Le Havre
Le Havre, France is a port city that stands as a testament to post-war urban planning and modernist architecture. Largely rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II, the city was meticulously designed by the architect Auguste Perret and has since been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it's a bustling industrial and container port, it's also a gateway to the stunning cliffs of Normandy, the charming port town of Honfleur, and of course, the city of light, Paris. For those who choose to stay in Le Havre, the city offers a unique architectural experience and a vibrant art scene.
⛵ Port Introduction
Le Havre is a large, deep-water port that can accommodate cruise ships of all sizes. Your ship will dock directly at the dedicated cruise terminal, called Pointe de Floride. This is a working commercial port, and due to safety regulations, you are not permitted to walk off the ship and into town. Instead, you'll need to take a shuttle bus provided by either the port authority or your cruise line. The ride to the city center is about 10-15 minutes, and the shuttle will typically drop you off at a central location like the Hôtel de Ville or the train station.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Cruise Terminal at Pointe de Floride is a permanent building with a dedicated space for passengers. You'll go through a security checkpoint before you board the shuttle bus.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has a number of amenities for your comfort. You'll find a tourist information point with maps and brochures, check-in counters, and restrooms. There is also a shop, a relaxation area, and a taxi rank located just outside the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is available within the terminal building.
🗣️ Language
The local language is French. While English is spoken at the cruise terminal and in some tourist-focused businesses, it is not as universally spoken as in other European ports. It is highly recommended to have a few basic French phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Bonjour (bohn-JHOOR) - Hello/Good day
Merci (mehr-SEE) - Thank you
Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR) - Goodbye
Où sont les toilettes? (oo sohn lay twah-LEHT) - Where are the toilets?
Pardon (pahr-DOHN) - Excuse me
💰 Money
The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants, shops, and attractions. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash for smaller purchases, such as at local markets or for small souvenirs. ATMs are easy to find at banks and in the city center.
🚗 Transportation
To get from the cruise port to the city center, you'll need to take a shuttle bus. Once in the city, Le Havre is fairly walkable, but public transportation is a great way to get around.
Shuttle Bus: Your cruise line or the port authority will provide a shuttle bus from the terminal to the city center. This is your primary mode of transportation for leaving the port.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal, and the ride to the city center is short and affordable. Taxis are regulated.
Public Transportation: Le Havre has an extensive public transportation network of buses and trams. You can buy tickets from a ticket machine at the stops.
Ride-Sharing: Uber is available in Le Havre.
♿ Accessibility
Le Havre's accessibility is rated 5 out of 10. While the cruise terminal and shuttle are generally accessible, the city itself, with its focus on modern, post-war architecture, has a mix of accessible and less accessible areas. The city center is largely flat, but some sidewalks may be uneven. The Normandy region as a whole is committed to accessible tourism, with many sites offering tailored tours and facilities.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to the city center is to take the shuttle bus from the port. It's a quick and easy ride that will drop you off in a central location, where you can then walk to many of the city's main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in the city center, often at shopping centers, train stations, and public parks. They are generally clean and free to use. Many cafes and restaurants also have restrooms for customer use.
💊 Drugstore
Pharmacie des Docks: Quai Frissard, 76600 Le Havre, France. This is located at the Docks Vauban shopping center, a short walk from the city center.
Pharmacie de l'Hôtel de Ville: 18 Pl. de l'Hôtel de Ville, 76600 Le Havre, France. This is a central location in the city.
✨ Authentic Experience
Explore the Modernist Architecture: Instead of rushing to Paris, take some time to explore the unique architecture of Le Havre. Wander through the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the groundbreaking concrete buildings designed by Auguste Perret. Visit St. Joseph's Church, a stunning octagonal tower with colorful stained-glass windows that is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture.
Dine on Local Norman Cuisine: Le Havre is in the heart of Normandy, a region famous for its rich cuisine. Seek out a local bistro and try some traditional dishes. The region is known for its excellent seafood, as well as rich sauces made with local cream and butter. Don't forget to try some local cheese, like Camembert or Livarot, or a glass of local cider or Calvados, the region's famous apple brandy.
Visit the Musée d'Art Moderne André Malraux (MuMa): Le Havre is a city with a deep connection to the Impressionist movement. MuMa has one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in France, outside of Paris. The museum is a beautiful, modern building with a wall of glass that overlooks the sea, providing stunning light for the works of artists like Monet, Boudin, and Dufy.
