.
• Hangar 13 (at Florida Point) was adapted to accommodate high-voltage electricity distribution and conversion systems (to serve the moored vessels), covering an area of ~1200 m2 (12917 ft2).
• An underground cable network was installed to connect a total of 5 power outlets to ships.
• Currently, Pierre Callet Quay's electrification is scheduled for completion in 2025. The shore-power systems of the other two cruise docks (Roger Meunier Quay and Joannes Couvert Quay) will be operational in 2025-Q4 and 2026-Q6, respectively.

The Florida Point project (budgeted EUR 32 million) was partially financed by the French government (EUR 13,6M) and by RFCS/Research Fund for Coal and Steel (EUR 0,9M).

Le Havre-Paris cruise terminal

Le Havre cruise port's current passenger facility (Terminal 12) is located at Florida Tip and has 2 docks - Roger Meunier Pier and Pierre Callet Pier. Terminal 12 was last upgraded in 2018. Port Le Havre currently has one cruise terminal (5 buildings), berthing capacity of 4 mega-liners simultaneously and annual passenger volume 350,000-400,000.

Adjacent to the Cruise Terminal is the Ferry Terminal.

Next are listed the above map's GPS coordinates for the Port's cruise- and ferry-related points.

• Cruise Terminal N 49° 28' 54.13", E 0° 6' 32.25"
• Ferry Terminal N 49° 29' 6.03", E 0° 7' 0.60"
• Bus Station N 49° 29′ 31.15″, E 00° 07′ 34.58″
• Train Station N 49° 29' 33.37", E 0° 7' 31.87"
• Espace Coty (shuttle bus stop) N 49° 29' 45.52", E 0° 6' 40.98"
• Le Volcan (shuttle bus stop) N 49° 29' 26.00", E 0° 6' 25.00"

Next cruise port map shows all the nearby located tourists sites/attractions.

Next are listed the sites' GPS coordinates.

• Malraux Museum N 49° 29' 5.74", E 0° 6' 9.65"
• Notre-Dame Cathedral and Museum N 49° 29' 12.08", E 0° 6' 25.92"
• Natural History Museum N 49° 29' 15.41", E 0° 6' 32.65"
• Espace Andre Graillot N 49° 29' 5.34", E 0° 6' 22.14"
• Shipowner’s House N 49° 29' 12.65", E 0° 6' 45.70"
• Saint-François District N 49° 29' 16.06", E 0° 6' 45.98"
• Footbridge (la Bourse) N 49° 29' 23.12", E 0° 6' 45.32"
• Hotel de Ville & Appartement Temoin N 49° 29' 30.30", E 0° 6' 27.77"
• Halles Centrales (central market) N 49° 29' 27.51", E 0° 6' 16.50"
• St Joseph’s Church N 49° 29' 27.46", E 0° 6' 4.21"
• Square Saint-Roch Park N 49° 29' 39.15", E 0° 6' 6.30"
• EM Normandie Business School N 49° 29' 21.31", E 0° 6' 14.38"
• College Raoul Dufy N 49° 29' 26.40", E 0° 6' 10.93"

(NEW) Pointe de Floride cruise terminals

In late-July 2022, the Le Havre Port Authority and the Le Havre Seine Metropole Urban Community announced a 2-year port development project (2023-2025) for GIP Le Havre Croisieres, with works starting in 2023-Q4.

By the "Cruise Vision" project budgeted EUR 90 million (~USD 92M / GBP 77M), at Pointe de Floride's waterfront will be constructed 2 new passenger terminals (replacing existing port facilities/hangars).

The new terminals are at South Quay, where the existing hangars were renovated and expanded. The North Terminal (opposite downtown, UNESCO-listed) also benefited from the developments. The project also includes new landscaped Promenade and roof-covered parking zones.

Preparation works started in 2022, including quay stabilization/renovation, the construction of new defenses and covered gangways (with a middle podium for reducing the incline caused by tides).

Terminal 1 has capacity to handle ships with max LOA length 330 m / 1083 ft. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are the renovated hangars (12 and 13). Both buildings facilitate passenger services like check-in, control, reception, pre-boarding, as well as technical and administrative/management.

All new cruise terminals have photovoltaic roofs (covered with solar-power installations) and fitted with dockside electricity ( shore-to-ship power ) supply systems installed on the 3 quays. The delivered shore-power electricity is 10 mW (per berth).

Terminal 2 (max 6000 passengers) and Terminal 3 (max 1000 passengers) are at Quai Pierre Callet (length 530 m, depth 12 m). Quai Joannes Couvert (length 500 m, depth 12 m) will undergo refurbishment and integration. They are slated for inauguration in September 2025.

Terminal 1 (max 3500 passengers) at Quai Roger Meunier (length 470 m, depth 9 m) is scheduled for completion and inauguration in January 2026.

The power supply for the new cruise facilities is a mix of 60% nuclear, 29% renewable, and 6% energy from gas sources.

(OLD) Cruise Terminal 12

During the 2018-2019 refurbishment of Terminal 12, the building was also seriously expanded - from 600 to 2400 m2 (6460 to 25830 ft2). At Pierre Caillet Pier (6 lines) and Roger Meunier Pier (4 lines) were installed metal detecting archways (for control of hand luggage). A greenway (voie verte) was created linking downtown with the passenger terminal. Cars now benefit from separate lanes.

The Port's waterfront also underwent a total renovation and its infrastructure was redesigned to link the Esplanade (beach promenade) to the port area. Shorepower and water supply stations were set up on Quai de Marseille (port for river cruise ships).

Le Havre cruise terminal is just 2,3 km (1,5 mi) from downtown, or at ~20-30-min walking distance. As sometimes walking through the Port is forbidden (to pedestrians), passengers must check with the cruise ship company or terminal's tourist office.

At the terminal are available public buses or cruise company-provided shuttle buses (usually at fee). Bus shuttles drop passengers off at Le Vulcan (entertainment complex) or at Espace Coty (shopping mall). Car rentals at the cruise terminal are often for self-guided touring to Honfleur . Trains to Rouen are another self-touring option from Le Havre.

The closest bus and train stations are approx 2 km / 1,5 mi from the cruise terminal. To visit Paris City (approx 220 km / 135 mi), passengers can catch a train from Gare St Lazare Station (travel time ~2 hours). Bus travel time to Paris is 2,5-3 hours.

The closest airport is Le Havre-Octeville (8 km / 5 mi). At Terminal 12, cruise tourists are welcomed by local hostesses. Terminal 12's facilities include check-ins, information touch-screen kiosks, free WI-FI, free tourist info brochures, car and bus touring services, luggage storage, taxi rank, car rental, parking, souvenir shops.

• St Joseph: located on the south side of Avenue Foch. The church is modern made of steel and concrete. Its tower is 106-meter tall and offers breathtaking views.
• Museums: one of the most popular museums is the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It houses rich paintings collections from the 16th century to the present. The other populat museum is the Musée de l’Ancien Havre. There you can find historical materials for the town and the seafaring. Both are located on Boulevard J.F. Kennedy.
• Ste Honorine de Graville: the church houses the Black Madonna and sculpture museum. The works are from the period 12th-16th century.
• The Louvre: the world’s largest and most diverse collection of paintings, decorative objects and paintings. Probably you will need a lifetime to discover all. The most popular attraction of Paris.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: no trip is complete without visiting this architectural gothic marvel. The cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It was built more than a century.
• Eiffel Tower: the iron towel dates from 1889. It was constructed by Gustave Eiffel for the World Exposition.

Le Havre-Paris tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Le Havre-Paris - user reviews and comments

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The facilities dedicated to passengers are situated in tidal dock directly at the port entrance. The gangway can be pretty steep and long. The physically impaired will be assisted.

From the ship's dock to the city of Le Havre it's about a 25-minute somewhat boring walk. About 4 km. Most cruise lines offer shuttles to the center of town, mostly at no charge. but only announce this the night before, so not to disturb their excursion sales. Princess Cruises charges a whopping 19.95 Euro for this short shuttle. A taxi for two will be more cost effective.

There is now a local shuttle service from the port into Le Havre.  It costs 10 Euros return (Valid all day)  There are 2 stops.  One is the city centre where Bee Le Havre City Tour and Hon Fleur tours leave from and the other is the Port Mall (fairly good size mall) then returns to the ship.  Tickets are purchased inside the terminal. Runs only when there are enough cruise ships are in port.

Taxis to the town center are 8 Euro, to the train station 10 euro. Fixed price.

Bike rental is 10 euro/day, Car rental is available, starting at 90 euro/day.

Cruise ships calling at Roger Meunier Pier will be overlooking the city center rebuilt by Perret, listed by the UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Out of many services the new Cruise Welcome center has to offer Tourist & practical information ( free brochure " Le Havre tourism & shopping " ), Touring services, free WIFI, a few shops. On port days there are taxis lined up.

Le Havre and Haropa Port has announced a project to redevelop the Pointe de Floride site which will include the construction of three cruise terminals, replacing the existing facilities and adding shore power for ships. Two new terminals will be built, starting with the south quay, in addition to the complete renovation of two existing facilities. The majority of work will be done between 2023 to 2025. 

Paris is about 2-3 hours away. A cruise ship organized excursion is recommended.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video of Paris.

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Le Havre France

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Sightseeing:

The bustling French port of Le Havre offers a selection of sights including Granville Abbey, St Adresse Fort and the Seine Estuary. However 1 or 2 hours in general will be plenty to visit Le Havre itself.

Its position also makes it the perfect gateway to some of Normandy's most picturesque towns and villages, including the pretty harbor of Honfleur and inspirational Etretat - characterized by stylish mansions, sheer white cliffs and soaring waves that crash below.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Bus lines 20, 39and 50 of the Bus Verts go from Le Havre to Honfleur in about 40 minutes. On Sundays and holidays bus services are limited. Around 5 euro each way, pay the bus driver each way as no return tickets are sold.

Buses leave from the train station, a short taxi ride away or about a 500 meter walk from where the shuttle drops you off. Follow the signs "Les Gares", or take the tram. The trams cost 1.50 Euros for any journeys taking up to one hour.

Bus 50 leaves around 12.40 to Honfleur and Bus 20 leaves Honfleur at around 4 pm. About a 30 minute ride over the Pont de Normandie .

Please be in time at the bus station as when all seats are full, the bus will depart often not allowing standing places. Often this is the case when more than one cruise ship is in port. Due to the fact that you only get tickets from the bus driver often the buses depart an half an hour late.

Le Havre City Sightseeing Tour . During 1 hour and 20 minutes, you will enjoy an amazing City Tour and panoramic view of Le Havre . You will explore all the large city of Le Havre and discover its history of 500 years with audio-guided comments.

Taxis also offer tours.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Honfleur : just on the other side of the river Seine. Bee Le Havre  provides shuttles to near-by Honfleur and back.

Rouen with its half-timbered houses, churches and cafés the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which is well worth a visit. Also nearby is the Old Marketplace were Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431. Only a 55 minute train ride away. Check the train schedule carefully, as for day and time, as french train timetables are difficult to decipher.

Paris (about 200 km from Le Havre): most cruise lines will offer a guided tour, which is a good idea if this your first time to Paris. and/or will offer 'transportation only' to the center of the city, a great way to explore Paris your way. Doing it that way: the subway (metro) is an excellent way to get around as are the buses. the many hop-on-hop-off tourist buses and even the 'free' bikes or rented bikes (specially in summer and in weekends when there is less traffic in the city). Or the shuttle boat Batobus or maybe even a private cruise on the Seine?

Taking the train to Paris: The train station of Le Havre is about 30 minutes walk away from the cruise terminal or a 10 minute taxi ride. It is easily doable, but do not take the last train back, as there will not always be taxis available at the train station in Le Havre. The train ride takes about 2 hours. Euro 31 one way pp. Sometimes specials are available.

Shopping and Food

Normandy is an heaven for the culinary tourist: apples: the cider and the calvados; milk and cream: the camembert, livarot and pont-l'évêque cheeses. Many dishes are made with cider or calvados: rabbit cooked in cider, pork with calvados and apples, etc.

The brand new shopping center des Docks Vauban has plenty sidewalk cafes. Inside the shopping center is free WiFi and comfortable seats to use your laptop/tablet. It is just a few blocks from the train station.

Currency Converter

Communication:

The new cruise terminal free Wifi. Wait till the crew has left the terminal for a better connection.

Local emergency number: 112

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks in France stay open all day. The exceptions are the smaller shops and enterprises, which may close for lunch sometime between 12.30pm and 2pm. Basic hours of business are from 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday for the big shops and Tuesday to Saturday for smaller shops (some of the smaller shops may open on Monday afternoon). You can always find boulangeries and food shops that do stay open, however, on days when others close – on Sunday normally until noon.

Holidays in France

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Le Havre – France

Welcome to the cruise port guide Le Havre – France. Over 250.000 tourists visit Le Havre by cruise ship every single year. It is a popular destination because you can venture out to Paris, Rouen, Versailles, the Landing Beaches and lots of other places of interest. Check out the Le Havre cruise port guide underneath to see where your ship will dock and how to get out and about.

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

Southampton Vigo Rotterdam Amsterdam

Cruise port guide Le Havre – France: docked

Shuttle services

There is usually a shuttle service that is either arranged by your cruise line or by the port. The shuttle bus will bring you from Le Havre cruise terminal to the city center.

Public transportation

If you are planning on travelling with local public transportation we recommend you to schedule your trip with: http://www.commentjyvais.fr/en/ Local public transportation is abundant and can take you anywhere as long as you plan ahead.

Bus station

The busstation is about a 20 minute walk (2,5 km) from the cruise terminal. Plan your trip ahead of time. Find the local bus schedules on http://www.busverts.fr/index.php , Busses are operated by CTPO.

Railway station

Le Havre has a train station and from here you can take the train to Rouen or Paris! Find the train station about 2,5 km or 20 minute walk from the cruise terminal. See its exact location marked in the map above. The name of the station is Gare du Havre. The trains are operated by SNCF. Find their schedules on www.voyages-sncf.com.

Taxis at Le Havre cruise terminal

At the cruise terminal you will find local taxis. The taxi prices are posted on a sign (see picture to the left). Prices are per taxi up to 4 people. Larger vehicles can be arranged. Rates as posted in port: Cruise terminal to Le Havre city center: 8 euro Cruise terminal to Le Havre train station: 10 euro 1h30 tour of Le Havre: 60 euro 3 hrs tour of Honfleur: 125 euro 10 hrs tour of Paris: 460 euro 6 hrs tour of Rouen: 280 euro 10 hrs tour of Le Mont-Saint-Michel: 460 euro 8 hrs tour of The landing beaches: 450 euro 8 hrs tour of Palace of Versailles: 395 euro

Car Rental at Le Havre cruise terminal

For those looking for a French adventure by car: you will find a car rental service in the Le Havre’s cruise terminal. This is a great way to explore the area at your own pace, although please know the French have their own standards of politeness in driving. Make a reservation to make sure a car will be available for you when you arrive: Rent a car; terminal Croisiere Pointe de Floride; [email protected] / www.rentacar.fr

Find your port of call:

• Mediterranean
• Norway – Cruise port guides
• Baltic & Scandinavia
• British isles
• Western Europe
• French Polynesia
• North America
• Central America
• Southeast Asia
• North Africa
• Middle East

Cruise ships dock at a seperate part of Le Havre’s port. There is a cruise terminal that will offer great facilities to our cruisers. Read the full Le Havre cruise port guide here to learn more about your transportation options and services in port.

Le Havre cruise dock

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Le Havre Cruise Port Guide | 7 Best Things To Do In Le Havre Port

Le Havre cruise port is one of the major ports in France, located in northern France’s Normandy region, where the Seine River meets the English Channel on the Atlantic Coast. It is one of the most popular cruise destinations due to its proximity to Paris (200 km/125 miles), Normandy beaches (145 km/90 miles), Rouen (92 km/57 miles), Mont Saint-Michel (220 km/137 miles) and other popular French destinations. In this article, read about:

• Le Havre cruise port (Le Havre cruise terminal, getting around, useful tips)
• 7 best things to do in Le Havre port (including shore excursions to Paris, Rouen, D-Day Beaches, Honfleur, Deauville, Mont Saint-Michel, Etretat)

Visit also our cruise port guides to Cherbourg , Lisbon , Gibraltar , La Coruna , Vigo ,  Brugge (Bruges) , Amsterdam

Le Havre Cruise Port

Le Havre port is France’s largest containership port and its second-largest cargo port (after Marseille ). The port consists of a series of canal-like docks and is operated by the national agency “Grand Port Maritime du Havre”. Port of Le Havre is also a popular port of call due to its developed port facilities and capacity to accommodate the world’s largest cruise liners.

Cruise Terminal Le Havre (Terminal Croisière Le Havre) is located at the site called Pointe de Floride (Florida tip). The terminal consists of two docking piers located on Quay Roger Meunier and Quay Pierre Callet . The terminal building features facilities including a Tourist information office, free wi-fi, a couple of shops, security screening, check-in counters, a passenger lounge area, a taxi rank and car rental options.

Le Havre city center is located 2 km/1.3 miles from Le Havre cruise terminal. The walk is on flat surfaces, however, it’s not very scenic as you need to go around the ferry terminal (port Le Havre regularly serves ferries to Portsmouth, UK) and Bassin de la Manche. It takes approximately a 25-minute walk to reach Le Havre downtown.

Alternatively, cruise lines/port authorities may offer shuttle bus transfers into the city, usually for an extra fee. Make sure you check this onboard before arriving at the port. Taxis are available in the terminal.

Le Havre port has announced projects to build three new terminals on the Pointe du Floride site and renovate the existing facilities. You can get updates on these projects at  https://www.havre-port.com/

Getting Around & Local Transportation

• Shuttle buses are typically provided by the port authorities or a cruise line (usually for an extra fee) to Le Havre downtown. Shuttle buses stop at Le Volcan Arts Theater Complex and Espace Coty shopping mall.
• Le Havre train station (Gare Le Havre) is the main railway station in Le Havre and is located 2.2 km/1.4 miles (a 30-minute walk) from Le Havre cruise terminal. It takes around 20 minutes walk to reach the train station if you walk there from Le Volcan. At Le Havre railway station you can catch trains to Paris, Rouen, Honfleur and other destinations. The trains in France are operated by SNCF (France’s national railway company) and you can check the timetables and prices on their official website https://www.sncf.com/
• Le Havre bus station is located at the same place as the train station. Le Havre also has two tram routes and both lines serve the train/bus station.
• Le Havre-Octeville Airport (Aéroport Le Havre-Louis Bleriot) is located only 8 km/5 miles north of Le Havre cruise port, however, the distance by car is 36 km/22 miles or a 35-minute drive.
• Major cruise lines calling at Le Havre cruise port include Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard Line, MSC Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and AmaWaterways (river cruises).
• The currency in France is EURO (€). Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Museums and shops in Le Havre may be closed on Mondays.
• Book a private transfer to/from the port of Le Havre 
• Check out Le Havre rent-a-car deals
• Explore tours and activities from Le Havre
• Find accommodation in Le Havre port

7 Best Things to Do in Le Havre Cruise Port

1. le havre.

The bustling city of Havre is best known for its unique post-WWII architecture and its UNESCO-listed city center. After the heavy 1944 bombings, the city needed to be quickly rebuilt and the renowned Belgian architect Auguste Perret was in charge of the project.

The majority of the buildings were built in reinforced concrete, which gave the city a somewhat grey and dim look. However, Le Havre is nowadays a vibrant city featuring amazing museums, a scenic public beach, great shopping opportunities, eateries and much more. While there, don’t miss out on visiting the Museum of Modern Art André Malraux (MuMa Musée d’art moderne André Malraux) which has the second most important collection of Impressionist paintings after the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

The iconic St Joseph’s Church with its 110-meter high tower dates from 1950 and is a symbol of Le Havre representing the city’s rebirth after the war. The church was made of steel and concrete and offers outstanding panoramic views of the city.

One of the most recognized structures in the city is the modern Le Volcan cultural center designed in the shape of a volcano. While in Le Havre, you can also visit the beautiful, 16th-century stone Le Havre Cathedral , Natural History Museum, or Graville Abbey with its museum housing one of the finest collections of medieval statuary in Normandy.

Check out Le Havre sightseeing tours and activities

Le Havre cruise port is the main gateway to the French capital. Paris is located 200 km/124 miles (a 2-hour 30-minute drive) from the port of Le Havre each way. Due to the distance, the smart idea would be to visit Paris with a cruise ship organized shore excursion because the ship will wait for you in case the tour returns later than scheduled. However, cruise ship shore excursions are often too expensive, so booking a private round-trip transfer to Paris  or a tour with an independent tour operator may be a cheaper option.

Alternatively, you can go to Paris by train (which is not recommended as the trains in France are not always reliable, especially when the ship is in port for a day).

Cruise lines normally offer various shore excursions to Paris. Some of them are guided, while some of them are “On Your Own” options that offer a round-trip transfer with a few free hours to explore Paris on your own (you usually get 3-4 free hours). If you choose to explore Paris on your own, I highly suggest you read my article Paris in a Day: How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Paris from Le Havre where I share very useful tips and a full 4-hour itinerary that covers all the major landmarks of Paris!

Here are some of the Paris attractions not to be missed:

• Arc de Triomphe – The iconic triumphal arch stands at Place de l’Étoile at the top of the Champs-Élysées. It was built in 1836 to commemorate those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It has an observation deck from where you can admire the outstanding views of Paris.
• Eiffel Tower – Gustave Eiffel’s 324-meter-high iron tower is the symbol of Paris and one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. It was constructed in the second half of the 19th century for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World’s Fair) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower offers the most spectacular views of the city and has three levels. It is highly recommended to visit the Eiffel Tower with a guided tour or to book the tickets in advance, as lines can be extremely long. The visit can take up to half a day depending on the queuing, so keep that in mind if you have limited time in the city.
• Louvre – The world’s most visited museum is housed in a historic palace in the heart of Paris and boasts a huge art collection including some of the best-known works of art, such as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. With its striking Louvre Pyramid, it is one of the most visited museums in the world so be prepared for long lines. It takes almost a full day to visit some of the major works of art so it’s highly recommended to purchase the tickets in advance or book a guided tour.
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris – The impressive 12th-century cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité (an island in the Seine River) and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France.
• Latin Quarter – Home to numerous medieval churches and museums, Panthéon, Sorbonne University and several higher education establishments, Latin Quarter is the oldest district in Paris known for student life and authentic vibe. Here, you can wander around its medieval streets filled with authentic cafes, eateries and bookshops or visit the famous Luxembourg Gardens situated nearby.
• Orsay Museum (Musée d’Orsay) – Housed in a former railway station building, the museum features outstanding 19th and 20th-century European art collections. You need at least a couple of hours to visit the museum and it’s recommended to purchase the tickets in advance.

Check out Paris tours from Le Havre

3. Normandy Beaches

Normandy is a historically important region because of the events that took place in 1944 when the Allied forces disembarked in Normandy to drive Nazis out of France. The beaches where the Allies disembarked are known as D-Day Landing Beaches and they extend over 70 km along the coast of Normandy. There are 5 of them:  Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach. The entire area consists of numerous WWII monuments, museums, cemeteries and memorials, and some of the most important are:

• The Landing Beaches
• Arromanches-Les-Bains
• Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
• Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument
• Overlord Museum
• German Battery of Longues-Sur-Mer
• The Memorial Pegasus

You can read about each of these landmarks more in detail in my article 12 Gorgeous Places to Visit on a Cruise to Normandy

Cruise lines normally offer organized shore excursions to D-Day Beaches and these are full-day tours as the driving distance to the sites may take up to a few hours. If you decide to book a shore excursion, make sure you carefully check the itinerary as not all of the places listed above are included in each of the tours (it would take a few days to visit all the sites!).

Normally, tours dedicated to guests from the USA include Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Overlord Museum and the American Cemetery and Memorial, while the tours dedicated to Canadian guests include the visit to Juno Beach, Canadian Cemetery and Abbey d’Ardenne.

Check out Normandy Beaches tours from Le Havre

4. Mont Saint-Michel

The iconic Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tidal island with its impressive 8th-century Mont Saint-Michel Abbey lies 217 km/135 miles (a 2-hour 45-minute drive) southwest of Le Havre cruise port.

Although Mont Saint Michel is located far from the port of Le Havre, there are numerous full-day shore excursions offered by the cruise line/independent tour operators. One day is enough to visit the island and the abbey, walk along its ramparts, enjoy spectacular views of the bay and visit the village. You can read a detailed Mont Saint-Michel review (as I went on a tour from Cherbourg) in my article How to Visit Mont Saint-Michel on a Cruise (from Le Havre and Cherbourg)

Check out Mont Saint-Michel tours from Le Havre

5. Honfleur and Deauville

The picturesque Honfleur is a port town located on Normandy’s Côte Fleurie (The Flower Coast), 23 km/14 miles (a 30-minute drive) southeast of Le Havre port. Honfleur is easily accessible via the bridge “Pont de Normandie” and you can go there by taxi, train, bus, or on an organized shore excursion.

Honfleur is best known for its colorful harbour lined with charming cafes, picturesque facades, cobblestone streets packed with eateries and authentic, typically French shops, “chocolateries”, “patisseries”, and so much more… Honfleur is so pretty so make sure you bring a camera to capture the beauty and colors of this wonderful place! Some of the historic landmarks that you can visit in Honfleur are The Church of St. Catherine , the largest wooden church in France, and The Church of Saint Etienne which houses the Maritime Museum. 

Deauville is another beautiful place you can visit nearby and the majority of the shore excursions to Honfleur also include a visit to Deauville as the distance between the two is only 17 km/10 miles (a 30-minute drive).

Also called “Parisian Riviera”, Deauville is a popular seaside resort and an upscale holiday destination known for its Casino (the grand Casino Barrier de Deauville), prestigious golf courses, horse races and the annual American Film Festival. While there, make sure you explore the town’s chic boutiques, half-timbered buildings and elegant Belle Epoque villas, or head out to Plage de Deauville for a pleasant walk along the beach. If you are visiting Deauville straight from Le Havre cruise port, the distance between the two locations is around 43 km/28 miles (a 50-minute drive) each way.

Check out Honfleur and Deauville tours from Le Havre

Rouen is another French jewel, the capital of the Normandy region and one of the most beautiful French cities I’ve ever visited. The city lies approximately 98 km/61 miles (a 1-hour 20-minute drive) east of Le Havre cruise port and cruise lines may offer shore excursions to Rouen (depending on the ship’s time in port).

Rouen played a vital role in the Roman era and Middle Ages and grew into one of the largest and richest cities in Europe in medieval times. Its impressive history is more than 2000 years old and nowadays you can admire the city’s rich heritage on a walking tour around the city.

Rouen’s skyline is dominated by the awe-inspiring 12th-century Gothic Rouen Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen) that inspired the paintings of the Impressionist artist Claude Monet. The cobblestone Old Market Square is where Joan of Arc, a French heroine, was burned at the stake in 1431 during the Hundred Years’ War.

Nowadays, you can visit the Church of St Joan of Arc which was built on the place where she was burned, or visit the impressive Museum of Joan of Arc (Historial Jeanne d’Arc), located only a 10-minute walk from the square. Other highlights include Le Gros-Horloge , a 14th-century astronomical clock tower and the 14th-century courthouse where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death.

Rouen is cobblestone and medieval, packed with touristy shops, cafes and eateries. It is easily accessible via train from Le Havre, however, it is recommended to book a guided tour to learn about the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Explore Rouen tours from Le Havre

The picture-perfect Étretat is the Normandy coast’s seaside resort that owes its popularity to the stunning sceneries and extraordinary landscapes. The resort is located 53 km/33 miles (a 55-minute drive) north of Le Havre cruise port and is famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs that inspired the works of poets, writers and artists throughout centuries including Monet, Courbet, Leblanc and others.

Étretat has many scenic spots from where you can admire the spectacular rock formations (called “falaises” in French) as well as a pretty town where you browse shops or grab a bite at one of the charming eateries.

Explore Étretat tours and activities from Le Havre

Wrapping Up

Normandy is one of the most beautiful French regions and there are so many places to see! If your cruise ship docks in Le Havre, I highly suggest you book one of the shore excursions to Paris, D-Day Beaches, Rouen, Honfleur, or Mont Saint-Michel, regardless of the driving time as these places deserve it!

Visit also our cruise port guides to Lisbon , Gibraltar , La Coruna , Malaga , Barcelona , Ibiza , Palma de Mallorca , Brugge (Bruges) , Copenhagen , Oslo , Helsinki , Tallinn , Amsterdam

You May Also Like:

What to Pack for a Cruise in 2023 – Top 60 Cruise Essentials

Western Europe Cruise Port Guides

Mediterranean Cruise Port Guides

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

1 thought on “Le Havre Cruise Port Guide | 7 Best Things To Do In Le Havre Port”

Hi Katarina,

I would love to read about your detailed experience working for VIKING as a concierge. If you have already written it then please let me know.

Thanks, Neha Kumari

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

Le Havre cruise port (by a local) – what to do + excursions

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | June 16, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Does your cruise call at Le Havre , France? If you have the chance to stop in our hometown, here is a guide with our selection of things to do in the cruise port of Le Havre on a day: architecture, nature, history, art… ideas for everyone! Stay in town or explore Normandy with one of the shore excursions from Le Havre.

Introduction to Le Havre, Normandy

As a major commercial port of Normandy France, Le Havre also welcomes many cruise ships each year.

A resilient story

The city itself was largely destroyed during World War II, so you won’t see many churches and old buildings like in other French cities. But it was rebuilt by Auguste Perret in a modern architectural style that has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

A light that has inspired many artists

The light and the clouds in Le Havre are always special. They have inspired many artists, including the impressionists. Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin, for example, painted the colors of Le Havre.

In the beautiful region of Normandy

The cruise port of Le Havre is also a great place to explore some of the most beautiful places in Normandy with shore excursions.

Our hometown

Le Havre is our home town. This is where we were born and raised. I have been living thereClaire) again since 2016. Our family has been here for a long time. Our family store is established in Le Havre since 1870 (yes, you read correctly with an 8!). Our grandfather was one of the first people to receive the keys to the new buildings after World War II and he was very appreciative of the improvement in his quality of life.

If you are planning a longer weekend in Le Havre, see our article on things to do in Le Havre in Normandy .

Cruises arriving in Le Havre

This article is for people who spend a few hours on a cruise ship. You can arrive with :

• MSC Cruises (by the way, if you need help choosing your drink packages on an MSC cruise, see this guide )
• Royal Caribbean
• or with a river cruise on the Seine

Main options – Shore Excursions from Le Havre in Normandy

So, are you stopping over in Le Havre during your cruise? Great! Here is my selection of the main shore excursions from Le Havre to consider. They are not in any particular order (it depends on what you are interested in):

OPTION 1 – Visit Le Havre

Le Havre is a strange city, I admit it. For many visitors (and for the French), this is not what France should look like. But Le Havre is a unique and trendy city, which has a lot to offer and should not be neglected. You can spend a great day in Le Havre discovering the architecture and sea views that have inspired so many artists, such as Monet. And it will be the cheapest option.

I’m not going to go into detail here – you can learn all about my hometown later in the article (after my list of options, check out the must-see places and my itinerary suggestions).

OPTION 2 – Visit of the landing beaches

Those interested in the history of the war can take a shore excursion from Le Havre to visit the landing beaches and some of the World War II monuments.

American-friendly tours include Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, the Overlord Museum and the American Cemetery. See program and book

Canadian-friendly tours include Juno Beach, the Canadian Cemetery and the Abbaye d’Ardenne. See program and book

OPTION 3 – Mont-Saint-Michel

It’s a long drive to Mont St Michel (a little over 2.5 hours) but it is one of France’s most iconic jewels, and a Unesco site. The view from the mainland is simply breathtaking, whatever the weather. You can then visit this rocky island on top of which is the 8th century Benedictine abbey.

One of the most famous sites to visit in France is accessible during a Le Havre cruise excursion!

see the options

OPTION 4 – Live painting – Giverny, Rouen and Honfleur

If you are looking for charming villages and places that have inspired famous artists, Normandy has many sites that can satisfy you. For example, you can go to Giverny to visit Monet’s house and gardens, and stop in the historic city of Rouen. You can also visit the charming town of Honfleur, which is one of the most charming ports in France. See program and book

OPTION 5 – Étretat

One of my favorite places to visit in Normandy is Etretat. I love this little cove and the impressive white cliffs that surround it. And as a French girl, I grew up with the stories of Leblanc’s fictional character, Arsène Lupin, who hid his treasure in the pinnacle. The heart of the town has charming old houses typical of the area and from the beach you can climb the cliffs on both sides for incredible views.

You can take the bus 13 which runs every hour. Or rent a car for the day (40min drive)

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

Of course, you can also go to Paris for the day. Your cruise ship will probably offer day trips between Le Havre and Paris. It takes about 2h30 to get there. So you still have several hours to visit.

We know that Paris is the city that makes people dream, but our opinion is that it would be very frustrating to spend only a few hours there. It is too difficult to choose what to see.

See private tour availability

Stopover at the Port of Le Havre – advice

Let us now tell you a little more about Le Havre as a cruise port.

Arrival at the cruise port of Le Havre

When your cruise ship arrives in Le Havre, I recommend you go out on deck to see the beach and the Perret architecture as a whole. And wave a little because I might see you from my window. LOL (here’s the picture of the boat below – I took it from my apartment window).

Cruise Terminal

The ships are docked at the Cruise Terminal. It is located 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from the city center. The walk will take you 30min. Most cruise lines offer shuttles between the terminal and downtown for those not participating in shore excursions. They take you near what is called Le Volcan (a unique theater that I will show you later). Or you can jump in a cab. It costs about 8 euros for the city center and 10 euros for the train station. At the reception center, you can get a map of the city to help you get around.

Getting around

On foot The best way to visit the city center is on foot. Unless you visit Sainte-Adresse, the rest is just flat walking. This is how you can best appreciate the architecture.

Tourist bus – in summer However, if you want to get a glimpse of the whole city, consider jumping on the “Bee Le Havre ” tour bus to learn more about this amazing city. It leaves from the side of the volcano opposite the one where the shuttle drops you off. They also now have a Food Bus and a bus tour of Honfleur.

By bike At the cruise terminal, it is possible to rent bicycles

Tuk Tuk – in summer Tuk-Tuk (electric vehicle) tours depart near the marina

Other things to know

• The currency is the euro
• Tipping is not mandatory. At the restaurant, you can leave a few euros if you are very satisfied with the service.
• The European emergency number is 112
• Sunday is a day of rest in France, stores are closed, except food stores, until lunchtime. The Muma Museum is normally open.
• Many stores and museums may be closed on Mondays (the Muma Museum is closed).
• If you are looking for clothes, some stores should be open on Mondays and Sundays at the Docks (not the same direction as the city center)
• It is a large seaport, so English is common, but some French people will not speak English at all.

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What to do in Le Havre from the cruise port

You wonder if you should opt for a stay in Le Havre and visit the city? Let me show you all the main points of interest in Le Havre that you could enjoy:

Architecture of Perret

Let’s start with the reason why Le Havre is a Unesco site. Since it was destroyed during World War II, most of the downtown area was rebuilt with a uniform architecture. It was based on the engineering of Auguste Perret who was a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete. These new buildings have brought many facilities that people did not have before in their homes.

The most stunning pieces of downtown are the town hall with its tower on the side and the unique St. Joseph’s church. Don’t hesitate to enter the church (from 10 am to 6 pm), especially on a sunny day, to see the stained glass windows.

Architecture of Oscar Niemeyer

Right next to where the shuttle stops, you can’t miss the iconic building that we call either “The Volcano” (the volcano) or “The Yogurt Pot” (the yogurt pot). I know, it’s funny. It contrasts sharply with the Perret architecture and we love our theater. It was built in 1982 on the project of Oscar Niemeyer , an architect famous for his modern buildings in Brasilia.

Nature & Art

As we said before, the light of Le Havre has been a source of inspiration for many artists, especially the impressionists. The city has set up displays along the ponds and the coastal promenade to show you some of the paintings where they were created. I think this is a great idea, and although I see them often, I always stop to look at them again.

There is a long walk along the beach that also takes you to the nearby town of Sainte Adresse where the Belgian government was headquartered during the First World War. Note that at high tide, there is no sand, only pebbles. But at low tide, you can walk on the sand. And in summer, small historic beach bungalows appear on the beach, where families come to spend the day.

MuMa Museum

The most famous museum of Le Havre is the André Malraux museum, also known as MuMa . Located at the end of the seaside promenade, near the harbor watchtower, it offers beautiful collections. The museum is filled with light and has a large open structure. On permanent display are paintings from the 15th century to the 20th century with pieces by Delacroix, Boudin, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet and many others… It has one of the most prestigious collections of impressionist art outside of Paris. Closed on Monday.

In 2018, it was the 500th anniversary of Le Havre. For the event, modern art pieces were installed and fortunately, some are here to stay. Vincent Ganivet set up 2 modern arches created by assembling colored containers. We love it! It is located at the end of the rue de Paris with the port in the background.

Other buildings

As I said earlier, there is not much left of the old Havre, because it was destroyed during the Second World War. But on the rue de Paris, you can still see the cathedral. It is small. The bell tower dates from the 16th century. The main façade is baroque. Inside, the church’s organs are gifts from Cardinal de Richelieu in the 17th century.

If you feel like walking a little higher. At the end of the main beach walk, you can head to the top of the cliffs. Follow the road and you will reach a panoramic viewpoint. On a clear day, you can see Deauville and Trouville on the other side of the estuary. But whatever the weather, you have superb views of the city of Le Havre with the beach and the bell tower of St. Joseph’s church overlooking it.

It is called ‘Table d’orientation’ or ‘Balcon de l’Estuaire’. GPS – 49°30’26.3 “N 0°04’25.7 “E

Culture and gastronomy

You can also stroll through the streets of Le Havre to discover many bakeries and other stores to understand a little about life in France. Les Halles is a great place to people-watch as many downtown residents come to buy food at this covered market (many stores are closed between 1 and 3 pm). It is located behind Le Volcan.

PLAN YOUR STAY IN Le Havre

• Best things to do in Le Havre
• The beach of Le Havre
• Where to stay in Le Havre
• Where to eat in Le Havre – coming soon
• Weekend in Le Havre

1 day in Le Havre Walk

• Get off the shuttle at the Volcano
• Admire the Bassin du Commerce with its beautiful arched bridge. The statue next to it is in memory of those who died protecting our country.
• Cross the road and admire the architecture of Oscar Niemeyer
• Cross the passage behind and visit the covered market for a snapshot of life in France (if you like bread, see the Boulangerie Portier outside the market (across the street), they make the best bread in Le Havre in my opinion) – Note that the covered market is closed in the early afternoon, it becomes lively again at 3pm
• Walk to the City Hall and enjoy the gardens – appreciate Perret’s architecture – square concrete blocks
• Walk to the beach on Avenue Foch, one of the largest in Europe
• Before the gate-shaped buildings, turn left and walk towards St. Joseph’s Church
• Walk to the sea

Option A – for art lovers

• Walk left along the marina to the MuMa Museum.
• Visit the museum
• Walk towards the double-container arch
• Return to the Volcano via the Rue de Paris and its protected arches to do some shopping, and visit the cathedral on the way.

Option B – for those who prefer the outdoors and can walk uphill

9b. Turn right onto the beach promenade 10b. At the Sainte Adresse sign, either go up or continue on the flat promenade and take the stairs 11b. Enjoy the view from the panoramic viewpoint 12b. Return on foot

Options for a rainy day

Le Havre is not as humid as other regions of Normandy, but it is located in the north of France, by the sea, and therefore receives frequent showers. If it doesn’t rain much, I recommend wearing a good poncho and still enjoying the sunny day program. And you never know, the rain may stop. The main areas you can still enjoy on a rainy day:

• The underground of the Volcano and its library
• The rue de Paris because it has covered passages for window shopping and the cathedral
• The MuMa Museum
• Les Halles, the covered market

Do not make THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE

On one of our last trips to Europe, a hacker stole our credit card details while we were using a hotel WiFi. So our trip began with a “card blocked” call … Not funny at all! Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry .

Shopping and Souvenirs

Looking for souvenirs.

Just before taking the shuttle back to your cruise ship, near the volcano is the “Local Shop” where you can find many Le Havre or Normandy branded items and other local products (location B on the map).

You can also find Le Havre brand products at the reception center (location A on the map)

We also recommend Chocolatier Hautot’s box of chocolate with a fondant caramel heart. It is located near Halles. We love their cakes, but they can’t be transported… So we recommend their super-cool boxes of “Boujous de Normandie” chocolates (Boujous is the local word for kisses).

Want to go shopping?

It’s not our thing, but for those who like it, the main shopping areas downtown are:

• The street of Paris with its local and traditional stores
• Coty Mall where you will find chain stores (location C on the map)
• The docks – outside the Hyper-center, not far from the train station – more chain stores.

Where to eat

Hummmm it’s a difficult question to answer from a tourist point of view… It also depends on where you are in the route… I don’t normally write about food much. But since this is where I live, here are some suggestions:

Baguettes, Sandwiches and Cakes

If you want to taste an excellent French bread, delicate pastries or if you want to opt for a sandwich for lunch, go to Maison Portier, Place des Halles (near location 4). Address : 48 Rue Bernardin de Saint-Pierre – closed on Monday Even after living in many cities and all over the world, my brother, my parents and I still think this is the best bread we have ever tasted.

The Wine bar

In the pedestrian streets north of Les Halles (north of point 3 – 101 rue Victor Hugo), you will find the Wine bar. It’s a place with wine fountains where you can taste the amount you want of each wine. It’s great to be able to taste a wide variety without drinking whole glasses. And their food is also delicious

Lunch options

There are many restaurants in the city center. It depends on what you like. In the summer, we even have temporary restaurants that are set up on the beach. The typical dish to taste is mussels in a cream of camembert.

But some of my favorites are actually not near the hiking trails I gave you…

For fine, gourmet French cuisine, you can visit Jean Étoilé: Luc Tartarin – Address: 73 avenue Foch (along route 6 on the map) (reservation required). And our favorite: Le Margote at 50 Quai Michel Féré (reservations essential).

Nice break if you’re near the container arch

Our favorite little canteen is Calice et Mandibule (at the end of Rue de Paris, not far from the colorful containers). We love the owners’ wholesome approach. The lunch dishes are tasty, and the cakes original and delicious. But what we love most of all is the choice of infusions and teas (and iced tea in summer). They’re excellent!

Nice break for those who are on option B Walk

If you continued to walk along the beach, on the Sainte-Adresse side, you will arrive at a nice restaurant-bar with a terrace on the seaside. His name is LATERAS. It’s a great place for a break with delicious mocktails of freshly squeezed juice and tasty pancakes.

GPS – 49°30’14.7 “N 0°04’40.1 “E

Update: The restaurant-bar has a new owner. The name has changed. We haven’t tried the new one yet. We will update this when we go.

Street Art walk in Le Havre

If you are looking for something different and like Street Art, Jace has created pieces all around Le Havre, notably with a little orange character named Gouzou. You can find a map of all his tags HERE . You can create your own itinerary around it!

Departure from Le Havre / Staying in Le Havre

At certain times of the year, the ships leave just as the sun is setting and you could be enjoying some great colors!

And if you finish your cruise in Le Havre, why not stay a few days to explore the area!

Here are some accommodation options (or see our article on where to sleep in Le Havre )

• Hotel Spa Vent d’Ouest near our famous church and less than 5 minutes walk from the waterfront
• see pictures and availability
• Hotel Spa Pasino inside one of our most impressive buildings with high ceilings, swimming pool and casino – see photos and availability
• The new beachfront hotel opened in 2021: Hilton Garden Inn by the marina with sea views – see photos and availability
• and superb rentals, see the best rated accommodations in Le Havre

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

Inspiration destinations

• Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
• Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
• 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
• The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy

• Best things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
• Most beautiful villages of Normandy
• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
• See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

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Le Havre Cruise Port Guide

Le Havre, Normandy, France – a Le Havre Cruise Port Guide

Le Havre is in the Département Seine Maritime part of the Normandy region, situated on the north coast of France. I think of it as the ‘marmite’ of cruise destinations – as many people love it as hate it – I’m in the former group! Le Havre is often labelled ‘for Paris’ which is actually 140 mile and about 3 hours away. Normandy is a region of France famous for its food, in particular apples. sea-food and dairy products.

Le Havre is one of Frances most important deep water ports, situated at the mouth of the River Seine , which links Paris to the sea. The reconstruction of the town by August Perret after the catastrophic damage of WW2 is now viewed by many as an outstanding example of urban planning – leading to its position as a UNESCO Heritage Site .

Language: French

Currency: Euro

Time Zone: UTC (GMT) +1.00

Le Havre – What you need to know

Situated at the mouth of the Seine river which links Paris to the Channel coast, Le Havre was originally settled by the ‘northmen’ or vikings who captured lands in a series of raids from Denmark. The Normans were efficient fighters and, having made a treaty with the King Of France, they invaded England in 1066. Following his victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. His Castle, built using white Normandy stone quarried in Caen, is now known as the Tower of London.

The English Crown held the rights to Normandy until 1259 but the ‘Hundred Years War’ between the French and English meant that fighting continued in the area until the late 15th Century. By then the small fishing village of Le Havre had expanded to a fortified town and an important port, trading in coffee and cotton and a base for passenger ships to the Americas. 

Le Havre is known as the birthplace of Impressionist Art – the movement is named for Claude Monet’s painting Impression, Sunrise painted there in 1872. Many Impressionist painters such as Eugene Boudin, Claude Monet and Raol Dufy worked in the town, drawn to the area by its excellent light quality.

During WW2 Le Havre was occupied by the German Navy and Allied bombing was severe. Reconstruction followed a grand plan by the architect Auguste Perret and included every part of central Le Havre – it is unusual among many reconstructed cities for its unity and integrity which led to UNESCO giving it World Heritage Status on the town in 2005. Le Havre was the first deep water Container port in France and is now the  busiest commercial port in France.  It celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2017 which an ambitious display of modern art throughout the town including  Vincent Ganivet’s Catène de Containers, a ‘sculpture’ made from multicoloured shipping containers visible from the cruise terminal.

Le Havre – Free e-book 

Le Havre is NOT Paris…

Its not even close! Le Havre is tagged ‘ for Paris ’ and days ashore here are often longer than normal to allow time for this trip -but it would be a very long journey  whether you decide to travel to Paris by car, coach or train, the fastest journey takes about 3 hours.

In truth I really feel that Paris is probably a little too far away and too big a city to be worth trying to see on such a short visit.  If you really want to visit the best experience would probably be on a private tour or guided coach trip which to take you around the various sights as Paris is a big place! In that case I (unusually!) suggest you opt for the safety and peace of mind of a ships excursion as is such a long journey, with huge potential for delays and holdups. But to be honest unless this is your one and only chance to visit Paris, I really wouldn’t bother visiting at all as you will spend a huge part of the day travelling.  I would much prefer to use the day exploring Le Havre itself or visiting some of the other towns and attractions in Normandy, an interesting and beautiful area!

HOW TO GET TO LE HAVRE from your ship…

Unusually two types of cruise use Le Havre – so where you will dock depend on which type of cruise you are on, neither is far from town at all! 

RIVER cruises – travelling along the Seine from Paris – dock at Quai de Marseille or the Quai des Antilles , two new quays constructed in the old town docks with a shopping centre & Tourist Information office. The station and tram line are nearby, bike hire is available or it is a 15 minute level walk into town. 

CRUISE ships berth closer to the coast, at one of two piers by the Cruise Terminal building at Pointe de Floride . Facilities here include free Wifi, a taxi rank, car and bike rental, shops, a passenger lounge and a Tourist Information office. The town centre is close – a 2km flat walk around the basin, a short taxi ride or a port shuttle (€5 each way 2019). The pleasant walk into town takes you around the harbour past the Semaphore and MuMA or up Rue de Paris to the shopping area and town centre. The train station is a 30 minute walk from the cruise terminal, at the other end of town, close to the River Cruise Terminal.

A DAY IN LE HAVRE…

There is no need to leave Le Havre at all; the port has many interesting highlights although even its greatest fan could not call it pretty!

The post war architecture , built on a grid system (unlike the rambling street of the medieval town it replaced) is not attractive but the cohesive nature of the towns construction and design – from its public buildings and leisure spaces to homes for the town inhabitants – is the reason for its UNESCO award. For speed of construction concrete was the main building material and it can give the town a grey and dismal look, especially on an overcast day. The bright white Le Volcan (Volcano) is Le Havre’s newest and most conspicuous landmark – opened in 1982, its unusual shape houses a concert hall and culture centre designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.  opened in 1982.

Many of the buildings are actually more interesting from the inside! The Appartement Temoin is a ‘show flat’ that demonstrates the lifestyle provided for residents by the architect Auguste Perret . It is now a museum where you can see a recreation of the original flats including the first use of modular furniture. The layout was designed to make the best possible use of natural light, and the flats were fully equipped – an uncluttered interior was achieved by the use of sliding doors and a central load bearing structure in each flat. After years of living in rudimentary shelters this must have seemed like a palace to its first residents. Entrance is 3€.  

Even if you are not a fan of post war architecture it is probably worth visiting and comparing the two main churches in the town. The heavily restored 16th century Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the last remnants of pre war Le Havre. The western side of the church contains the great organ, given to the town in 1639 by Cardinal Richelieu when he was Governor of Le Havre. 

St Joseph’s Church by contrast is a modern building, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the bombings. It was designed by Auguste Perret and is best viewed from inside, especially on a sunny day. Almost 7000 pieces of coloured glass throw changing colours onto the concrete interior and an atmospheric sound installation evokes the sound of fog horns from the ships at sea. I have to admit I was enthralled – a real lesson in not judging from external appearances!

Another structure that makes the most of the  clear coastal light is the Musee des Beaux Arts Andre Malraux (MuMA). A beautifully bright and airy space this purpose built gallery showcases the largest permanent collection of Impressionist Art that you will find outside Paris. Artist Raoul Dufy was born in Le Havre and his art is heavily featured -I especially liked his early works showing workers in the Le Havre dockyard. The main collection shows why Le Havre is known as the birthplace of Impressionism and includes many pictures painted locally, by artists including  Monet, Gauguin, Renoir and Boudin. It is a real honour to be able to see the paintings in the light that inspired their creation. The whole gallery is over two floors and completely accessible with an education area, restaurant, cafe, bookshop and toilets. Entry is 7€ and it is situated at the far north easterly corner of the harbour, a nice flat half hours walk from the terminal. 

If you continue past the gallery you come to the marina area and beyond that the beach . There are boat trips out from the pier for trips around the huge harbour, across to Honfleur or along the coast depending on weather and sea conditions. The  2km beach is mixed sand and pebble, sheltered and safe although not exactly pretty. There are boat, canoe and sunbed rentals, also showers and a freshwater pool at the Club Nautique which is open to visitors. The largest skatepark in France is further along the seafront – you can watch fans of skateboarding, rollerblading or BMX bikes perform acrobatics or even take part yourself – completely free to all!

Shopping in the town is centred in the area around the Market ( Places des Halles Centrales ), and the shopping area close to the Vauban Docks. Food plays an enormous part in Normandy life and local sea-salt, food and drink make good souvenirs, look for unusual cheeses, salts & saucisson.

OUT OF TOWN…

The long day in port means that some of the other excursions also cover quite long distances. Popular trips, of about 8 hours duration, include the WW2 Normandy Landing beaches and Mont St Michel. Both of these destinations could be visited on your own but for both you might benefit from having a guide with local knowledge with you. You don’t have to use the ships tours – take a look at our affiliate links for Viator tours who we have always found to be very good and reliable. 

Mont St Michel.

Picturesque Mont St Michel is the poster boy of Normandy – not least because geographically it really should be in Brittany – which is a huge bone of contention between the two regions!   This picturesque medieval town is on the West coast of Normandy in the wide sweeping flat Pays de Dol bay.  A steeply sloping tidal island of very narrow, steep, cobbled streets with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abbey at its peak. There are great views from the Ramparts – the Terrasse de l’Ouest , has a stunning panorama over the bay. Mont St Michel is beautiful but it can be very very busy and it’s steep steps are definitely not disability friendly!  Mont St Michel is about two and a half hours or 220km away by road from Le Havre – the train journey via Rennes and local bus would be too time consuming and unreliable – so your best DIY option would be to hire a car. Most people would use an organised tour – either privately or through the ship due to the distances involved.  The new bridge has made it safer and simpler to access the island, it is about half an hours walk or shuttle out to the island from the car park. Tickets must be booked in advance in order to access the island and there will be times of year when Mont St Michel would not work as a cruise excursion from Le Havre due to tide times – so be sure to check carefully. 

Mont Saint Michel Tour

Normandy Landing beaches ( Omaha, Utah Gold & Juno )

A trip to the Normandy Landing beaches ( Omaha, Utah Gold & Juno ) and the museums, memorials and cemeteries of World War 2 would normally be scheduled for about eight hours. There is more information about these below but number of locations and their wide spread across Normandy means that a day will only give you a very broad view. If you have a particular interest in military history and particularly if you have a family connection that you want to trace, then I would strongly suggest a private tour with a specialist guide who will be able to give you specific and tailored information. 

D-Day Beaches Tour

The nearest and easiest place to visit on a DIY day out from Le Havre is Honfleur – a picturesque fishing harbour- which is only 14 miles and 30 minutes by car or bus across the Seine estuary from Le Havre . You could take local bus #39, hire a car, take a taxi or hire a bike and cycle there! 

Honfleur escaped the worst of the devastation of the WW2 so it is quite quaint some buildings dating back to the 15th century. It’s a lovely setting with old buildings, restaurants shops and museums clustered around the Vieux Bassin or old harbour. Boat trips are available from the harbour, along the coast or out into the Seine Estuary. The focal point of the town is the 15th century church of Sainte-Catherine – the largest wooden church in France. The cafes around the harbour are known for their freshly caught seafood. In town, keep an eye out for an interesting museum dedicated to the work of Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin . Just a quick heads up that Honfleur is also a Cruise Port – mainly for River cruises as well as some smaller cruise ships – but as it too is labelled as ‘for’ Paris on a cruise itinerary it is always worth being sure which port you will actually be docking at!

Another relatively simple day out would be to Deauville – a Belle Epoque coastal resort town on what is often called the Parisian Riviera. It is a pleasant drive further west along the Côte Fleurie from Honfleur or an hour by local bus #20 from Le Havre.  A popular, upmarket destination since the 1800s, Deauville is famous for its Casino – the grand Casino Barrier de Deauville , as well as attracting the  rich and famous to golf courses, hotels, polo fields, race course and, of course, its annual American Film Festival. The towns wonderful wide, sandy beach is backed by Les Planches , a 1920s boardwalk with old fashioned bathing cabins. The town has chic boutiques, an excellent market and elegant Belle Epoque villas alongside the more traditional picturesque Normandy half-timbered buildings.

If you fancy something a bit different a fun way to experience this area from the ship might be on a motorbike and side car experience – take a look here…. ( Affiliate link )

Deauville by Vintage motorcycle and sidecar

 There are many other  wonderful locations that you might want to visit, all accessible by local transport, car or taxi and are covered in much more detail in our free downloadable e-book available here…

But briefly other places you could consider include…

To the EAST of Le Havre…

Giverny – where Monet lived and worked and painted his garden and waterlilies. The house and gardens are open as well as an art gallery. The gardens are at their best in spring and summer.

Rouen – a wealthy, historic port city and the capital of Normandy. The skyline is dominated by the spires of Cathédrale Notre-Dame, famously painted many times by Impressionist Claude Monet. The cobblestoned Market Square where Jean d’Arc was burnt at the stake is surrounded with medieval half-timbered houses. 

Across the Seine and to the WEST of Le Havre

An unusual feature of the D-Day landings is that the Allied Forces moved inland virtually unopposed at some points along the line but were subject to extremely heavy fighting, bombardment and damage in others, so that you will find that some areas were buildings were completely destroyed whereas others that seem virtually untouched. 

Bayeux – is one such and its cobbled streets still contain many of the half timbered houses that are common in the area. It is particularly famous for its 70m long Tapestry that tells the story of the Conquest of England in 1066. The tapestry is displayed in a purpose built museum close to the  Cathedral The War Cemetery here is the largest British and Commonwealth Cemetery in Normandy.

Caen – capital of the Calvados region was home to William the Conqueror who was buried here in Abbaye-aux-Hommes, fully restored after heavy damage in WW2, along with other important buildings. The excellent Caen Memorial Museum focuses on a theme of reconciliation and describes itself as “a museum for peace”.

Ouisterham – a pretty fishing port on the north coast is joined to Caen by a canal and the L’Orne river.  The Pegasus Bridge crossing saw heavy fighting and loss of life in the opening action of the D Day landings.

From Ouisterham you could head west along the coast to visit two of the most accessible D-Day beaches to the port of Le Havre ; the beach at Arromanches , centre of the ‘Gold’ landing zone, where you can still see the remains of the temporary ‘Mulberry’ Harbour that the British built for the landings, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer or the Canadian memorial and Germany fortifications at ‘ Juno ’  – Bernières-sur-Mer . 

There is much more information and a suggested driving itinerary in our free DOWNLOAD . Please note that I’m not suggesting that you should try to visit all of this in one day, but wanted you to see how rich and interesting the area is – to be honest your first choice needs to be between 1066 and WW2! 

SHOPPING in Le Havre…

You can find great souvenirs at the gift shop of MuMA which has a good selection of books, prints and jewellery. Also LOHO Le Local Shop on Rue de Paris where they stock an excellent range of locally made items. For edible souvenirs make for the Comptoire des Aromes at Les Halles Centrales. 

Cheeses include a wide range of unusual local types such as Camembert, Livarot, Port L’Eveque   and softer cheeses such as Neufchatel – often moulded into pretty shapes or wrapped and decorated with flower petals. 

Charcuterie such as Saucisson Sec from local pork, is a good buy and travels well. This is matured for longer than a conventional saucisson or salami so it has a drier, less fatty texture.

Sea Salt is available in jars and packets, often combined with herbs or local dairy produce I would highly recommend looking out for:

Confiture de Lait,  a sweet spread, similar to Dulce de leche . 

Salted Butter Caramels, especially the ones in pretty tins. 

Local oils and vinegars – a good buy, particularly at Comptoire des Aromes

Coffee Beans – coffee beans have been traded and roasted in Le Havre since the 17thC – look out for local suppliers such as Ombra or Brulerie.

A word about local drinks made with fruit…

Whether shopping or eating out you will find many local drinks made from locally grown apples and pears…. these fruit based drinks may sound innocuous but it is worth you knowing the differences between them, especially if you are driving as French drink drive laws are extremely strict!

So sample with care and be sure what you’re drinking!!

• Jus de pomme is apple juice (non alcoholic).
• Jus de poires is pear juice (non alcoholic).
• Cidre is apple cider, with an alcohol content of 5-8%
• Poire is Pear cider (Perry), with alcohol content slightly stronger at 6 – 8 %
• Pommeau is a mix of apple juice & apple brandy, alcohol content about 17%
• Calvados is apple brandy, with an alcohol content 40% or above!

EATING OUT in Le Havre…

Normandy is renowned for its use of its local produce and has a proud tradition of cooking with pork, apples, dairy produce and seafood. You will find some unusual local dishes on the menu – find out more about them in our e-book – Eight Hours in Le Havre – download your free copy here

Le Havre e-book

I hope you enjoyed reading about Le Havre and the Normandy region – there is loads more information for cruisers in our free downloadable e-book. Let me know your thoughts or any recommendations that you think we should add to the Blog – pop your comments below! There are also some small affiliate links there that help towards the running of the website – if you click through and buy anything from them it gives us a few pence but doesn’t cost you any extra! It’s a great help and thanks to all those who do!

Thank you for reading!

Cathy – Cruise Addicted

PS: If you’ve found this Blog interesting then I’d love it if you could comment, like or share using the Social Sharing buttons below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Cruises from/to Le Havre (Paris), France

Le havre (paris), france cruise port.

Located at the meeting of the English Channel and the Seine River, Le Havre has been an important port for France. It provides roughly 16,000 jobs and is visited by roughly 100 cruise ships each year. The city is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its post-war city planning and construction. Le Havre was bombed heavily during World War II and in the 1950s and 60s was rebuilt under the guidance of Auguste Perret using concrete materials to rebuild. Le Havre is also the closest that large cruise ship can get to Paris, making it a popular port for cruisers wishing to see the City of Lights.Featured below are a few of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of LeHavre, France:

• Visit St. Joseph’s Church which was designed by Perret with stained glass lining the tall tower.
• Outside of Paris, Le Havre’s Malraux Museum is home to the largest collection of Impressionist paintings.
• Drive over the Pont de Normandie to visit Honfluer, a quaint town that was home to Impressionist Eugene Boudin and composer Erik Satie.
• Taste some local cheese and cider, two of the area’s specialties, at the Les Halles food market.

Top 10 Cruises to Le Havre (Paris), France

• Viking Star 14 Night Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Departing From Barcelona, Spain (May 2024)
• AmaLyra 7 night Paris & Normandy Departing From Paris, France (May 2024 - Oct 2026)
• AmaDante 7 night Paris & Normandy Departing From Paris, France (May 2024 - Nov 2026)
• Silver Wind 12 NIGHT Expedition CRUISE Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (May 2024)
• Anthem of the Seas 7 NIGHT SPAIN & FRANCE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 23 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (May 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 3 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Jul 2025)
• Norwegian Getaway 10 Night Europe - Other (SOU/BCN) Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024)
• Carnival Legend 9-day Spain Portugal & France Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Jun 2024)
• Norwegian Dawn 10 Night EUROPE - NORTHERN CAPITALS (OSL/SOU) Departing From Oslo, Norway (Jun 2024)

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Le Havre (Paris) France

The port is located 2.5 km from downtown Le Havre and the train station.

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Useful Information

The service is included, but it is customary to round up the sum of the bill. A 10% tip will be appreciated in taxis.

Time difference

from New York: +6h

from San Francisco: +8h

from London: +1h

Travelling around the Le Havre (Paris) Cruise Port

To get to Paris from Le Havre, you can take the train. The train to St-Lazare station (Paris) has departures every hour or so. For more information, visit the SNCF website or RailEurope.com . The journey is almost 3 hours in each direction. You have to plan your schedule and plan for train delays (and sometimes strikes) so you don’t get back to the boat too late.

Once in Paris, the metro, taxis and walking are the best travel options. Be careful to get back to the boat in time for departure!

Activities in Le Havre (Paris)

Neighborhoods, city center.

The city centre of Le Havre was rebuilt by Auguste Perret. Climb to the top of the City Hall tower for an interesting view of the city.

Saint-Joseph Church

St. Joseph’s Church is distinguished by an octagonal lantern tower, 110 metres high.

Historical sites

Normandy landing beaches.

Tours are offered to visit the historic sites of the Normandy landings of the Second World War and their museums. Beware, the majority of cruise lines offer excursions to historic sites related to Americans and not Canadians. For the story of Canada’s involvement in the landing, visit Juno Beach Center.

Malraux Museum

Its Impressionist collections are the second-largest in France after those of the Orsay. Fauvism is also fully represented.

House-Museum of the Ship-Owner

The House of the Armateur is, due to its 18th century architecture and its interior composition organized around a central skylight, an emblematic museum of the history of Haiti.

Museum of Natural History

Located in the former courtroom of the 18th century, it presents collections of paleontology, zoology as well as 8000 drawings and manuscripts of the naturalist Charles Alexandre Lesueur (collection unique in Europe).

The beach bordered by a promenade

The beach, lined with a promenade and a large bike path, is dotted with bars and restaurants.

The city of Paris is about two and a half hours from Le Havre. The excursions will leave you approximately 4 to 6 hours in Paris. Needless to say, this is clearly insufficient to appreciate the charms of Paris. Given this short stay, it is more prudent and much less stressful to take the excursions planned by the cruise company.

Honfleur (in French)

This pretty little town, a 17th century port, is known for its churches (wooden), historic buildings and art galleries. It was from there that Champlain set out to found Quebec. Honfleur is located near Le Havre, on the other side of the Normandy Bridge.

Rouen (in French)

Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy. A city with 100 steeples, you will see several churches such as Notre Dame Cathedral. It was also here that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Also visit the Big Clock. Trips to Rouen usually combine a visit to Monet’s house.

Mont Saint-Michel !

This Abbey is perched on a 264-foot-tall mountain. Water begins to surround the Abbey about two hours before high tide. Check the Mont-Saint-Michel website for the schedule.

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Useful References

• Tourism Board - Le Havre (Paris)
• Tourism Board - France
• Le Havre (Paris) on Wikipedia
• France on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)
• Port Website

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

Alternative:

https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Le_Havre_Paris/d4199-ttd?pid=P00045706&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=morebutton

Alesund Norway

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Paris (Le Havre), France

Le Havre is a gateway to Paris and Normandy. Most day-trippers join an excursion to the Normandy beaches. A tour of Normandy offers a look into the past with visits to the historic D-Day landing sites and the Museum of Landing Day. Those traveling to Paris are offered a number of tours that highlight the city's world-famous landmarks. Shorter excursions to the fishing village of Honfleur and the seaside resort of Deauville are also offered from this port.

Driving Directions and Parking Information Cruise Terminal Le Havre Quai Roger Meunier, 76059 Le Havre, France From the airport, take D940 for 2km. At the third roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Boulevard Albert 1er/D232. Continue onto Boulevard Francois 1er and in 1.5km, use any lane to turn slightly left onto Chaussee John Kennedy. Continue on this road to the roundabout, and take the 1st exit onto Avenue Lucien Corbeaux. Turn right onto Chaussee Amieral Durand-Viel, then turn left onto Cours de la Manche. Finally, turn right onto Quai Roger Meunier to your destination, Cruise Terminal Le Havre.

• Shore Excursions
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Le Havre Cruise Port: What to Do, Shore Excursions, and Beyond! UPDATED 2024

Everything you need to know about the Le Havre Cruise Port in 2024!

• Post By Natalia
• Last Updated Aug 25, 2023

Introduction to Le Havre, Normandy

History of le havre.

Le Havre, with its rich tapestry of history, isn't just any port city. During the turbulent times of World War II, much of its architectural charm was lost to the ravages of conflict. However, like a phoenix, the city rose from its ashes under the guidance of Auguste Perret, a visionary architect. His designs, marrying function with aesthetic appeal, breathed new life into Le Havre. This effort didn't go unnoticed; the city's exceptional post-war architecture was recognized and honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking its significance on the global stage.

Lights & Clouds in Le Havre

The allure of Le Havre isn't confined to its buildings alone. The skies above the city have been a canvas of nature, displaying a mesmerizing blend of lights and clouds. This ethereal atmosphere hasn't just been a treat for its residents but has also inspired a plethora of artists. Notably, the Impressionist maestros, Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin, found themselves enchanted by the city's skies, capturing its radiant hues and shifting patterns in their legendary paintings.

Normandy Region

While Le Havre itself offers much to behold, it's also the gateway to the broader treasures of Normandy. Those keen on exploring further can embark on shore excursions, journeying into the heart of Normandy. From its rolling countryside, and historic landmarks, to its vibrant culture, the region promises a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unwrapped by eager explorers.

Cruises Arriving in Le Havre port

If the seas are calling you, you'll be pleased to know that several renowned cruise lines anchor at Le Havre cruise port. Esteemed names like MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Aida grace the port, offering travelers a memorable voyage. Upon arrival, passengers are greeted with well-equipped facilities, ensuring a seamless transition from sea to land.

Main Options – Shore Excursions from Le Havre in Normandy

Docking in Le Havre? You're in for a treat! While the hum of the port and the city's unique skyline might beckon, many adventures are waiting just beyond. To make your choices of shore excursion a tad easier, here's a curated list of some top shore excursions from Le Havre. And remember, there's no ranking here – it's all about what stirs your spirit!

Visit Le Havre

Delve into the heart of Le Havre, a city that wears its history and culture like a badge of honor. Wander through the streets, and you'll find remnants of its storied past juxtaposed with modernity.

Auguste Perret's architectural genius echoes in the city's layout, a testament to its rebirth after the war's devastation. And while you're there, don't forget to cast your eyes skyward; those clouds and lights that once inspired artists might stir something within you.

Visit the Normandy Beaches

The sands of Normandy aren't just grains and shores. They're pages from history, whispering tales of valor from D-Day, the fateful turn of World War II. Especially resonant for Americans, beaches like Omaha and Utah stand as silent witnesses to courage, loss, and triumph.

As you tread these sands, take a moment to remember and honor the brave souls who shaped history here. If you'd like to make the most of the Normandy Beaches, we cannot praise enough the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Shore Excursion from Le Havre led by our certified guides with over 15 years of experience.

Visit Paris via Shared Tour

Paris isn't merely a city; it's a dream etched in stone, art, and the waters of the Seine. A shared tour from Le Havre Cruise Port whisks you straight from the cruise ship into this dream.

Visit Etretat

Picture this: sheer cliffs of white chalk, arches crafted by nature's hand, and the endless blue of the sea meeting the sky. That's Etretat for you. More than just a coastal town, it's a masterpiece, often immortalized in paint and prose. A short journey from Le Havre, Etretat promises dramatic vistas and moments of reflection. Whether you're capturing photos or just soaking in the view, it's a day trip that'll etch itself in your heart.

This expanded version provides readers with a deeper understanding of each excursion, painting vivid mental pictures while staying informative and accessible.

Stepover at the Port of Le Havre - Suggestions & What to Do?

Arrival at the le havre cruise terminal.

There's something magical about that first step of the cruise ship, isn't there? The aroma of salty sea air mixed with the distant scents of fresh pastries. Le Havre is not just a stop - it’s a journey.

Le Havre Cruise Port

Overview : The Le Havre Cruise Port isn’t just a docking station for cruise ships; it’s a modern architectural marvel that stands ready to usher in the large and illustrious vessels from across the seven seas.

Distance from the City Center : Cruise Terminal is merely 2.2 kilometers from the vibrant pulse of Le Havre. Close enough to taste the excitement!

Travel Time : Depending on your chariot of choice, be it wheels or feet, you’re a breezy 12 to 30 minutes away from city splendors.

Taxi : Taxis are available in the ferry terminal and the ride to the city center shouldn’t cost you more than 10€ per vehicle one-way.

Shuttle Services : Regular shuttles, as dependable as the tides, shuttle to and fro between the Le Havre and the Le Havre cruise terminal. Remember to glance over the timetable! These shuttles usually drop you off at landmarks like the Le Volcan Arts Theater Complex and the Espace Coty shopping mall.

Railway Connectivity: the Le Havre train station, Gare Le Havre, stands roughly 2.2 km/1.4 miles (or a 30-minute walk) from the cruise terminal. If you start your walk from Le Volcan, you'll reach the train station in about 20 minutes. At this railway hub, you can hop on trains to various destinations like Paris, Rouen, and Honfleur. To plan your journey, refer to the official SNCF website , France's national railway operator.

Getting Around

On Foot : Every street and lane in Le Havre has its own story. With pedestrian-friendly pathways, it's easy to lose oneself in tales told by cobblestones and old lampposts.

By Bike : Feel the city's rhythm with every pedal. Bike rental stations invite you to be part of the city's energetic ballet, and the dedicated lanes ensure your dance is safe.

Tuk Tuk : Change up the tempo! Zip around in a Tuk Tuk—a fun whirlwind tour with drivers who sprinkle their journey with snippets of local lore.

Dining Options Near the Le Havre Cruise Terminal

Before you sail into the heart of the city, anchor your appetite. Right at the port’s doorstep, you'll find pockets of culinary wonder, from quick bites that tantalize to full-fledged French feasts.

Local Crafts & Souvenirs

Memories are intangible, but the right souvenir can serve as a perfect vessel. Just a stone's throw from the port, artisans weave magic into crafts, turning ordinary materials into tokens of remembrance.

Essential Tips for Your Le Havre Visit:

Currency : France uses the EURO (€). Both local currency and credit cards are readily accepted.

Tipping : While not obligatory, consider leaving a few euros at a restaurant if the service particularly impresses you.

Emergency Contact : Dial 112 if you find yourself in an emergency.

Sunday Norms : Sundays typically see a quieter France; many shops are closed. However, grocery stores remain open until noon. The MuMa Museum, a notable exception, welcomes visitors on Sundays.

Monday Closures : Mondays might be quieter still, with many stores and museums in Le Havre opting to close. A heads up, the MuMa Museum is one of them.

Shopping on Weekends : If you've got shopping on the mind, particularly for clothes, you'll find some stores open on Sundays and Mondays at the Docks. Note : This isn't in the same direction as the city center.

Language Barrier : As a bustling seaport, you'll find many locals conversant in English. However, in the city center, you might find some who only speak their native French.

What to do in Le Havre from the cruise port

Le Havre, a quaint city on France's northern coast, is an intriguing mix of history, architecture, art, and nature. As your cruise ship docks in the cruise port, prepare to be introduced to the many facets of this UNESCO-listed destination.

A Tale of Two Architectures:

Auguste perret's legacy:.

Le Havre's resilience shines through its post-WWII reconstruction. After its devastation, the visionary Auguste Perret spearheaded the city's transformation using innovative reinforced concrete techniques. Among the many modern landmarks, the town hall stands tall, complemented by the St. Joseph's Church's unique structure. Do take a moment to step inside the church between 10 am and 6 pm the sunlight filtering through its stained glass is a sight to behold.

Oscar Niemeyer's Modern Marvels:

Adjacent to the Le Havre's shuttle stop stands an architectural marvel that locals affectionately dub “The Volcano” or “The Yogurt Pot.” This iconic building, contrasting with Perret's designs, is the brainchild of Oscar Niemeyer, renowned for his groundbreaking work in Brasilia.

Nature & Art Merge:

Le Havre's ethereal light has mesmerized countless artists, especially the impressionists. As you stroll along the ponds and promenade, stop by the displays showcasing iconic paintings, offering glimpses of the very spots they were created. Extend your walk to Sainte Adresse, historically significant during WWI. The beach has its own allureᅳwith pebbles dominating during high tide and soft sand appearing during the low, accentuated in summer by vintage beach bungalows.

MuMa Museum - A Haven for Art Lovers:

Nestled near the harbor watchtower lies Le Havre's art gem: the André Malraux Museum or MuMa. Awash with natural light, its vast collection spans from the 15th to the 20th century, featuring masterpieces from stalwarts like Monet, Renoir, and Degas. Its impressive Impressionist trove is second only to Paris. Note: The museum remains closed on Mondays.

Contemporary Touches in an Ancient City Centre

As Le Havre celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2018, it welcomed modern art pieces that have since become permanent fixtures. Among them are the vibrant arches crafted by Vincent Ganivet, designed using colored containers. This blend of tradition and modernity stands tall at the end of rue de Paris, with the bustling former port of Le Havre as its backdrop.

Le Havre, Echoes of the Past:

While modern architecture dominates, Le Havre's past still whispers through the remnants of the old city. Wander down rue de Paris to find the cathedralᅳa modest structure with a history-rich bell tower dating back to the 16th century and Cardinal de Richelieu's organ gifts from the 17th century.

Panoramic Le Havre:

For a bird's-eye view of Le Havre, head to the cliffs at the end of the main beach walk. The panoramic vantage point unveils the vast expanse of the city, the beach, and the majestic bell tower of St. Joseph's Church. On clear days, the distant towns of Deauville and Trouville emerge from the horizon.

Local Pulse - Culture and Gastronomy:

Dive into Le Havre's heart by wandering its streets. Discover bakeries exuding the aroma of fresh pastries and explore the vibrant Les Halles market hub of activity especially in the mornings. Here, the rhythm of French life unfolds in the most authentic way. Just a tip: Many stores pause between 1 and 3 p.m., embracing the quintessential French mid-day break.

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The Eiffel Tower: A Temporary Structure That Became a Timeless Treasure

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Le Havre cruise destination

Le Havre, Ocean Port of Paris

Propelled to the top cruise destinations in Northern Europe by the “Le Havre, Ocean Port to Paris” brand and the international impact of the city and port’s 500th anniversary celebrations in 2017, Le Havre now attracts cruise passengers with its own great features: 20th-century architecture listed as World Heritage, cradle of Impressionism, seaside resort, “Country and City of Art and History”.

Sea cruises: embarking or calling at Le Havre

The Cruise Terminal located in Pointe de Floride has all the facilities necessary to ensure a quality welcome for passengers in transit or at the start or finish of their journey, and for crew members:

Tourist Information Point, distribution of multilingual maps and brochures, check-in counters, baggage control and storage area, baggage scanner, Customs and Border Police office, relaxation area, shop, car and bicycle hire, free WIFI, toilets, defibrillator.

A taxi rank and Cruise Terminal / city centre shuttles are at your disposal and long-term parking for passengers embarking / disembarking in Le Havre is possible: reservation at the Vauban car park, from https://www.effia.com/parking/parking-le-havre-vauban-effia .

Reception and Promotion Service: [email protected] Tel. ++33 2 35 22 88 66

River cruises: stop off at Le Havre

The Seine offers river cruisers a much appreciated itinerary, following in the footsteps of the Impressionists. Several waterway companies make stopovers in Le Havre. One site is dedicated to river cruises in the city centre, in the area rebuilt around the former docks, which have been converted into an innovative shopping centre: the Vauban Docks. This neighbourhood offers a wide range of leisure activities.

The river cruise welcomes you at Quai de Marseille – Quai des Antilles, a stone’s throw from the city centre listed as a World Heritage site, accessible on foot (15 minutes) or by tram and located near the train and tramway station. A bicycle rental service is available nearby.

Le Havre, the Cruise Club

Le Havre’s Cruise Club, created in 2012, brings together the various institutional and professional partners involved in the development of maritime and river cruise activity.

The Cruise Club aims to improve the reception of cruise passengers and economically develop the cruise industry, in addition to the work of the Tourist Office, which is responsible for coordinating its activity.

Cruise Club partners

Where to take pictures of the liners in Le Havre?

Le Havre and Normandy ship lovers and lots of tourists enjoy this incessant ballet to come and admire these new giants of the seas from the entrance to the port when they arrive and leave. In Le Havre , there is no shortage of places to capture the liners for posterity. Passionate or simply curious photographers, for example, take out their cameras along Chaussée Kennedy, at the harbour master’s office, at the water’s edge on the long pebble beach, or on Rue de Paris near the Catène sculpture, where ships create the backdrop for this long straight street.

For those who want to capture this spectacle in another way, Rue Félix Faure and the Hanging Gardens offer unique views of the city and its liners, all of which are often published on Facebook and Instagram accounts @cruiselehavre de la croisière au Havre, with the hashtag #cruiselehavre as a calling card.

Just follow the crackling flashes of the cameras to discover other secret places from which to photograph these imposing visitors.

Practical cruise information in Le Havre

• Distance from the cruise terminal to the city centre or train station: 2.5 km 
• Car access (LV) – GPS: latitude: 49 48 – Longitude: 0.11
• Follow the green signs, direction “car-ferries”, then signs for “Terminal Croisière”

Contact Cruise Terminal

GIP Le Havre croisières Quai Roger Meunier, 76059 Le Havre Tel: +33 2 35 22 88 66

• www.lehavrecroisiere.com
• [email protected]

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2025 : le Havre se réinvente avec un port de croisière innovant

Il faut que vous sachiez que pour l’arrivée 2025, la ville du Havre s’engage à respecter et à relever les nouveaux défis environnementaux . Cette nouvelle idée vise la neutralité carbone et l’efficacité énergétique d'ici quelques années. De nos jours, les transports sont de plus en plus impliqués envers la protection de l’environnement. Afin d’accueillir les futurs croisiéristes, la pointe de Floride sera métamorphosée pour s’ouvrir sur la ville et offrir aux havrais la possibilité de la redécouvrir. Ce projet symbolique renoue avec l’histoire emblématique transatlantique de la ville, offrant un avenir prometteur et durable.

UN NOUVEAU PROJET ET DE NOUVEAUX DÉFIS

Il est vrai que depuis les nouvelles réglementations internationales, le secteur maritime est en transition vers des énergies plus propres et plus durables . Pour ainsi, réduire au maximum les émissions polluantes . Ici, nous allons parler chiffres, ceux qui évoquent le mieux l’amélioration du taux polluants des navires de croisières sur notre écosystème. 

Depuis janvier 2020, afin d’y remédier, le taux de soufre dans les carburants a été limité à moins de 0,5 %. L’Organisation Maritime Internationale (OMI) s’est même engagée à réduire d’au moins 50 % les émissions de CO2 d’ici 2050. Quant à elle, la directive européenne 2014/94 impose l’adoption de combustibles alternatifs dans les principaux ports européens d’ici fin 2025. Saviez vous qu’en 2020, près de la moitié des nouveaux paquebots fonctionnent au GNL. Sachant que deux tiers de la flotte mondiale sont équipés pour capter les oxydes de soufre des gaz d'échappement. Tous ces défis ambitieux ont pu être relevés et réalisés avec succès. À ce jour, les croisières sont devenues le transport le plus écologique de la planète.

N’est-ce pas incroyable, me direz-vous ?

Pour ce qui est du projet d’aménagement de la pointe de Floride, l'objectif est de diminuer la sobriété énergétique et la neutralité carbone. Pour ceci, le Havre vise à électrifier les quais dédiés à la croisière avant fin 2025. Afin d'éviter d’importantes émissions polluantes pendant les escales des navires. De plus, les terminaux de croisière seront à énergie positive grâce à des toitures photovoltaïques et des procédés de construction bas carbone. Un objectif “zéro fumée” qui permettra d’augmenter le trafic de transport de matériaux routier de 10 % par voie fluviale (pour réduire l’utilisation du transport routier). Nous allons finir par nous déplacer uniquement à bord de navires si ça continue !

Pour résumer ce qui a été dit, ce projet vise à accueillir 600 000 passagers d’ici 2030 , avec une capacité d'accueil quotidienne de 13 500 passagers. Chaque escale permettra d’économiser 100 tonnes d’émissions de CO2. Les travaux devraient être achevés d’ici 2025 et qui, on l'espère, porteront leurs fruits dans la durée.

UN PROJET D'AMÉNAGEMENT AU COEUR DU HAVRE

Il faut savoir que l’accès à la pointe de Floride est assez compliqué. La réhabilitation s’annonce comme une ouverture vers la ville, incitant les Havrais à la redécouvrir. 

Ce projet est dirigé par Le Havre Seine Métropole avec le soutien de la région normande, il assure un accès facilité tant au public qu’aux passagers. Cette transformation offrira un nouvel espace ouvert à tous, avec des équipements culturels et de loisirs. Il est vrai que toutes ces constructions sans espace vert, ça ne fait pas très écologique… Mais détrompez-vous ! C’est pour cela qu’une grande esplanade sera aménagée et proposera diverses activités sportives et culturelles . Tandis qu'une allée végétalisée offrira des vues panoramiques sur le port et la ville. L’idée de ce projet est de redonner une nouvelle vie au port du Havre, en y alliant innovation et respect de l’environnement. Afin qu’il puisse reconquérir le cœur de ses habitants.

Et ce n’est pas fini ! 

Au cœur du projet, l’espace public (actuellement minéralisé), sera transformé en une vaste allée végétalisée s’étendant sur près de 320 mètres entre les futurs terminaux de croisières. Sur une surface de 9 hectares, cette initiative offre une opportunité unique de renforcer le lien entre les habitants et ce site emblématique. Elle permet aussi de contempler des splendides vues panoramiques sur le port du Havre. Mais aussi sur la façade littorale du centre-ville classé au Patrimoine mondial de l’humanité . Un lieu privilégié pour profiter pleinement du paysage urbain, maritime et naturel, propice à des balades jusqu’à Sainte-Adresse. 

En ce qui concerne les compagnies de croisière, le port du Havre prévoit d'accueillir des navires de renommée mondiale tels que MSC Croisières  mais aussi CFC (Compagnie Française de Croisière). Avec cette nouvelle infrastructure et son engagement en faveur de l'environnement, le port devient une destination attrayante pour les croisiéristes à la recherche d'expériences uniques.

Cela ne vous fait-il pas donc rêver ?

DES TERMINAUX DE TAILLE SUPÉRIEURE ET PLUS ACCUEILLANTS

Afin de considérablement améliorer l’expérience des croisiéristes, le plan de modernisation du port du Havre prévoit la construction de 3 nouveaux terminaux, plus spacieux et plus accueillants. Cette installation aura une superficie totale de 15 000 m2, et la construction durera entre 2023 et 2025. Cette expansion permettra au Havre de recevoir de manière fluide et confortable des escales triples. Elle aura une capacité totale de 13 500 passagers par jour. Pour finir, ces terminaux seront équipés de lieux de convivialité, de restauration, et d'espaces dédiés à la culture et aux événements.

Des nouveaux lieux de divertissements voient le jour, tels que Les Cabines, un espace de convivialité et de restauration ouvert sur la ville. L’Amphithéâtre, un spot dédié à la programmation culturelle et événementielle. Ou encore, Le Pont, un lieu spécialement alloué à la déambulation et aux spectacles des grands événements nautiques. Et enfin, Le Grand Salon, un coin propice au rayonnement du Havre et d’HAROPA PORTS. 

Les itinéraires au départ du Havre offrent une variété de destinations, notamment des croisières Transatlantique et vers  l'Europe du Nord . Ces voyages emmènent les passagers vers des destinations fascinantes, allant des côtes spectaculaires de l'Atlantique aux fjords majestueux de la Scandinavie, en passant par les villes historiques et les paysages pittoresques de l'Europe du Nord.

J'aimerais y être, pas vous ?

In fine, pour vous informer du rétroplanning de ce projet, les travaux ont débuté à l’automne 2023 . Les terminaux, quant à eux, devraient être livrés entre début 2025 et l’automne 2025 . En espérant que le temps passe vite pour pouvoir enfin, vivre, ce rêve éveillé l’année prochaine !

Envie de partir en croisière ? Ne partez pas au hasard, offrez-vous la croisière qui vous ressemble et toujours au meilleur prix garanti.

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• Ambience 1.915 passengers 15 May 2024 - 16:00
• Mein Schiff 1 2.894 passengers 15 May 2024 - 19:00
• Caribbean Princess 3.766 passengers 18 May 2024 - 20:00
• Viking Mars 930 passengers 20 May 2024 - 00:00
• Costa Favolosa 3.617 passengers 21 May 2024 - 19:00
• Costa Favolosa 3.617 passengers 21 May 2024 - 21:00
• Viking Star 930 passengers 22 May 2024 - 00:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 24 May 2024 - 20:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 25 May 2024 - 22:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 26 May 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 28 May 2024 - 20:00
• Caribbean Princess 3.766 passengers 30 May 2024 - 20:00
• Queen Mary 2 3.271 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 22:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 05 Jun 2024 - 19:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 07 Jun 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 11 Jun 2024 - 20:00
• Carnival Legend 2.549 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 20:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 19 Jun 2024 - 20:00
• Oceania Marina 1.447 passengers 21 Jun 2024 - 19:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 25 Jun 2024 - 20:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 25 Jun 2024 - 22:00
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 26 Jun 2024 - 20:00
• Oceania Marina 1.447 passengers 27 Jun 2024 - 22:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 01 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 04 Jul 2024 - 22:00
• MSC Virtuosa 5.772 passengers 05 Jul 2024 - 21:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 05 Jul 2024 - 22:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 07 Jul 2024 - 21:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 09 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• MSC Virtuosa 5.772 passengers 12 Jul 2024 - 22:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 23 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 24 Jul 2024 - 22:00
• Serenade Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 25 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 25 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 26 Jul 2024 - 19:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 06 Aug 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 06 Aug 2024 - 20:00
• Mein Schiff 3 2.700 passengers 18 Aug 2024 - 19:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 18 Aug 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 20 Aug 2024 - 20:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 25 Aug 2024 - 22:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 30 Aug 2024 - 20:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 31 Aug 2024 - 19:00

THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Cruise Terminal Le Havre

Hotels near cruise terminal le havre, property types, distance from, traveler rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
• Distance from Cruise Terminal Le Havre See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.

1. Hotel Pasino

2. Hotel le Petit Vatel

3. Ibis Le Havre Centre

4. hôtel mercure le havre centre bassin du commerce, 5. hotel vent d'ouest, 6. hilton garden inn le havre centre, 7. aparthotel adagio access le havre les docks, 8. nomad hotel le havre, 9. appart'hôtel odalys city centre gare, 10. hôtel carmin, 11. oscar hotel, 12. best western arthotel, 13. novotel le havre centre gare, 14. holiday inn express le havre - centre, an ihg hotel, 15. best western plus hotel le havre centre gare, 16. le richelieu, 17. logis hôtel la bonne adresse, 18. urban style hotel d'angleterre, 19. logis la petite rade hôtel, 20. ibis budget le havre les docks, 21. ibis styles le havre centre, 22. les gites du monde, 23. ibis le havre sud harfleur, 24. the originals boutique hôtel le marignan le havre, 25. eklo hotels le havre, 26. premiere classe le havre centre, 27. campanile le havre nord - montivilliers, 28. le paquebot, 29. the people le havre, 30. 1872 stadium hotel, hotels near cruise terminal le havre information.

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44-Foot Whale Found Dead on Bow of Cruise Ship Coming Into New York

The endangered sei whale, usually found in deep waters, was discovered on the bow of a cruise ship as it arrived at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, marine authorities said.

By Livia Albeck-Ripka

As the cruise ship approached New York on Saturday, it was found to be carrying a grim, and unexpected, catch: The carcass of a 44-foot-long endangered whale, draped across its bow.

The whale, which marine authorities described as a sei whale, is known for its rapid swimming and preference for deep waters, far from the coast. Its body was discovered as the ship neared the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and the authorities were “immediately notified,” said MSC Cruises, which owns the ship.

A spokeswoman for the company said in an email that it had “comprehensive measures” in place to avoid such collisions, including training deck officers and altering itineraries in certain areas to avoid them. “We will continue to evaluate and update our procedures with our partners and the authorities,” she said.

Marine authorities said that they had towed the animal, estimated to weigh some 50,000 pounds, from the bow, and transferred it by boat to a beach in Sandy Hook, N.J., where they conducted a necropsy on Tuesday.

The investigation is continuing, but preliminary results — broken bones in the whale’s right flipper; tissue trauma along its right shoulder blade; a full stomach and decent layer of blubber — all pointed toward the animal having been in otherwise good health when it was likely struck and killed by the ship, said Robert A. DiGiovanni, the chief scientist of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, which is leading the investigation .

The whale was already “pretty decomposed” by the time scientists began the necropsy, he added, so they worked quickly to collect samples that could be tested for contaminants and other biotoxins that would indicate any other relevant health issues. “It looks like the animal was alive and it was hit by a vessel,” he said, noting that investigators had not ruled out other factors.

Mr. DiGiovanni said that his conservation group, which is federally authorized to respond to marine mammal strandings in New York, had dealt with more than 100 whales over the past several years, many of which had been entangled in nets or struck by vessels. Most of those whales were humpback and North Atlantic right whales, he added, noting that it was more uncommon to come across a sei whale.

Sei whales usually live in subtropical, temperate and subpolar waters and are named after the Norwegian word for pollock, “seje,” because the mammals are often found together with the fish. Their long, sleek bodies are usually dark blue or black with a cream-colored underside, and are often scarred by shark and lamprey bites.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the whales were commercially hunted for their meat and oil, decimating their population, which is now designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act .

Mr. DiGiovanni said that the death was a reminder that humans shared the open water with many other mammals. “When you’re out there, these animals might be there,” he said. “We need to make people more aware about how to operate around these animals.”

A spokeswoman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said by email that mariners along the East Coast were encouraged to slow down their vessels, stay alert, and report any sightings of dead, injured or entangled whales to the authorities.

Livia Albeck-Ripka is a Times reporter based in Los Angeles, covering breaking news, California and other subjects. More about Livia Albeck-Ripka