For most passengers arriving in Le Havre, the shorter the time spent there, the better! Driving off the ferry, many take the road to Paris or Rouen. Honfleur is just a few minutes over the Normandy Bridge. Those on foot, mostly take the train to Paris, which is a two hour journey. Rather pointless for passengers coming over on the ferry from Portsmouth. It is much quicker to fly from the UK, or to take the Eurostar from London. What are the attractions for the cruise passenger coming to Le Havre? Firstly, the town is within walking distance of the Cruise Terminal.

On leaving the terminal keep to the road on the left, which skirts the harbor. You will see on your left in the distance, about a kilometer away the semaphore, pictured below:

Semaphore

Follow the road to this landmark. There are cafes on the way should you need refreshment. The walk should take less than half an hour.

Opposite the semaphore, is the famous Malraux Art Gallery, with a very worthwhile collection of Impressionist paintings. This part of Normandy, was the birthplace of the Impressionist style of painting in the nineteenth century. Never, never forget that Le Havre was, and is, the port of Paris!!!!

Le Havre was painted by Monet, Pissarro, and Dufy. If art is not your cup of tea, and there is a cafe in the museum, press on north, along the coast road, hopefully you will be enjoying some sea air, and not too unpleasant weather. After passing the yacht harbor on your left, you will find on your right, the Tourist Office. A good starting place to explore the town.... In the summer, there is a boat trip around the harbor. For the fit and adventurous, bicycles or tandems can be hired near the tourist office, or on the beach. There are many dedicated cycle paths in the town, along the beach and in the port.

Tandems and Bicycles for Hire Near the Beach

Turning to the north and right at the roundabout from the tourist office in Le Havre, is the Avenue Foch that leads to the heart of the city. Walking on the left of this boulevard will take you past the Square St. Roch. A beautiful English garden with many interesting trees and shrubs around an ornamental lake. The Ginko tree and Gunnera bushes are amongst the many interesting specimens...

Gunnera in the Saint Roch Garden

In the background are willow trees.

Continuing along the Avenue Foch to the end, we find the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the gardens of the Hotel De Ville. The Town Hall is an excellent example of concrete post-war architecture. One of the most famous buildings designed by Auguste Perret. The Town square is the center of the town and the visitor on foot can venture east, along the Boulevard de Strasbourg to the Railway Station, which is close to the University and the indoor Municipal Swimming Pool. To the north are the footpaths and stairs leading to the higher part of the town. There is also access via a Funicular railway, not too far from the Town Hall Square. Heading back west along the Avenue Foch, one returns to the beach and, after turning right, the beach continues for several kilometers. A left turn is of course the road back to the Art Gallery and the Ship Terminals.

I have not forgotten the last alternative, to head south down the Rue de Paris. This was the major shopping street in the past, but two out of town shopping centers have certainly caused a decline. Just after the first road junction you will see the Volcan by the architect Niemeyer on the right, and on the left is one of the old harbors, Bassin du Commerce. By continuing down to the end of the Rue de Paris and then turning left you will be back on the road to the Ferry Port and Cruise Terminal.

An alternative to walking, is to purchase a one day bus ticket, which allows unlimited bus travel for the day. These tickets are bought from the bus driver of the first bus that you board. The office of the bus company is on the east side of the Town Hall square.

Renting a car is easy too, but it is best to book in advance, online. I suspect that the car rental service will meet you at the Cruise or Ferry Terminal. I have rented a car at the terminal on several occasions in the distant past. The important points to note are the conditions for the return of the car after rental. Make very certain that the return of the vehicle does not cause you any inconvenience or additional expense. Check this thoroughly before you enter into the agreement. Buying petrol or diesel at credit card only petrol stations may not be possible with a non-French credit card. It may be difficult to find manned petrol stations in the evening and on Sundays.