Your Essential Travel Guide to Le Havre
What to do in Le Havre
A visit to the coastal UNESCO city of Le Havre, located in Normandy, France is sure to be one you’ll never forget! Take a ferry to Le Havre and explore what’s on offer – from awe-inspiring historical sites that transport you back in time to a modern culture perfect for sightseeing. Start your journey from Dieppe and travel along the Alabaster Coast to reach the must-see city and bustling harbour of Le Havre Port.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling history lesson or an adventure off the beaten path, Le Havre has something for everyone. For those looking to explore the capital, travel from Le Havre to Paris in under 3 hours and spend the day taking in the historical monuments, world class art and stunning museums.
Start your journey with DFDS & Transmanche ferries and sail from Newhaven to Dieppe. Enjoy a direct, comfortable crossing to the Normandy coast. Arrive in the heart of Normandy and get ready to explore to your heart’s content.
Travelling to Le Havre
Although we no longer operate our Portsmouth to Le Havre route, we offer several alternative ferry routes to France for an equally pleasant start to your holiday.
Take a ferry to France departing from Newhaven and arriving in Dieppe, less than 90 minutes’ drive on average from Le Havre. Enjoy a comfortable crossing and excellent onboard facilities with DFDS and Transmanche. Choose to travel by foot, by car, or with your bike, motorbike or motorhome.
Choose Dover-Dunkirk and arrive in France just over a 4-hour scenic drive from Le Havre, or opt for our Dover-Calais ferry route, with our Calais ferry port under 3.5 hours from le Havre by car. Why not take your bike and enjoy a scenic cycle through Northern France from North-Eastern France to Le Havre? Book an award-winning ferry crossing with DFDS and get thinking about where you’re going, not how you’re getting there!
Looking for a getaway to Normandy with everything taken care of? Check out our fantastic Normandy city break packages, which includes both ferry transport and hotel accommodation with your choice of 3 cities - Le Havre, Dieppe or Rouen.
The Best Way To Get Around Le Havre
Visiting the charming city of Le Havre has never been easier! A great way to get there is to take the DFDS ferry route from Newhaven to Dieppe and then continuing on via train or car to Le Havre. Once you have arrived, you must check out the beautiful Le Havre port.
If you wish to explore more of the city you can take a trip along the River Seine and visit squares and gardens before checking out the city centre's grand architecture, which looks spectacularly beautiful at night. With so much to see and do in Le Havre, taking a ferry to France from England is an ideal way to discover all this historic place has to offer.
Why not check out GetYourGuide to help you plan your perfect adventure? There are plenty of outdoor adventures awaiting you, just across the English Channel.
Activities in Le Havre
Le Havre is a vibrant city in the heart of Normandy with plenty of things to do, so get ready for an unforgettable experience! Start your exploration at the beach, take a stroll in the spectacular Hanging Gardens or watch Le Havre AC at the town’s stadium, then head to one of France’s most famous art museums – Musée d'art moderne André Malraux (MuMa). Le Havre is home to the second largest impressionist collection after Paris
Visit the magnificent vistas that inspired some of Claude Monet’s finest works when he was growing up in Le Havre in his early childhood. This city is a shining example of resilience and unity, having risen from the ashes of war according to Auguste Perret's rebuilding plan. It is an inspiring display of traditional architecture combined with modern urban planning, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique travel experience. Whatever you decide to do in this coastal city, make sure you have your camera ready as there are plenty of memories to capture!
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment in Le Havre
An idyllic city equally suited to all types of holidaymakers, Le Havre has plenty to offer families, couples and solo travellers. Home to a marina that is the bustling heart of the city, there is plenty on offer for seafood lovers and foodies. This lively seafront offers not just a fantastic view but is full of shops, restaurants and bars for those looking to add some entertainment into their visit.
There’s also plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding area with churches, parks and scenic riverbanks alongside good transport links taking you into the city centre or even further out via its train station. The weather in Le Havre is usually mild year-round so you’ll be able to enjoy a range of activities whatever time you decide to visit. Sample some delicious French cuisine while dining at one of the waterfront restaurants or shop around in one of its quaint stores before spending the evening in a bar – it’s an experience like no other, made even more accessible with DFDS ferries to France. Sample some delicious French cuisine while dining at one of the waterfront restaurants or shop around in one of its quaint stores before spending the evening in a bar – it’s an experience like no other!
Our routes to France
Le Havre City Break
Enjoy a charming city break in Le Havre with our ferry + hotel package. Perfect for a relaxing or adventure-filled weekend!
Dover-Dunkirk Ferry Crossings
With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and more. Enjoy dining and duty free shopping on board.
From
£89
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Dover-Calais Ferry Crossings
Hop aboard our most popular ferry crossing, Dover to Calais, and arrive in Calais in just 100 minutes. There are many ways to spend time onboard, from dining to duty free shopping.
From
£89
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry Crossings
Arrive in Dieppe in 5 hours with our Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing. Enjoy our facilities while you sail, including restaurants and an onboard shop.
From
£100
per car + 4 people, one way*
Rosslare - Dunkirk Ferry
Sail between Ireland and France with DFDS on our new Rosslare – Dunkirk overnight ferry. With shopping onboard, comfy cabins and all meals included you can reach your destination ready to explore.
15%
off 2026 sailings
Travel Guides
Dieppe
Travel from Newhaven to Dieppe and use our Dieppe Travel Guide to plan your Normandy getaway. Rich in history and culture, this charming fishing port is full of hidden gems.
GetYourGuide
Planning a trip to France? GetYourGuide is the perfect companion to your holiday with great deals on the best attractions, guides and tours in our port cities and further afield.
Côte d'Albâtre
Located in Normandy, the Alabaster Coast in Seine-Maritime is a stunning French coastline famous for its white cliffs, seaside towns, fresh seafood and outdoor activities.
Driving in France
Read our tips on driving in France to help you prepare for your trip. Travel by ferry to make your drive to France as stress-free as possible.
Travel to France with Your Motorbike
Take your motorcycle on one of our ferries to France and discover Europe at your own pace.
From
£34
Take your bike to France
Travel to France with your bike or with your vehicles on a DFDS ferry to France. Find scenic cycle routes and top tourist spots near our ports!
From
£25
pp each way
FAQs
Prices are subject to availability. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms and conditions apply.