Cruise Port Day: Le Havre, France
Le Havre might not be the most glamorous French city, but it has a unique charm and some interesting things to offer, especially if you appreciate modern architecture and art.
Know before you go
CRUISE PORT LOCATION
Le Havre, a port city in the Normandy region of northern France, serves as a significant cruise port, often marketed as the "Ocean Port of Paris," despite being about 200 km (130 miles) from the capital. The cruise docks are located near the city centre, primarily at Quai Roger Meunier and Quai Pierre Callet, adjacent to the main ferry terminal. The Le Havre cruise terminal offers facilities such as tourist information, Wi-Fi, and souvenir shops.
Transport Options from PORT to centre
- Walking: Le Havre's city centre is walkable. A 20-30-minute walk will take you to the city centre
- Shore Excursions/Private Tours: Recommended for longer trips.
- Cruise Shuttle: Most cruise lines offer shuttle buses to the city centre, which is often the easiest and most convenient option, but note, you do have to pay for this service.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at the port. Agree on a price beforehand or ensure the meter is running.
DURING YOUR VISIT
ON THE DAY
- Start Early: Disembark promptly to make the most of your time.
- Language: While some English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic French phrases is always appreciated.
- Shops: Be aware that many shops, especially smaller ones, are closed on Sundays and sometimes on Mondays as well. Plan your shopping accordingly.
- Local Currency: Euros are used. Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Be Mindful of Your Belongings: As in any tourist area, be aware of pickpockets.
- Manage Your Time: Keep track of the time to ensure you return to your ship before departure.
food & drink
- Seafood: Being a port city, Le Havre offers fresh seafood. Try some oysters, mussels, or the catch of the day.
- Normandy Cuisine: Sample other regional dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries), galettes (savoury crepes), tarte normande (apple tart) and cheeses (Camembert).
- Local Markets: The markets are a great place to find local produce and experience the city's culinary scene.
le havre neighbourhoods
- Centre-Ville Reconstruit (Reconstructed City Centre): This is the heart of Le Havre and its most famous feature. Rebuilt almost entirely in reinforced concrete after severe wartime damage, this area showcases the modernist vision of Auguste Perret. You'll find broad avenues, uniform residential blocks, the impressive Hôtel de Ville, and the Saint-Joseph Church (a towering concrete lantern). It's a testament to urban planning and a fascinating architectural experience.
- Perret Show Flats (Appartement Témoin Perret): Located within the reconstructed city centre, this specific apartment offers a direct glimpse into daily life in a typical Perret-designed home from the 1950s. It's not a separate neighbourhood but a key highlight within the central area that helps understand the ethos of the reconstruction.
- Notre-Dame/Saint-François: Situated near the port and the reconstructed centre, this area includes the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral (one of the few buildings to survive the bombings) and the lively Saint-François market district. It offers a blend of surviving older architecture and the modern city, with traditional fishing port vibes.
- Le Perrey: Often referred to as "Perret's Suburb," this area south of the city centre was also rebuilt by Perret but with a slightly different architectural style, featuring more individual homes and smaller blocks. It offers a quieter, more residential feel.
- Sainte-Adresse: An elegant, affluent suburb immediately to the north of Le Havre, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. This charming area was a popular seaside resort in the Belle Époque, attracting artists like Monet and Boudin. It offers beautiful villas, stunning coastal views, and a more serene atmosphere away from the port.
- Les Docks Vauban: A revitalised former port area transformed into a modern commercial and leisure hub. It features shopping centers, restaurants, a cinema, and a climbing wall within converted historic warehouses, blending industrial heritage with contemporary recreation.
Last Updated: 2 June '25