Le Havre is a port city at the mouth of the Seine, on the English Channel (French: Manche) in the region of Upper Normandy in France. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its reconstructed city centre, Le Havre is challenging its reputation as an industrial city. It is a city full of contrasts, which should be explored to discover its particular charm.
Le Havre, originally le Havre de Grâce (Harbour of Grace), was founded in the early 16th century at the mouth of the Seine as the main harbour for Paris. Goods transferred at Le Havre between ocean-going vessels and barges which went to and from Paris via the Seine.
Le Havre was heavily bombed during the Battle of Normandy in 1944. The reconstruction of the town was undertaken by Auguste Perret using reinforced concrete. This project has led to the city being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The cruise terminal is just south of the ferry terminal. At the cruise terminal, you can pick up a map of the downtown city (very useful). A shuttle bus brings you downtown in about 5–10 minutes (2½ km). The dropoff point is on east side of rue de Paris, just before rue Victor Hugo. From this point, you can easily move about the downtown core.
49.5338890.0880561Le Havre – Octeville Airport (LEH IATA). Has no scheduled flights, but is still used for general aviation and the occasional charter to southern European resorts.
Traffic in the southern approach to Le Havre has benefited from the construction of the huge Pont de Normandie over the Seine estuary. However, whilst certainly impressive from an architectural standpoint, during busy summer weekends the entire structure can seem more like a car-park. Expect long delays (up to an hour) to cross the 4-km toll bridge (about €6).
There is an Avis car hire agency at Gare du Havre (train station), on the corner of Cours de la République and Magellan Street. From City Hall, it's a 20-minute walk (1½ km) east along Boulevard de Strasbourg.
The view of the port (bassin du commerce) with its lovely bridge and both the Volcano and steeple of St Joseph's church in the background. Nice both in the day or at night. On the north quay, the casino (gambling, fine restaurants, hotel, spa).
St Vincent district is an old district near the beach which didn't suffer too much from the terrible bombings that flattened the city in 1944 and in which 5,000 people died in the ruins in a few hours. The little church and the square around it evoke a village atmosphere in southern France. During the season, painters gather on the square and give an impression of "Montmartre".
Take the funiculaire (cable car) for an easy climb to Le Havre's upper plateau. From the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), it’s a 7-minute walk (600 metres) along avenue René Coty to the lower terminal is located on rue Gustave-Flaubert (corner rue du Docteur-Vigné). A one-way ticket costs €0.40. Once at the top, turn right from the upper terminal (heading east), along rue Félix-Faure, another 7-minute walk (500 metres) brings you to a superbly panoramic view of the beautiful city and its harbour. You can return down the Escalier Olivier-Senn, then stroll through narrow historic streets, zig-zagging back to the city center. Returning to the lower terminal takes about 12 minutes, all downhill.
49.490880.101161Saint-Joseph church (Église Saint-Joseph), Boulevard François Ier. St Joseph's Church was a key project designed by August Perret in the rebuilding of the city. Its tall tower is lined with coloured glass lending the interior a unique tranquility. (updated Aug 2016)
49.493890.107842Town Hall (Hôtel-de-ville). The town hall is situated on one of the largest squares in France. The interior has information on the city. It is possible to climb the tower for view of the lay out of the city. Showflat, designed by city designer August Perret, is now open for public viewing. (updated Aug 2016)
49.484990.102623Malraux Museum (Musée Malraux or MuMa), 2 boulevard Clemenceau, ☏ +33 2 35 19 62 62. M W-F 11:00-18:00, Sa Su 11:00-19:00. This museum houses the largest Impressionist collection in France outside of Paris. €10. (updated Aug 2016)
Cathedral49.49060.10634Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Centre (Le Volcan), 8 place Niemeyer. Cultural Centre (the Volcano) designed by leading architect Oscar Niemeyer is located in the centre of town. One of the city's most iconic buildings. (updated Aug 2016)
49.486910.112825Maison de l'Armateur ((opposite the ferries)). Daily except Tu. One of the few old houses which were not destroyed during World War II. A magnificent house of 5 floors, nicely decorated and furnished in the style of its construction (18th century), when it belonged to rich families. A very interesting visit especially if you also visit Auguste Perret's showflat in City Hall Square showing what was life was like in the 1950s. You will understand the complex history of the city. €5. (updated Aug 2016)
49.487790.109076Natural History Museum (Muséum d'histoire naturelle), Place du Vieux Marché (near the cathedral). Closed on Th morning and M 10:00-18:00. In an old building which miraculously survived the terrible bombings on September 5, 1944. Interesting museum with a lot of activities for children. Free. (updated Aug 2016)
49.487050.108337Cathedrale Notre Dame, ☏ +33 2 32 74 04 05. Visit it and walk around it. You'll get a striking contrast between the 15th-century cathedral and the buildings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s around it. The foundations of the cathedral are lower than the other buildings because they were built on the ruins of the old town. (updated Aug 2016)
Climb the tower of Hotel de Ville for an overview of August Perret's planned city.
Enjoy the beach in good weather (restaurants, bars, night life).
Relax in the glow of the unique St Joseph's Church.
Drive over the River Seine on the gorgeous bridge 49.430580.274191"Pont de Normandie". Then you will be in Honfleur, one of Normandy's prettiest places.
Enjoy a walk in the posh residential area of Ste Adresse overlooking the Le Havre bay and enjoy nice views of the bay and the city
Visit the port, whether on a boat or by bike: more information in many languages from the tourist office situated along the beach.
Rent a bike at the tourist office for a couple of euros and enjoy the seafront and the city centre at its best. You can also ride to Harfleur (eastern suburb) which is a lovely medieval town! Montivilliers, a few miles away is also worth a visit. Nice abbey and town center.
After the beach, enjoy a forest in the middle of the city: 49.518980.143852"forêt de Montgeon".
49.504430.094123Les jardins suspendus (fort de Sainte Adresse). Lovely walled garden and greenhouse in an old fort overlooking the city and the sea. Nice views! A nice walk on the walls!
Football:Le Havre AC were promoted in 2023 and now play soccer in Ligue 1, the French top tier. Their home ground is 49.499060.169544Stade Océane (capacity 25,000) 5 km east of city centre.
Every year on the first Sunday after August 15, a traditional parade is organized in the city. Flowered carriages, people in costumes, floral floats, music, etc.
Every second year (the first one took place in 2006), Le Havre is home to a Contemporary Art Exhibition in the casino and everywhere in the streets of the city centre.
Every year, on the first weekend of September, Le Havre holds a "Fishermen's Festival"
In May is "Fest Yves" a traditional festival from Brittany in quartier St François.
Every July 14, traditional fireworks on the beach (at 23:00).
Normandy is famous for its cider and its cheese. Go to 49.490270.104481"Les Halles" (south of the city centre near pedestrian aerea and Volcano), a covered market where you will find a selection of little shops selling excellent products (vegetables, cheese, meat, bakeries, wine, cider, and a small supermarket).
You can buy local products in one of the seasonal sheds along the beach and at the tourist office.
Chocolates "la tour" (the tower) 49.490920.105362Chocolaterie Auzou (near Espace Coty - Coty Mall).
Fresh fish from the fishermen (fish market) Opposite the ferry, in front of "maison de l'armateur" on "quai de l'ile" (island quay).
49.490280.129483Docks Vauban, Quai Frissard. 10:00-20:00. Shopping centre inside a 19th-century building: Adidas Originals, Amazon Locker, Brice, Carnet de vol, Eram, Esprit, Footlocker, H&M, Jules, La Grande Récré, La Halle, Levi's, Mango, Marionnaud, Micromania, New Yorker, Plein Ciel, Quiksilver, and Zara. (updated Aug 2016)
49.495670.111694Espace Coty, 22 Rue Casimir Périer. 10:00-20:00. (updated Aug 2016)
Quartier St-François offers a great selections of different restaurants (style, nationality and prices). A lot of "crêperies" (French pancakes).
A selection of fine restaurants is to be found everywhere in the city (the casino is one of the best "Le Havre des sens"). More information at the tourist office.
49.491980.1085214Chocolate Passion (Near the Hotel de Ville). Amazing chocolate store and tea salon where one can go to drink the best hot chocolate in the world.
49.494830.105411Hotel Carmin, 15, rue Georges Braque, ☏ +33 2 32 74 08 20. Decent and clean budget option near Hotel de Ville. Very friendly staff. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast costs extra. €65-119/night.
49.49030.116986Mercure, Chaussée Georges Pompidou (between the station and the city centre overlooking "bassin du commerce"), ☏ +33 2 35 19 50 50, fax: +33 2 35 19 50 99, [email protected]. (updated Sep 2023)
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UNESCO World Heritage Site for its reconstructed city centre, Le Havre is challenging its reputation as an industrial city. It is a city full of contrasts, which should be explored to discover its particular charm.
Greece, 28 Rue de General de Gaulle, 76310 Sainte-Adresse, ☏ +33 235-462-892, fax: +33 235-467-316.
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