Le Havre

Travel Guide
Le Havre which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a city
Steeped in historic maritime tradition, this coastal city features a splendid harbor that serves the French capital.

Le Havre has one of the largest and busiest harbors in France and much of the city’s charm is derived from its marina and pebble beach, which overlooks the English Channel. Venture into the city center and discover postwar architecture, churches and museums.

The city’s name translates as “The Harbor,” and references the importance of its port. Wander around town and inspect the modern architecture. The area was heavily bombed during World War II. Much of the city you see today was designed by architect August Perret and his team after the war. The city was built using reinforced concrete. In 2005, Le Havre was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Some of France’s most fascinating museums are in Le Havre. Head to Maison Temoin Perret to see where the famous architect behind the city’s redesign lived. The Musée d’art moderne André Malraux contains a fine collection of impressionist artwork.

Study the unusual design of St. Joseph Church, a striking structure that contrasts sharply with typical church architecture. The large concrete tower rising from its center can be seen from across the city. For a more traditional example of sacred architecture, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the few grand structures to have survived the war.

Go shopping at the Docks Vauban. The old dockyard complex now houses shops and restaurants of all kinds. Work on your tan at the beach and cool down with a swim in the sea. Many bars and restaurants in the lively area by the shore serve local specialties, such as oysters and other seafood.

Find Le Havre at the mouth of the River Seine on the north coast of France. The city has its own small domestic airport. Paris, where you will find the nearest major international airport, is less than 3 hours southeast by car. Regular trains also run to and from the nation’s capital.

Le Havre is a captivating city brought back to life through reinvention and renovation.

Where to stay in Le Havre

Le Havre showing a city, a coastal town and sailing

Downtown Le Havre

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the museums and churches in Downtown Le Havre. You might want to make time for a stop at Le Havre City Hall or Le Havre Cathedral.

Downtown Le Havre
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Le Port

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Le Port, Le Havre Beach and Catène de Containers are top sights worth seeing.

Le Port
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Côté Ouest Ormeaux

4/5(1 area review)

While Côté Ouest Ormeaux isn't home to many top sights, Le Havre City Hall and Le Havre Cathedral are some notable places to visit nearby.

Côté Ouest Ormeaux
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Anatole France Danton

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Anatole France Danton, you might make a stop by sights like Appartement Témoin and COTY.

Anatole France Danton
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Sainte Marie - Saint Leon

3/5(4 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Sainte Marie - Saint Leon, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Vauban Docks and Carré des Docks.

Sainte Marie - Saint Leon
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Mont Gaillard

Mont Gaillard might not have many top sights, but Le Havre City Hall and Le Havre Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Mont Gaillard
All Suites Appart Hotel Le Havre
All Suites Appart Hotel Le Havre
3 out of 5
5 Place Armand Frémont, Le Havre
The price is RM230 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
RM230
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Le Havre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Vauban Docks and Carré des Docks are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
"Transportation is very good"

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024

All Suites Appart Hotel Le Havre
Hôtel et Spa Vent d'Ouest
Hôtel et Spa Vent d'Ouest
4 out of 5
4 rue Caligny, Le Havre, Seine-maritime
The price is RM628 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
RM628
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Le Havre. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Popular attractions St. Joseph's Church and The Volcano are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews)
"Super staff and customer service."

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2023

Hôtel et Spa Vent d'Ouest
Odalys City Le Havre Centre Gare
Odalys City Le Havre Centre Gare
4 out of 5
25 cours du Commandant Fratacci, Le Havre
The price is RM296 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
RM296
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Le Havre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Vauban Docks and Appartement Témoin ...
9/10 Wonderful! (92 reviews)
"I stayed for two nights in a pleasant, spacious, comfortable and well-equipped apartment with a nice view. Great location near railway station and bus terminal, docklands and marina, sea, and shops, with the main sights within walking distance. Laundry facilities on the ground floor. Responsive staff. ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2024

Odalys City Le Havre Centre Gare
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Odalys City Le Havre Centre Les Docks
Odalys City Le Havre Centre Les Docks
3 out of 5
95 Quai Colbert, Le Havre
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Le Havre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Vauban Docks and Carré des Docks are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Everything is great. The only problem: There are 2 hotels with the same name, Odalys, and they are about 500 meters apart. I went to the wrong one. Parking is a little tricky if you arrive at night because it is difficult to know and see where the paid parking lots are. Once you are there, it is ..."

Reviewed on 28 Nov 2023

Odalys City Le Havre Centre Les Docks
Odalys City Le Havre Centre Gare
Odalys City Le Havre Centre Gare
4 out of 5
25 cours du Commandant Fratacci, Le Havre
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Le Havre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Vauban Docks and Appartement Témoin ...
9/10 Wonderful! (92 reviews)
"I stayed for two nights in a pleasant, spacious, comfortable and well-equipped apartment with a nice view. Great location near railway station and bus terminal, docklands and marina, sea, and shops, with the main sights within walking distance. Laundry facilities on the ground floor. Responsive staff. ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2024

Odalys City Le Havre Centre Gare
Aparthotel Adagio Access Le Havre Les Docks
Aparthotel Adagio Access Le Havre Les Docks
3 out of 5
66 rue de l'aviateur Guérin, Le Havre
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Le Havre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Carré des Docks and Vauban ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (346 reviews)
as expected
"Good friendly staffs, apartment was ok. We spent only one night there but everything was as expected."

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2021

Aparthotel Adagio Access Le Havre Les Docks
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Le Havre

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 21.73913043478261%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 52.17391304347826%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 21.73913043478261%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 4.3478260869565215%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
26 Sep 2019

Nice place for zn overnight stay

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Aug 2019

Easy to get about and facilities

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
1 Aug 2019

The staff is unprofessionel...rude and raciste. I went to police station , office of touriste to complain.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Jun 2019

St. Joseph's church is a must.