Le Havre (Paris), France Port Reviews

This port was very emotional. We did the Normandy tour. We hired a company named Band of Brothers. We were put on a list and two others couples from cruise went with us. We didn’t know them until then. If you go private it’s pretty expensive but if other couples go it will save you money. This company took us all around the history of Normandy and all the other beaches of WWII. We stopped at the American memorial. This place touched my heart and it was emotional. Bring tissues. The band of brothers also took us to a quaint French Village and had the best French pastries. If you really want to know about D-Day you need to hire this company. They had a tour guide and show old pictures and went into great details. FYI......it was worth every penny for this private tour.

LeHavre is really meant as a departure point for other places around the region: Normandy beaches, Rouen, Giverny, and of course Paris. It’s at least a 2-hour bus ride to go to any of them. But don’t sell LeHavre short! It’s a lovely town to wander around on your own. Like most French cities, it has a full complement of cafés, pastry shops, and cheese shops. It’s a great city to sit with a latte and croissant, or a good Brie and baguette, and relax. For art enthusiasts, I recommend the André Malraux Museum of Modern Art. It’s in walking distance from the port dock, and contains some of the well known Impressionists. Granted, it doesn’t hold a candle to the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay, but you can tour it in less than 2 hours for €5 a person.

A lot of people say to skip the long drive to Paris, but I disagree if you have never been to Paris. Yes, it was frustrating to have so little time, but we were able to see the beautiful city, and we had a really good tour guide who provided interesting information on the history and local landmarks along the way, so it wasn't a boring ride at all. Our afternoon there let us get a sense of the city and helped us to decide whether we want to try to go back (a definite yes!) So if you have never been to Paris, definitely do the excursion.

Visited: Jul 07, 2016

Read full cruise review

I'm a Vietnam veteran, and wanted to visit where so many of my older "brothers" lost their lives for their country

Visited: Aug 05, 2018

Read full cruise review

We took the ship excursion to Paris, and even though we had to put up with a 3 hour ride each way, and traffic, the visit was worthwhile.

Visited: May 16, 2018

Read full cruise review

Took an excursion to the Normandy Beaches and the American Cemetery. One of the most meaningful experiences in a long time. Then, they took us to a quaint French fishing village where we ate lunch at a riverside cafe. Wonderful day.

Visited: Apr 28, 2019

Read full cruise review

Did the Normandy beaches tour including the American Military cemetery. Very moving, a must see on this cruise

Visited: Jun 30, 2017

Read full cruise review

Do Paris day trip! Can't describe the awe of Paris!

Visited: Oct 01, 2018

Read full cruise review

Hopped on shuttle bus at port. (€4 return). Ticket bought in terminal. We decided to just wander about Le Havre and end up at beach. Walked from drop off to St Joseph's church which dominates Le Havre skyline. Going inside is a must. Absolutely stunning with sunlight pouring through the stain glass windows. From here short walk to beach area. Leisurely stroll on promenade. Then found nice restaurant and drank sangria before a lovely late lunch. Bus back to boat slightly worse for wear but happy.

Went to Palace of Versailles! Excellent!!

Visited: May 24, 2019

Read full cruise review