Le Havre port in France. French city of Le Havre (Normandy region)

Le Havre is one of those cities in France that you are unlikely to want to visit after the first distance acquaintance with them. I was full of doubts before coming there. On the Internet, there is an opinion that this place practically does not live up to the expectations placed on it. Le Havre, according to the recollections of many travelers, is a dull and unremarkable city. Unfortunately, there is some truth in this. The Second World War completely deprived him of almost all valuable architectural monuments.

Arriving for the first time in Normandy, I did not pursue the goal of studying the history of Le Havre in as much detail as possible and getting aesthetic pleasure from being there. Fortunately for me, all this happened to me, and there are reasons for that. Le Havre is the unspoken capital of Impressionism. If you have long wanted to see the famous works of Claude Monet with your own eyes, then hurry to the museum. A. Malraux.

How to get there

Le Havre is served by two airports that receive both local and international flights. But I can say that the plane is far from the most convenient mode of transport, which is worth getting to this city. I personally flew from Moscow to Paris, and from there I went to Normandy by train. There is no direct communication between Russian cities and Le Havre, so it is better to immediately choose Paris as a transfer point. Buses are in high demand. They travel to Le Havre from the French capital every day with a small interval between each subsequent flight.

By plane

The airports closest to Le Havre are Octeville (LEH) and St. Gatien (D.O.L.). The distance to the first is a little less than 7 km from the city center, to the second - no more than 20 km. They are not in demand among Russian tourists, since domestic companies do not operate direct flights to Le Havre.

I, like many travelers, bought a ticket to Paris. The average cost of a flight from Moscow is about 130-170 EUR (8-12 thousand rubles) with one or two transfers, depending on the carrier. You can go from St. Petersburg using the services of the low-cost airline AirBaltic. Flights are carried out with short transfers in Riga (). The average cost of a flight is 90 euros (5-6 thousand rubles). If we are talking about direct flights, then be prepared to spend at least 250 euros (16-21 thousand rubles) one way for each passenger. Travel time is no more than four hours. You can compare flight prices.

Planes arrive at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. There you can buy a ticket for a high-speed train, bus or call a taxi and be in the very center of Paris within an hour.

By train

From Russia

Getting to Le Havre by train from Russia does not seem reasonable. Firstly, you will have to travel with 2-3 transfers through, Offenburg and, and for a ticket you will pay at least 300 EUR one way. You will have to spend about 30-35 hours on the road. In addition, trains to Berlin depart from Russia only twice a week (Wednesday, Friday). Moreover, the final transfer takes place in Paris, so the easiest way is to fly to the French capital, and from there you can get to Le Havre by train that departs from the Saint-Lazare station in Paris.

From Paris

When I arrived, I found a large number of trains, so that it was not difficult for me to leave for Le Havre. Trains run non-stop from 06:53 am to 21:20 pm, and back to Paris from 06:00 am to 20:02 pm. Travel time is just over 2 hours. The ticket can be purchased online or on the spot at the box office and self-service terminals. One of the most popular sites for selling train tickets is Loco2. On it you can check the train schedule, calculate the time and plan the route. Keep in mind that a reduced rate is provided for the Youth category (under 26 years old).

Le Havre Central Station

Trains from Paris arrive in the center of Le Havre in the Lower City at the Central railway station of the city (Gare du Havre). This station is one of the few places that survived after World War II. The construction of the building dates back to the end of the 19th century, but it was rebuilt in the 30s of the last century. From the station to the key point of Le Havre - the Church of St. Joseph (Eglise Saint-Joseph) - about 15-20 minutes on foot, and the local Notre Dame is only 800 meters from the first temple.

By bus

From Russia

If the train seems like an unreasonable option to get to Le Havre from Russia, then the bus is even worse. You will have to spend about 40 hours on the road, while paying at least 120 EUR one way. Ecolines depart from our country to France with a change in Poland () and Sinbad with a change in the city of Darmstadt (). The routes are extremely inconvenient, but if that suits you, check out the Ecolines and Sinbad websites to study the bus schedule, as it is floating depending on the load (from 2 to 4 times a week). It is more expedient to get directly from France.

From Paris

FlixBus buses are convenient because they leave Paris from several points: CDG Airport, Porte Maillot and La Defense. The time of the first departure depends on the selected date. The earliest departures are seen at 06:25 am and the latest at 21:25 pm. The cost of a ticket is from 9 to 17 EUR for each passenger. Travel time is about 2.5 hours.

The Eurolines carrier also makes it possible to choose a time that is convenient for passengers. The earliest flights are from 10:15 am, the latest are from 18:15 pm. Round trip tickets will cost 18 EUR. On board the bus offers free use of Wi-Fi, equipped with a toilet room in the middle of the cabin. I would advise you to take care of the trip in advance, otherwise there is a risk that tickets for the right time will no longer be available.

By car

Getting to Le Havre from Russia by car is completely inconvenient, because you will spend at least 3 days on the road and spend a lot of money on gasoline. So, it is better to fly or come by bus / train to France, and from there to Le Havre.

The distance between Paris and Le Havre is just over 200 km. The condition of French roads allows you to overcome this distance quite quickly - in 2–2.5 hours. The route to the Normandy city is set up like this: exit onto the A14 autobahn, from the tunnel to Saint-Germain-de-Jou, traffic continues along the A13. This section leads almost directly to Le Havre. When approaching the city, you will need to turn onto the E5 highway. Considering that the average price for one liter of gasoline in France is 1.40 EUR, you will have to spend about 40 EUR on the road. I would also like to warn you that many trails in the region are paid, so somewhere you will have to pay a separate amount for using the road (usually no more than 5-7 EUR).

By ferry

To date, many companies that carry passengers on maritime transport compete with each other.

The most popular route is from Portsmouth(). It is convenient to use the services of the operator Brittany Ferries. On the company's website, tourists can choose the desired day and date. The average travel time is 5–8 hours, and the ticket price is 50–60 EUR per person one way. Most often, this method of transportation is preferred by those who do not stay in Le Havre for a long time, but land there for a quick overview of the city.

Clue:

Le Havre - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Yekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season. When is the best time to go

In my opinion, you can go to Normandy throughout the year. Catastrophically cold days are extremely rare in the region, so you can enjoy hiking. Although a trip to Le Havre is best planned for the summer. It is during this season that it rains less often, and the number of sunny days is much greater. The average temperature in summer is 18–20 degrees, and in winter - no more than 8 degrees. It is noteworthy that in January and February, the maximum precipitation is observed. So I advise you to take an umbrella with you in advance. July and August are considered high season. During these months, there is a significant influx of tourists. The smallest influx of tourists is observed in November-February. The price of accommodation in both periods does not differ much.

Le Havre in summer

Summer in Le Havre is, in my opinion, the best time to visit it. And there are reasons for that. First of all, you should focus on the weather conditions. At this time, heavy rains are quite rare, the air warms up well, the average temperature during the day is about 20 degrees Celsius, at night - 15 degrees. The hottest month is July, so Le Havre gathers a large number of lovers to sunbathe on the beach and splash in the waters of the English Channel. The sea, admittedly, is not as warm as we would like. So, many are limited only to sunbathing. In June-August, many festivals, both musical and theatrical, are organized in Le Havre, widespread festivities are organized, markets work.

Le Havre in autumn

Let's not forget that Le Havre is a maritime city, so the weather is famous for its changeability. To avoid trouble while walking around the historical center, it is better to take an umbrella with you right away. In September, the weather in Le Havre is quite pleasant, the air warms up to 16-18 degrees. It is unlikely that you will be able to swim in the English Channel, but you can just sit on the shore and enjoy the sea views. In early autumn, concerts are held in Le Havre, many events take place on the central square in front of the city hall. Locals and travelers love to spend time in coastal cafes. Closer to winter, the air temperature drops sharply, so at the end of October and in November, tourists come to Le Havre less often.

Le Havre in spring

The first spring weeks in Le Havre are still slightly frosty, so in March travelers are in no hurry to pack their suitcases and fly to Normandy. But so much the better for those who plan to do the opposite. The average cost of housing is 25 EUR against 30-40 EUR in the high season. All museums and parks are open as usual, so you won't miss anything. Unlike the Russian climate, Le Havre is still warm. At the end of March, the air temperature rises to a mark of 10-12 degrees, closer to May - 15-17 degrees.

In the spring, local volunteers organize a flower festival that gathers all local residents and travelers on the central streets. In April, Le Havre is somehow especially calm. The silence that you really hear when you are there is mesmerizing and captivating.

Le Havre in winter

In winter, the city is transformed, a fabulous atmosphere reigns on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Of course, heavy rainfall rarely falls there. The air temperature almost never drops below zero degrees. The New Year holidays are probably the only period during these cold months when a lot of people really flock to Le Havre. But I got the impression that half of the walkers are local residents, to whom relatives periodically visit. Housing prices increase, but not significantly, usually the difference is only 5-10 euros. In all other respects, the city continues to live the same life as in other seasons.

Le Havre - monthly weather

Clue:

Le Havre - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

When I began to analyze options for where to stay for the night, it turned out that Le Havre was automatically divided into two parts: lower and upper city. By the way, wealthy Normans mostly live in the second district, tourists stop there quite rarely. Therefore, when choosing a place to stay, focus on the lower city.

Of course, the big disadvantage of Le Havre is that you will not find really cheap housing there, as in the same Paris. And given that summer is the high season, tourists book hotel rooms and rent apartments several months in advance, while reasonable prices are available. The average cost of rooms is about 30 EUR per night during the low period of tourist traffic and 35-40 EUR - in high season in hotels with 1-2 stars. If you want to book a higher rated option, be prepared to pay at least 50-60 EUR per night. You can find prices for hotel accommodation for your dates, and book on.

lower city

Le Havre is a small city. History Center can be easily explored on foot in just a few hours, so both the best and the most expensive accommodation options are in close proximity to all attractions. Almost half of all hotels are marked in the area of ​​rue de Paris, boulevard Clemenceau and France, as well as Place Republique.

If you still decide to rent an apartment, it is better to do it at least 2-3 months in advance, because travelers book all the best accommodation options instantly. The price per night varies from 30 to 150 EUR per night depending on the chosen conditions. Interestingly, you can easily find an inexpensive option (for 40 EUR) right on Clemenceau Boulevard, you do not have to pay 60-80 EUR per night to get the perfect accommodation. When choosing apartments, pay attention to the houses near the railway station (Republic Square) and some neighboring streets in Cote Est Sokans. Of course, the apartment is not a five-minute walk from the historic center, but getting there is still not difficult. The cheapest options are from 20 EUR per night (room for 1-2 people). You can find the option that suits you.

upper town

If you do not want to stay close to the historical center (in the lower town), then consider accommodation options in the upper town. The average price per night in a double room is 80 EUR. Quite comfortable conditions are presented in the Hanging Gardens area in hotels like Hotel Des Phares and Les Voiles Sur Le Front De Mer (about 75 EUR per night). Please note that quite nice apartments are rented in St. Andress for 80 EUR per night.

What are the prices for holidays

Le Havre can hardly be called a budget option for traveling, but if you try hard, you can successfully save money without compromising the impressions that tourists get from staying there.

• Accommodation. First of all, take care to reserve a room in a hotel or apartment in advance, the average price of which when booking 2 months in advance is on average 30-40 EUR per night.
• Food. As in many other cities, Le Havre has a wide range of cafes and restaurants to satisfy your every whim. If we are talking about a budget institution, then the average check per visitor for lunch is 15 EUR, dinner - 25 EUR, in places with a higher pricing policy - 25 EUR (lunch) and 35–45 EUR (dinner), where with a good confluence circumstances, a glass of dry red wine or a pint of low-alcohol cider may be included. By the way, in Le Havre there are several establishments that are the owner of the Michelin star. The cost of dishes in the menu of such restaurants is somewhat lower than in the same Paris, but nevertheless high. A four-course lunch will cost about 45-50 EUR, and dinner - 60 EUR per person.

• Excursions. Most often, excursions are in demand among those who travel to Le Havre with a large company or stop here for a short time. In fact, the city can be easily explored on your own. Then you will save money on an organized tour and spend it only on admission to museums or exhibitions (average 5–10 EUR). It is much easier to rent a bike and ride it through the streets without worrying that there may not be enough time for something. Daily rental of light transport - 7–9 EUR. A popular bike rental point is Vélocéane. The deposit for transport is about 200 EUR.
• Entertainment. For many tourists, the funicular is in demand, on which you can easily climb from the lower part of Le Havre to the upper one and walk along the outskirts. The rise will cost only 0.5 EUR. But I still advise you to look into the tourist offices and clarify which travel routes around the city are offered.

• Getting Around the City by taxi is irrelevant, since most of the objects are within walking distance, and there is no point in ordering a car. But if suddenly you decide to go to the nearest cities within a radius of up to 30–40 km, then get ready to pay at least 55–65 EUR one way. There are several taxi firms operating in the city, each with their own fixed fare transportation rules.

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub

Main attractions. What to watch

Le Havre seems to be an inconspicuous port city only at first glance. Before arriving there, I carefully analyzed the list of attractions and realized that there is something to see. Moreover, the matter is not limited only to the Church of St. Joseph and the City Hall building. After the first walk along the central embankment, I was already eager to explore Le Havre as thoroughly as possible.

Top 5

• Church of Saint Joseph- the main architectural landmark of Le Havre. The bell tower of the cathedral can be seen from any part of the city. It serves as a kind of beacon for ships in the harbor. When I got inside the church, I was extremely delighted with the strict decoration in accordance with the neo-Gothic style, which found its place here. From the inside, the bell tower is hollow, you can see this by going into the church. By the way, the organ plays there from time to time. You can get to the church on foot from the railway station of Le Havre in just 15-20 minutes.

• Cathedral of Le Havre- no less significant object in the route of any traveler. I couldn't help but compare how conflicting the styles chosen for Notre Dame and St. Joseph's were. This contrast is fascinating, demonstrating all the contradictory epochs in which the buildings were built. The cathedral is located on Rue de Paris (Paris street) in close proximity to the Cathedral of St. Joseph, literally 800 meters away.

• City Hall building of Le Havre- almost the most significant object in the city. The museum of the city hall exhibits photographs telling about Le Havre, presents the most valuable artifacts. Opening hours: from 10 am to 19 pm, entrance - 5–8 EUR. Address: Place Hotel de Ville, which is located just 800 meters from the Church of St. Joseph.

• Shipbuilder's House- a great place for those who want to look into the depths of history and learn how Le Havre really looked before its destruction during the Second World War. Opening hours: all days except Tuesday and Saturday from 11 am to 18 pm. The shipowner's house is located on Quai de l "Île, 3 right in the part of the port where ferries sail from Portsmouth (). If you are near the Malraux Gallery, then you need to walk from it only 10-12 minutes walk along the Sutampton embankment.

• André Malraux Gallery- a treasury that has been keeping for many decades the work of outstanding impressionists of the past century. The average cost of entrance tickets is from 5 EUR, opening hours: all days except Tuesday, from 11 am to 19 pm. Address: Boulevard Clemenceau, 2. By the way, there is a cozy restaurant in the gallery building, which overlooks the harbor and the English Channel.

Beaches. Which is better

Within the city, I found only one beach, but it is quite long - about two kilometers. The entire coast is strewn with pebbles, so it is better to move around in comfortable shoes that will not create discomfort when exploring the beach. Frequent guests of the English Channel are pensioners who meet in whole groups and have fun with board games. By the way, the beach can be easily reached by walking for 10-15 minutes.

What really got me was the promenade that runs along the beach. It is convenient to make daytime and evening walks along it, periodically looking into local cafes and restaurants. There are really a lot of them on the coast. Mussel soup is in great demand among guests of various establishments. I was surprised to find that in some cafes the menu is only in French, and the staff does not speak English at all.

If you reach the top of the beach, you can stop in specially equipped cabins. Of course, they are not free, but are rented. An hour of use is about 5 EUR.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Abbey of Graville-Saint-Honorine- a monastery, which is also one of the buildings that managed to survive the Second World War. Currently, the place functions more as a museum, the entrance to which costs about 5 EUR. All monastic monuments of Graville-Saint-Honorine are recognized as objects of UNESCO protection. The abbey is located at Escalier de l "Abbaye. From the station you can walk on foot, following Pablo Picasso Avenue almost in a straight line, or rent a bike and quickly get to the place.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

Cultural Center "Volcano"(Le Volcan Havre) - a place whose building is an example of the architectural style of the post-war period. Outwardly, the center really resembles a volcano. The inhabitants of Le Havre do not particularly favor the creation of Oscar Niemeyer, calling it a "yogruta box". The Vulkan hosts many city events, festivals, various works are constantly exhibited in the exhibition center. The average cost of entrance tickets is from 10 EUR. The center is just a couple of hundred meters from the Church of St. Joseph.

parks

• Japanese garden- a unique place, in my opinion. I found many small ponds in the garden, over which small bridges were thrown. By the way, here you will also find stone statues brought directly from Japan. You can get to the park directly from the railway station, going down to the Colbar embankment and passing through the bridge along the Vauban Avenue. Opening hours: from 8 am to 21.00 pm, admission is free.

• Saint Rock Park- a square that deserves attention no less than the Japanese Garden. This place rightfully deserves the title of the "green" heart of the city. The square is located near the main square of the Hotel de Ville, just 500 meters along the Foch Avenue. St. Joseph's Church is less than 5 minutes' walk away. Opening hours: from 7 am to 20.30 pm, admission is free.

tourist streets

• boulevard france- one of the most remarkable streets of Le Havre. It stretched for almost 2 kilometers and concentrated next to it the main historical sites of the city. You can start your acquaintance with it from the side of the Sutampton embankment, where the pier is located with ferries sailing from Portsmouth. From the Boulevard de France, it is easy to get to the Museum of Modern Art André Malraux, to the main Cathedral of Le Havre, as well as the Church of Saint Joseph. If you go up the street and walk to the intersection with Avenue Foch, you can easily walk to St. Roque Square, and from it to the city hall.

• Boulevard Clemenceau - a street that runs parallel to France Boulevard. It is somewhat shorter, but extended along the coast. Residents of Le Havre and tourists like to arrange a daytime and evening promenade here, stopping at local cafes and bars. Closer to the night, urban youth flock here.

What to see in 1 day

Le Havre is a fairly compact city, and the center is completely insignificant in scale. But this is a big plus if you prefer to explore this city in just one day. Don't worry, you only need a few hours to get an overview, but it's enough to get to know the key sights and visit several churches and museums.

• 10:00 - from the building of the railway station, go along the boulevard, which will lead to the main square of the city and the city hall. The City Hall building will be a great start in the exploration of Le Havre. You will need about 2-3 hours to carefully explore the local attractions.
• 13:00 - from the Town Hall building it is worth walking to the highest point of the city. St. Joseph's Church with a belfry over 100 meters high is just a 10-minute walk away. You will need about an hour to visit the cathedral.
• 14:00 - from the Cathedral of St. Joseph, just 600 meters is the cultural center "Volcano". You can walk to it along Louis Brindeau street, turning left into the street.
• 16:30 - from the "Volcano" you need to walk only 400 meters along the street to see the Cathedral of Le Havre. The church complex is not large-scale, so half an hour is enough to see it.
• 17:30 - if you have time to make a sightseeing tour of the key attractions of Le Havre, then there is a chance to get to the exhibition at the André Malraux Gallery before it closes. From the Cathedral you need to walk about 400 meters down the street and go to the Sutampton embankment. It will take you about 1-1.5 hours to get acquainted with the works of the Impressionists.
• 19:30 - at the end of your walk in Le Havre, walk along Clemenceau Boulevard, watch the ferries, enjoy the view of the English Channel. Have an evening promenade and reflect on what you managed to capture in one day in Le Havre. Brighten up your thoughts at one of the local establishments where you can dine and taste some wines.

What to see in the surroundings

Le Havre is a major seaport, near which several beautiful cities are concentrated, a visit to which is a must when arriving in Normandy.

Honfleur (26 km)

This city is located just 26 km from Le Havre. It can be reached by bus (line 20) in less than half an hour. Find the local bus stop at Le Havre train station. The fare is 3 EUR one way for each passenger. Buses run from 7 am to 8 pm. The main attraction of Honfleur is the Old Harbour. In my opinion, this place is the most picturesque, therefore it deserves attention from tourists. And the Lieutenant's House is the most remarkable thing in the area. Once in Honfleur, take a walk to Saint-Étienne church.

Etretat (30 km)

How can you come to Le Havre and not leave 30 km to Etretat? It is almost tantamount to a crime. You must see with your own eyes the famous rocks that are the hallmark of Normandy. Isn't it wonderful to walk around the places that the Impressionist Claude Monet immortalized in his work? Etretat is best reached by bus (route 24), departing from the railway station of Le Havre every 20-30 minutes. The cost of a ticket is about 3 EUR, and the duration of the trip is no more than one hour.

Food. What to try

There are many cafes and restaurants in Le Havre, where you can taste dishes familiar to many regions of France, as well as taste fundamentally different things. In the historical center of the city, there is a fairly large selection of budget establishments, the average bill in which is about 15 EUR for lunch and 25–35 EUR for dinner. In more expensive options, guests of establishments will have to pay about 25–35 EUR for lunch and 45–55 EUR for dinner. In principle, if you walk along the main tourist streets such as Place Republique or Clemenceau Boulevard, you will definitely find a place that suits you perfectly. There are few places in Le Havre where you can dine on the "cheap and cheerful" system. But there is a way out: I often preferred street food, which travelers who have been to other cities of the country do not even need to be told about. Be sure to start your gastronomic tour with a French crepe (pancake) with rich creamy cheese and apple cider of various strengths (and it may not even be limited to 40 degrees). The average cost of a crepe is 6–7 EUR, and a half-liter bottle of low-alcohol cider will cost 4–5 EUR. If you order it in a cafe, you will have to pay about 10 EUR.

Budget

1. fun food
2. Le Chat Blue
3. Batistin Burger
4. Le Nuage dans la Tasse
5. Fifty's American Diner

Intermediate level

1. Le Bouche A Oreille
2. Brasserie des Halles
3. Saveurs Ile Maurice
4. Le Bistrot Parisien
5. Bistrot du P"tit Port
6. Arcade Portugaise

Expensive

1. L "Orchidee
2. L "Address
3. La Petite Auberge
4. Jean Luc Tartarin

Holidays

• Many national holidays in Le Havre are held in the same way as in all of France. For example, this concerns Bastille Day(July 14), which the French treat with particular trepidation.
• Among other things, not a single song and music festival is held throughout the year. Notable among the dozen events is jazz festival in june, as well as rock music festival. Only it takes place not in summer, but in late autumn (usually in November).
• All connoisseurs of theatrical art visit Le Volcan cultural center in Le Havre. It often hosts concerts and staged performances.

• Among other things, every first Sunday after August 15, a traditional musical parade. The city organizes carnivals with the participation of vocal and instrumental ensembles and orchestras. Le Havre is strewn with flowers, and it really changes a lot at this time.
• And on the first weekend of September, summer events are replaced by "Fishing Festival", which gathers both residents of the city and travelers.

Safety. What to watch out for

Caution in places of mass congestion of tourists will never hurt you, try to appear as rarely as possible on the outskirts away from the historical center. By the way, in Le Havre there are no problems with movement during the day except at night, so it is better not to go far from the main attractions, which can serve as at least some kind of security guarantee. At night, it is not recommended to spend time on the English Channel in the port area. Plus, pickpockets are everywhere, and even such a small Le Havre was no exception for them. Theft does not happen often, but if you are traveling light with a backpack or a bag in your hands, then it is better to keep an eye on them.

Things to do

In the summer in Le Havre, tourists can enjoy the local beaches. They are located near the historical center. In the high season, travelers like to sunbathe there and swim in the English Channel. Based on my experience, I can say that the water is not so warm in the usual sense for a sunny resort, but this does not stop either visitors or locals, and they are happy to have fun in this way. The sea behaves quite calmly, and the beaches themselves are equipped with everything that is necessary for a comfortable stay. By the way, if you want to rent sports equipment, then go to special points for issuing equipment. By the way, in Le Havre, tourists love to engage in sports water sports, because all conditions have been created for this.

In other seasons, travelers only have to do sightseeing, walk around the historical center and go to neighboring cities. On New Year's holidays, mass festivities are organized, which attract a large number of local residents and tourists as well. In the spring in Normandy, magnificent services are held in churches, fairs unfold on the streets and festivals are organized.

Shopping and shops

• Coty and Center Commercial Coty are the most popular shopping destination not only among tourists, but also among the residents of Le Havre. The three floors of the shopping center house more than 80 stores, representing French and international brands. There I also found many inexpensive cafes and restaurants, as well as the popular Monoprix supermarket in the country. The quarter can be easily reached on foot from the Town Hall building in just 5 minutes. On weekdays (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) there are fairs in the area.

• Saint-Vincent quarter near Saint-Rocque Square - the most fashionable district of Le Havre. It is here that many fashionistas from different countries come to choose clothes and accessories from famous designers. Here are located expensive boutiques of world couturiers. Therefore, if you do not plan to go to Paris, then it is better to arrange a chic shopping right in Le Havre, especially after it you can go for a walk along the central embankment or relax in the famous park.

Bars. Where to go

All the main bars you will find in Le Havre are no different from those found in many other cities. In them, as elsewhere, active youth gather in the evenings to have fun. By the way, in the summer it is quite noisy and crowded, but at other times of the year you can safely spend the evening enjoying local drinks and listening (if you're lucky) to a live performance. It is worth saying that in the harbor area, closer to the shore, there are several beer bars where you can try over two dozen varieties of this drink. A pint of beer will cost an average of 5-6 EUR. But do not deny yourself the pleasure of experimenting with cocktails, and the same non-alcoholic ones - very pleasant in taste, can quench your thirst on a hot day. Usually they cost around 6–8 EUR.

1. Bar Le Marie-Louise
2. Bar L "Imprevu
3. wallaby bar
4. Spirit Club Bar
5. L "Etable
6. Bar PMU Le Saint Claude

Clubs and nightlife

An important feature of Le Havre is that many nightclubs are located right on the port ships. It is on them that various parties are often organized, which young tourists from different countries like to visit. In summer, clubs are almost always crowded, but in winter there are no problems with booking tables or an elementary passage without a many-kilometer queue to the club itself. The average price of alcoholic cocktails is from 5–6 EUR, a bottle of wine is 18–22 EUR. On weekends, establishments are open until dawn, on weekdays - no later than 2 am, but it all depends on the flow of visitors. Almost everywhere there is an entrance fee. If there is no theme party or performance of artists, the entrance costs about 7-8 EUR per person.

1. Bar Club LL Friendly
2. Les Zazous
3. Le Cabaret Electric

extreme sports

In the summer, tourists come to Le Havre to sunbathe on the English Channel, swim in the sea, but also engage in various water sports. For this, the city has everything you need. It would be wrong to call such leisure extreme, because you will not find raging waves there that surfer squads would like to curb. Le Havre is ideal for introductory training, because the risk of getting any serious injuries is low. In general, apart from water sports, you will not find anything extreme. In summer, international regattas are held, in which anyone can take part.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

• Calvados- a drink that is in great demand throughout Normandy. This extremely strong (40 degrees) alcoholic drink is obtained by distilling apple cider, but using a special kind of fruit. On almost every counter you can find a traditional drink of the inhabitants of the English Channel. The cost of a good half-liter bottle of strong cider is from 12-15 EUR, less concentrated - from 3-4 EUR.

• Norman cheese varieties- a delicacy that will be a great gift for your loved ones. In general, Normandy is famous for its dairy products. They are treated with special trepidation. Cheese varieties such as Camembert, Livaro, Pont Laveque and Neuchâtel are very popular. Of course, they are much more expensive than the options that we are used to in Russia. The average cost of 250 grams of cheese is from 10–12 EUR. Please note that there are many street shops in Le Havre, where you can sometimes buy this cheese for only half the price.

How to move around the city

Le Havre has a well-developed public transport network. The bus fare is 1.80 EUR. If you came to Le Havre for a week, it is better to purchase a travel card for an unlimited number of trips -15 EUR. But, it is worth noting that the city center is very compact, so the bus will not be needed often. It is being replaced by bicycles, the rent of which is only 7 EUR per day. Tandem bikes are in great demand. This is especially true if you are not traveling alone, but for such pleasure you will have to leave an impressive deposit - 500 EUR.

A feature of Le Havre is the presence of a funicular. It connects the upper and lower parts of the city. In the historic center, the first station is located on Place Thiers, and the final station is on rue Félix Faure. Travel time is only 4 minutes. Funiculars run every 6-10 minutes from 7:30 to 19:30 on all days except Sunday. A ticket for such transport is extremely cheap - 0.50 EUR.

There is no metro in the city, but trams conveniently intersect with bus routes, so you can quickly transfer from one mode of transport to another. By the way, tram tickets cost the same 1.80 EUR.

Taxi. What features exist

If you have gathered near the city or in neighboring settlements, then a taxi will most likely render you a service. All cars have a meter that automatically determines the amount of transportation for each kilometer. The average cost of boarding a transport is 3-4 EUR, a trip around the city costs no more than 10-12 EUR, and out of the city - depending on the chosen destination, but you will definitely give more than 30 EUR, otherwise it simply makes no sense for the driver to make trip. Personally, I came across three offices of taxi companies where you can come and find out on your own how much a trip can cost, say, from Le Havre to Etretat or Honfleur:

1. Radio Taxi Le Havre- 1 Rue Charles Laffitte; tel. +33 2 35 25 81 81;
2. Taxi Pôle Croisiere-Quai Pierre Callet; tel. +33 2 35 25 81 81;
3. Taxi Transport Tourism- 16 Allee Jules Renard; tel. +33 6 68 43 53 94.

Trams

The city has a small tram network. As in any other developed French region, this type of transport is very convenient for quick movement, in particular, in the historical center. Tram operating hours: from 04:30 to 00:30 am, so we can say that it operates almost around the clock. I liked that in Le Havre, trams intersect with bus lines, which makes it convenient to transfer from one transport to another without much loss of time. By tram you can easily get from the upper part of the city to the lower one and vice versa. The price for one trip, as for buses, is 1.80 EUR, 10 tickets - 13 EUR.

Buses

City buses are owned by the municipal company Bus Océane. There are 14 branched routes in Le Havre. This is extremely convenient when it comes to long-distance travel - the historical center and the port area. The fare is 1.80 EUR. A booklet of 10 tickets will cost 13 EUR; a ticket for a day - 5 EUR, for a week - 15 EUR, which makes the purchase of the latter the most relevant when tourists stop in Le Havre for several days. Tickets can be purchased from the dedicated Bus Océane sales outlets or directly from the conductor. Currently, the bus schedule has been expanded, and new routes are organized in the industrial area of ​​​​the port through buses operating both in the morning and in the evening.

Transport rental

If we are talking about Le Havre, then renting a bicycle is more relevant inside the city than a car, since everything is within walking distance. The cost of renting a bike is quite democratic - 2 EUR for one hour of riding and no more than 7 EUR per day. For Europe and, in particular, Normandy, these are quite sparing tariffs. Moreover, you will not depend on the schedule of transport and its route, but you will be able to personally choose where it is better to go and what to see first.

If you still want to rent a car to travel around other cities in Normandy or just for your own comfort, then you will find dozens of car rental companies on the Internet that operate all over the world and have, as an advantage, an interface in Russian. And you can compare prices from different distributors. Thanks to this, it will not be difficult for you to choose the right car. The average daily rental price is 60–70 EUR, but this does not include gasoline (1.42 EUR per liter). In addition, it is necessary to leave a deposit, which most often exceeds the daily rent by two or even three times, and is not returned immediately (within 45 days from the moment the funds are blocked on the card).

• When you rent a vehicle, keep in mind that the car must be returned with a full tank of gasoline. And do not even try to manage in some place and deliver transport not under the terms of the contract. Many offices have introduced a strict system of fines.
• Directly while driving, all passengers of the car, not to mention the driver, must be fastened. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to travel in the front seat. If the weight of the child is less than 18 kilograms, then a child seat for him is a prerequisite.
• The motorist should ideally carry a disposable breathalyzer, which is certified in France. Of course, this does not mean that it will be useful, but it certainly will not be superfluous. The cost of a chemical device ranges from 1 to 3 EUR, the price of an electrode device - from 100 EUR.
• Traffic in Le Havre, and in any other place in France, is right-handed. In the absence of special designations, the speed must not exceed 50 km/h within the city limits.

Le Havre - holidays with children

From the point of view of excursions and walks in the historical center, Le Havre may seem boring and uninteresting to children. Although, I must say that the famous church-skyscraper of St. Joseph is liked by absolutely all tourists of any age. She is able to charm even the smallest fastidious traveler. For a change, you can climb with the children to the observation deck of the Town Hall building.

If children are fond of art from an early age, then they will be happy to visit the André Malraux Museum of Contemporary Art and appreciate the masterpieces of the Impressionists with their childish eyes, but I must admit that when I was in the gallery, I almost never met schoolchildren, except perhaps only high school students. In general, the parks are in demand among family groups. So, if you don't know what to do with the heirs, take them to St. Rock Square, and from there it's not far to the Coty quarter, where the children will definitely find something to do in the mall.

Le Havre (fr. Le Havre, Norman. Lé Hâvre) is a city and commune in northern France, in the Upper Normandy region, a subprefecture in the Seine-Maritime department. The port of Le Havre is one of the largest in France.

Geography

Le Havre is located on the right bank of the Seine, near its estuary. The city has direct access to the sea and the English Channel. The Seine separates the city of Le Havre from the Lower Normandy region and the neighboring city of Honfleur. To the north and west of Le Havre lies the coast of the Pas de Calais.

The city is divided into two parts: the Upper City and the Lower City. The border runs along the rocks located between Felix Fort and De Gobelix streets, between 329th streets and Maréchal Joffre, between Salvador Allende and Aristide Briand, between Pablo Neruda and Vedun. To the east, the boundary of the cliffs runs along the railway line of Le Havre station.

Le Havre is a port city. Almost the entire Lower City is washed by water and indented with pools. In the center (Lower City): Vauban Basin, Merchant Basin, Du Roy Basin, De la Bar, Da la Citadel. The following basins (harbours) are located in the port: English Channel, Bailllot, Eure, Batting, Fluvial, Theophile Ducroc, Rene Coty, Du Pacific, Vetilard, Hubert Raoul-Duval, as well as Marseille Despoules and the Descent Basin (on the eastern border of Le Havre).

The largest of all the basins of Le Havre is Hubert Raoul-Duval. It is located on the young border of Le Havre itself and the port of Le Havre; separated from the Gulf of the Seine by a dam.

Le Havre Map

Story

Le Havre is one of the young cities in France. When founded by Admiral Gouffier in 1517, it was named Franciscopolis in honor of King Francis I. Subsequently, it was renamed Havre de Grace (“fertile harbor”, the word havre literally means harbor). In 1562, the Huguenots gave the city to the British, but after 2 years he returned to France. Subsequently, the British repeatedly launched attacks on the city (1678, 1694 and 1759), but almost to no avail; since the French, seeing the strategic importance of this harbor, significantly fortified it from a possible invasion.

By 1572, the city had become a significant trading center, from where ships sailed to Newfoundland and Svalbard to catch cod and whales. By the XVIII century, the port of Le Havre becomes the second largest in France after Nantes. The old port is depicted in Monet's painting “Impression. The Rising Sun (1872), which gave its name to the Impressionist movement.

During World War II, the city was practically wiped off the face of the earth. After the war, according to the project of Auguste Perret, it was rebuilt with modern buildings in a characteristic white color. Perret's residential buildings served as one of the sources for the Soviet "Khrushchev" project.

Le Havre is a city located in Normandy, in northern France. It has access to the English Channel and already in the 16th century was considered the most important port city of France. Today, Le Havre hosts over 120 cruise ships of all types and about 350,000 passengers a year. Due to its location and good infrastructure, it is considered an excellent starting point for cruises in Northern Europe.

Where is the cruise port

The harbor cruise terminal is located in 2.5 km from the center Le Havre. Passengers are disembarked at two berths. Going ashore, you can reach the city on foot. A leisurely walk takes approximately 25 minutes.

Many cruise lines offer free transfer to the center, others charge a fee (from 10 euros).

The port offers services shuttles, a trip on which will cost 8 euros.

Taxi to the center of Le Havre costs 8 euros, to the Gare du Havre station - 10 euros.

Excursions, transport in the port

Near the cruise terminal there are bicycle rentals (10 euros / day) and cars (from 90 euros / day), there are taxi ranks. You can travel between lower and upper Le Havre by funicular (0.50 euros per trip).

At the information center of the port of Le Havre, you can get all the necessary information about the city, transport, excursions, as well as take advantage of brochures and tourist services.

Local companies and cruise ships offer excursions to Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville and other cities. Prices - from 45 euros.

What to see in Le Havre on a cruise

It will take no more than 1-2 hours to see the sights of Le Havre. During the war, the city was destroyed almost to the ground, so it retained few historical sights. Worth to visit Cathedral XVI century (one of the oldest buildings in the city), an unusual Church of Saint Joseph, resembling a skyscraper - it was built as a monument to the victims of World War II, Museum of Old Le Havre located in a traditional mansion. Art lovers are advised to visit Malraux Museum, which stores paintings by Renoir and Monet.

What to see around the port

The favorable location of Le Havre allows you to discover many interesting places if you have free time. AT 25 km away from the city is a picturesque Honfleur, famous for the oldest wooden church in France (XV century).

27 km from Le Havre is the city Etretat(bus number 24 runs to it). It owes its popularity to rocks with natural arches and landscapes of amazing beauty.

AT 90 km from Le Havre located Rouen. This city is called the pearl of Northern France, which is quite right: in Rouen you can visit the impressive Cathedral, see the Big Clock of the XIV century, the tower of Joan of Arc and many other historical monuments. There are trains from Le Havre to Rouen, but you can buy a ship excursion for 50 Euro.

A long distance (about 200 km) does not stop those who dream of "seeing Paris". You can get to the French capital from Le Havre by train. It departs every two hours and arrives at Paris Saint-Lazare station. Travel time will be 2 hours, ticket price - from 30 euros. If you choose between Rouen and Paris, it's worth doing a choice in favor of the first city, where all the sights are located nearby, and he himself is closer to Le Havre, or buy an excursion to Paris by ship (from 90 euros).

Restaurants

Normandy is famous for its gastronomy. Therefore, time in Le Havre should be used as a chance to get acquainted with the local cuisine. Try pear and apple cider, oysters, veal in cream, the famous Camembert cheese - a minimum program for all city guests. Le Havre has a large selection of traditional Normandy restaurants, typical French coffee shops and international cuisine (American, Asian, Creole).

Shopping, souvenirs

It will not be difficult to find shopping streets near compact Le Havre: they are located in a busy center. There are boutiques of French and European brands, antique shops, souvenir shops, jewelry stores. The most popular place for shopping is the Espace Coty shopping center with more than 80 stores. As a souvenir from Le Havre, they take away the strong drink Calvados, dolls in traditional clothes and ceramics.

Where to stay before and after the cruise?

For a pre-cruise stop at the port, try Airbnb, where you can rent a full-fledged apartment for the price of a hotel room. By registering with our link you will receive coupon for 2100 rubles. for your first stay from 4500 rubles!

Le Havre is a port city on the banks of the English Channel in the northern French region of Upper Normandy. Almost completely bombed out in World War II, the “harbor” (this is how the name of the city is translated) has become overgrown with restored concrete buildings quite in the spirit of that time: conciseness of straight lines, severe and pompous scale without any half-naked caryatids, plump fruit stucco and bourgeois vignettes on the facades. Once in the center of Le Havre, you involuntarily drive away the image of Kutuzovsky Prospekt with a string of Stalinist houses and the dominant feature of the Ukraina Hotel. However, this is not a reason to neglect the capital of Normandy - the Malraux Museum houses the second largest collection of impressionists, here you can taste the most delicious apple cider and wander thoughtfully along the "shore of desert waves".

How to get to Le Havre

Le Havre Airport (Aéroport du Havre-Octeville) is located 8 km from the city, in the town of Octeville-sur-Mer. Regular flights exist only with Lyon (2 Air France flights daily, flight time - 1 hour 40 minutes). Air France flights to other French and European cities (more than 30 destinations, for example, Amsterdam, Barcelona, ​​Brussels, Hamburg, Milan, Rome, Prague) are made with a mandatory landing in Lyon.

From Russia, it is most convenient to land in Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport receives about 10 joint flights of Aeroflot and Air France daily), and from there get to Le Havre by train. There are at least 15 Intercites trains a day from Gare Saint Lazare in Paris to Le Havre. Distance - 195 km, travel time - 2 hours (usually with a stop in Rouen), ticket price - from 29-45 EUR.

By ferry, Le Havre is connected with the English Portsmouth: ships of the maritime transport company LD Lines leave the coast of France at about 17:00 and arrive in Britain at about half past ten in the evening. The return route is from 23:00 to 08:00. Tariff - 40-45 EUR per passenger one way and 67-70 EUR round-trip. With a car - 95-111 EUR and 117-125 EUR, respectively, depending on the carrier.

Prices on the page are for April 2019.

Search for flights to Paris (nearest airport to Le Havre)

Transport in the city

The center of Le Havre is quite compact and can be easily explored on foot.

The transport of the city is managed by the municipal company Bus Océane. There are 14 bus routes here, which is very convenient for longer journeys, for example, between the city center and the port area. The fare is 1.80 EUR, a ticket can be purchased at points of sale or from the conductor on transport. A booklet of 10 tickets costs 13.50 EUR; day pass - 4.20 EUR (all of the above are sold only at Bus Océane sales points).

To move between the lower and upper parts of Le Havre, you can use the funicular. The lower station is located on Place Thiers, the upper station is on rue Félix Faure. Travel time is only 4 minutes. Funiculars run every 6-10 minutes from 7:30 to 19:30 from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays they are disabled (“if you have a fountain, shut it up - let the fountain rest too”). Fare - 0.50 EUR; 10 tickets cost 4 EUR.

Not without a traditional French bike rental in Le Havre. Cheerful red bicycles (single and tandem) can be rented at Vélocéane. For 2 hours of skiing they ask for 3 and 4 EUR, respectively, 1 day - 7 and 9 EUR, weekend - 10 and 12 EUR. Deposit for a regular bike - 200 EUR, for a tandem - 500 EUR. A list of cycle paths can be found on the website of the Le Havre city hall.

Weather in Le Havre

Cuisine and restaurants of Le Havre

Gavre gastronomic is famous for two products: cider and cheese.

To this day, cider is prepared in the old fashioned way: with the help of manual presses and distillation apparatuses-alambiks and poured into glass bottles-flasks. The drink can be of very different strengths - from children's compote to liquids stronger than 40 °. Ciders are made not only from apples (although in most cases from them), but also from pears (such a pear is called poiré). Don't forget the Calvados apple vodka.

Le Havre cheeses are made primarily from cow's milk; they are fresh, light and have a pleasant creamy taste.

Be sure to try the trio "pancake - cheese - cider" in one of the Le Havre creperie (pancake eateries). Nothing beats the taste of Normandy!

Shopping and shopping in Le Havre

There are four districts in Le Havre where you can buy a variety of cute and necessary things, from souvenirs and books to clothes and antiques.

• Coty and Center commercial Coty: 80 national and international brands on three floors of the mall. There are also restaurants, cafes, bakeries and a supermarket. There are also many different shops in the surrounding streets. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays there is an outdoor market.

• Les Halles Centrales is a lively pedestrian area with shops, boutiques, food stalls and bookstores. The indoor food market sells the region's freshest farm produce, including the famous ciders and cheeses. A riot of inviting smells is observed on Sundays: in the morning, a street market boils here.

• The Saint-Vincent quarter between Saint-Roch Square and the beach is an analogue of Barvikha Luxury Village: expensive clothes and jewelry, interior items, art salons, antiques and boutiques of famous florists.

• The docks quarter arose in Le Havre after London and Rotterdam. On 60,000 m2 of space, the creations of contemporary artists, designers and architects are located. The futuristic surroundings are scattered with boutiques, restaurants, showrooms and promenades.

Guides in Le Havre

Popular hotels in Le Havre

Entertainment and attractions of Le Havre

In 2005, the center of Le Havre, rebuilt after the war by the architect August Perret, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The "Poet of Concrete" turned the ruined skeletons into elegant, austere buildings, laid out wide avenues and spacious squares.

The architectural dominant of the center of Perret - the church-skyscraper Saint-Joseph (Eglise Saint-Joseph) has become a symbol of the recovering post-war Europe. The octagonal tower reaches a height of 110 meters. There are 6,500 colored windows in the walls through which sunlight enters the church.

The Malraux Museum (Musée Malraux) has the second largest collection of impressionist paintings after the Musée d'Orsay. Among the pearls are paintings by Monet, Renoir and Pissarro, there are also paintings by Fauvists and Cubists. Be careful: the museum is closed on Tuesdays!

30 km. from Le Havre are the famous cliffs of Etretat, immortalized by Claude Monet.

The city hall is located on one of the largest squares in France. Inside you can see documents and photographs that tell about the history of the city. Climb the tower for a view of the orderly center of Perret.

The shipowner's house (Maison d'armateur) is one of the few ancient buildings that have survived in Le Havre. The five-story building of the 18th century with a glass dome gives an idea of ​​the life of several generations of a wealthy Le Havre family. Closed on Thursdays. It is recommended to visit in conjunction with the Museum-Apartment of August Perret.

Notre Dame Cathedral was erected in the 16th century and was rebuilt and restored many times. Notice the beautiful western façade.

The Vulkan Center is a cultural and theatrical space in a building with a futuristic architectural style. Concerts and exhibitions of contemporary art are regularly held here.

After visiting the museum halls, take a walk in the many parks and gardens of Le Havre, such as the unique Japanese Garden or the Place Saint-Roch.

The second most important port in France after Marseille, Le Havre is also a tourist destination full of historical and cultural attractions. Skeptics argue that the Second World War went through the city like an iron, completely depriving it of ancient buildings. But many masterpieces of architecture have been painstakingly restored, and it is worth seeing. Le Havre, unlike the dull and unremarkable industrial ports of Eastern Europe, strikes the traveler with the gloss of the resort. There are beaches, beautiful promenades. In addition, Le Havre is an excellent starting point for exploring the Normandy coast for a beach holiday. Legendary resorts such as Deauville, Fecamp and Honfleur are located near the main city of the Seine-Maritime department in the Upper Normandy region. Another reason to visit Le Havre is to see the paintings with your own eyes. After all, the city is considered the unspoken capital of impressionism. About when and how to visit Le Havre, what to see and what to try, read in this article.

short information

The name of the city - Le Havre - is of Dutch origin. Haven means: 1) harbor and 2) port. Thus, Le Havre was destined from birth to become the center of shipbuilding. And it was founded in 1517 by King Francis I as a military port. It was fortified in the 17th century. And in the 19th century it was converted into a trading port. Now Le Havre (France) has the largest container terminal in the country. The city is located on the right bank. On the left is the famous resort of Honfleur. Since both cities are located at the very mouth of the Seine, Le Havre has access to the sea from the north and west, more precisely, to the Pas de Calais. To the south of the city, the river is crossed by the Norman Bridge, two kilometers long. The population of Le Havre is 174 thousand people. The capital of France, Paris, is located 180 kilometers to the southeast.

How to get to Le Havre

There are no direct flights between Russia and this northern French city. We have to fly with transfers - through Paris (Charles de Gaulle). Le Havre Airport (France) is called Octeville. This air harbor is located just seven kilometers from the city center. If you are aiming to relax in the resorts of Normandy, you can land immediately at the airport of Deauville Saint-Gatien. From it to Le Havre - 20 kilometers. But flying from Paris isn't the only way to get to the Seine-Maritime city. Numerous trains depart from Gare Saint-Lazare between 06:53 and 21:20 to Le Havre. In two hours you will arrive at Gare du Havre. By the way, the station is one of the few buildings in Le Havre that the war did not touch. And it is located almost in the center. It takes about fifteen minutes to walk to the Church of St. Joseph, and 800 meters from the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Le Havre. Buses of numerous carriers follow from Paris to the city. The average travel time is three hours, the approximate cost of a ticket is 9 euros. You can pay for your fare online at Ouibus, FlixBus or Eurolines.

How to make your trip long and enjoyable

Do not forget that Le Havre (France) is a seaport. And there are luxury cruise ships. Their passengers inspect Le Havre in one day and follow on. But if you decide to stop in this city for a more detailed acquaintance, you can arrive on one of the many ferries from the UK. Moscow - London - Portsmouth - Le Havre is no less popular route than a trip through Paris. And this journey by sea promises to be pleasant. After all, the ferries are very comfortable and look like cruise ships. Brittany Ferries will take you to Le Havre in six to eight hours and 55 euros per person. The way through London is called by many travelers cheaper than through Paris.

When is the best time to visit Le Havre

This city is beautiful at any time of the year. But it has low and high tourist seasons. The first is the period from November to February. Winters here are not too severe. There are almost no frosts, but due to dampness and winds, the cold is felt more. The lion's share of precipitation also falls in the winter months. But the cost of housing is 25 euros against 35-40 in the high season. Spring weather in Le Havre (France) continues to be rainy. The sea, which has cooled down during the winter, brings clouds to the mainland. The thermometer is in no hurry to crawl up. If the average winter temperature is +8, then March - +10, April - -12, May - -15. The Atlantic climate of Normandy does not allow the heat to settle in the summer. The temperature rarely rises above +20 even in July. But the amount of precipitation in summer is reduced significantly. This means that the high tourist season is coming. If you are interested in a purely beach holiday in France, Le Havre may disappoint you. The sea here is far from being as warm as on Côte d'Azur. Nevertheless, the beaches of Le Havre and the surrounding coastal resorts are crowded with vacationers. In order not to be disturbed by the wind, special tent baskets are rented. The first half of autumn in Normandy is also dry. This a good time to make excursions around the city and the surrounding area.

The shape of the city. Where to stay

From the photo of Le Havre (France), taken from the sea, it can be seen that this settlement is clearly divided into two parts. The lower city is somewhat similar to Venice due to the abundance of canals, harbors (here they are called pools) and bridges. Most of the tourist attractions are located here too. The upper city is piled on the rocks. It is inhabited mostly by wealthy people. Hotels and apartments there are also expensive. But in the Upper City there are many parks. Both parts of Le Havre are connected (except for the streets) by a funicular. The fare on it is 50 euro cents. The historical center of the city is located at the mouth of the river. After all, Le Havre appeared on the map of Europe, first of all, as a port. When choosing accommodation, tourists recommend focusing on the Lower Town. Le Havre can hardly be called a budget tourist destination. The simplest hotel room without any stars will cost 20 euros in the low season. Tourists recommend booking apartments several months in advance. Then it is possible to rent a decent apartment or studio for 30 euros per night.

How to move around the city

The city of Le Havre (France) is very compact. And if you live in the lower part of it, you will not need to spend money on public transport. Taxis and a car are generally unnecessary things in the historical center, since many streets are pedestrianized, and parking lots cost crazy money. All the main attractions of Le Havre are concentrated within a kilometer radius, so you can get around them all in a few hours. If the legs do not go - you can rent a bike. Its rent will cost 8 euros per day (plus a deposit of 200 Є). As in all large cities, Le Havre has both buses and trams. Public transport runs around the clock. There are also night flights. One bus or tram ticket costs 1.8 euros. Therefore, tourists recommend buying a book of ten coupons. It costs 13 euros. If you plan to move around the city frequently during the day, it is better to purchase a daily pass for 5 Є. A week pass costs 15 euros. The funicular is very helpful for tourists and residents of the city. Its lower station is located on Thiers Square, and the upper one is located on Felix Fort Street. But, reviews complain, the funicular does not work on Sundays.

Attractions in Le Havre (France)

There are actually a lot of them, but there are only five top ones. What is the must-see traveler in Le Havre? If you plan to see the city in one day, start at the train station. From it you can already see the main attraction of Le Havre - the church of San Joseph. The 100-meter bell tower of this temple served as a beacon for ships. Inside, the church impresses with its decoration, which is in harmony with the strict Neo-Gothic style. The temple was built in the 20th century. And just 800 meters from this "new building" there is a really old cathedral - Notre Dame. It is not as big as Notre Dame, and it will take you an hour to explore it. The cathedral is located on the street of Paris - the main boulevard of Le Havre. If you walk up it, you will reach the city hall (Hotel de Ville). In the lobby of this administrative building there is a small museum of the history of the city. The shipbuilder's house (18th century) looks unremarkable. But inside it keeps a rich collection of antique furniture, ship models, personal belongings of family members who have owned this building for centuries. In addition, the shipbuilder's house is located on the embankment de l "Île, in that part of the port of Le Havre, where ferries from Portsmouth arrive. And, finally, the last iconic landmark of the city is the André Malraux Gallery (Clemenceau Boulevard, 2). It contains paintings by French impressionists .

parks

Le Havre (France) is an industrial city. Therefore, it was important to make it green. Between the town hall and the church of St. Joseph lies Saint-Roch square. These are the lungs of the city. Alleys, lawns, curtains and flower beds occupy a significant area. Do you want to move from Nomandia to Asia? To do this, you should go to the Japanese Garden, which is located near the railway station and Vauban Avenue. In this small but cute place you will find fish ponds and Buddha statues that were brought here from Japan.

Abbey of Graville-Saint-Honorine

This monastery in Le Havre (France) miraculously survived the Second World War, and therefore UNESCO accepted the historical buildings under its auspices. Now the abbey functions as a museum, a ticket to which costs five euros. Finding the former monastery is easy. It is located near the train station, across the Picasso Avenue and is located on the Rue Esalier de l'Abbay.

Beach in Le Havre (France)

Within the city limits there is a two-kilometer section of the coast reserved for sun and sea baths. Northern nature gives these pleasures not so many opportunities. Although the English Channel in this place is surprisingly calm (in summer). But the French, both local Normans and visitors alike, don't make cold weather a problem. They perceive the beach as a place where you can sit by the sea, breathe in iodine dissolved in the air, listen to the cries of seagulls. A promenade is laid along the coast, where the concentration of fish taverns is simply huge. In inclement weather, it’s good to sit here, taste mussel soup and drink it with cider or something stronger, for example, Calvados. The best beaches of Normandy are located in the resorts of Deauville, Honfleur and the like. It is best to admire the sheer cliffs in Etretat, which is 30 kilometers from Le Havre.

Souvenirs

The city of Le Havre (France) is called the birthplace of apple cider and its distillation product - Calvados. To visit Normandy and not try these drinks is just a crime. And if you have already tasted them, you will certainly want to buy a bottle or two - as a keepsake and as a gift to your friends. A good gastronomic souvenir will also be Norman cheese - Neuchâtel, Pont Laveque, Livaro or Camembert.