Le Havre in 5 Days: Beaches, Art, and Culture

Explore the picturesque seaside and historic charm of Le Havre, France.

22 April 2023

Le Havre is a scenic port city located in the Normandy region of France that perfectly captures the spirit of French culture. Upon arrival, visitors can taste the local cuisine, enjoy panoramic views of the beach, and participate in various cultural events. A must-visit attraction in Le Havre is the Museum of Modern Art André Malraux, which houses an extensive collection of Impressionist paintings.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Le Havre's Architecture

  • Check into the adorable Hotel Les Gens de Mer
  • Take a stroll through the city's UNESCO-listed center
  • Admire the post-World War II architecture by Auguste Perret
  • Visit the Volcano Cultural Center for more history and culture
  • Dine at La Taverne Paillette, a cozy local spot with excellent seafood
Day 2

Enjoying the Beaches

  • Pack a picnic and head to Sainte-Adresse beach
  • Take a dip in the sparkling English Channel
  • Walk to the striking Saint-Joseph Church
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Le P'tit Grec
  • Watch the sunset at Le Havre beach
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Visit the MuMa (Musée d'art moderne André Malraux)
  • Spend some time admiring the amazing collections of Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin and other famous artists
  • Walk through the artistic Quartier Saint-François
  • Enjoy a coffee at the trendy Le Poussin Bleu
  • Admire the massive sculpture of Catène sculpture by Philippe Leclercq
Day 4

Day Trip to Etretat

  • Take a short train ride to the stunning seaside town of Etretat
  • Hike along the dramatic cliffs and admire the views
  • Walk along the pebble beach and take a dip if you're brave enough
  • Try some of Normandy's best cider at Cidrerie du Fut d'Aven
  • Head back to Le Havre for a cozy dinner at L'Adresse
Day 5

Leaving for the Future

  • Stop by the gorgeous Eglise Saint-Michel for some final photographs
  • Take in the new architecture of Les Bains des Docks
  • Visit the bustling Saint-Joseph Market
  • Grab one last drink at La Dame de Fer, an old train station turned bar
  • Say goodbye to Le Havre, but not before making plans for a future return visit!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Le Havre by plane is to fly into Deauville-Saint-Gatien Airport, which is approximately 30 km from Le Havre. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Le Havre.

Car

The best way to get to Le Havre by car is to drive from Paris to Le Havre, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via the A13 highway.

Train

The best way to get to Le Havre by train is to take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Le Havre station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Boat

The best way to get to Le Havre by boat is to take a ferry from Portsmouth, UK to Le Havre. Brittany Ferries operate this route, and the journey takes approximately 5 hours.

Bus

The best way to get to Le Havre by bus is to take a bus from Paris Bercy Seine station to Le Havre station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

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