Is Le Havre Worth Visiting? 11 Best Things To Do

Let me guess, you’ve read the bad press and now you’re left wondering if Le Havre is even worth visiting? Well, here’s my two cents on the matter.

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Should you go to Le Havre?

Le Havre is a large port city in the Normandy region of France. Situated at the mouth of the River Seine on the English Channel, it makes a popular port of call for many cruise liners.

Which is exactly how we ended up exploring this rather industrial French city.

The MSC cruise we were on classed this stop as Paris, which is a little far fetched. As that involves heading inland on a coach for a 6 hour round trip. Leaving you with only one hour remaining to explore Paris. Thanks. But no thanks.

So we decided to disembark the beautiful Euribia, and spend a few hours checking out the local sites and sounds of Le Havre instead.

Le Havre certainly doesn’t share the same romance or Parisian charm of Paris, nor the ornate details and prettiness that comes with most of France to be honest. It’s more of a stark, reinforced concrete city. Full of sharp modern architecture, draped head-to-toe in a blanket of grey.

Although it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing French city, and has gained a rather undesirable reputation from many tourists and French alike. It’s not all bad…

Best things to do in Le Havre, France

Let’s just say you wouldn’t need (or probably want) more than one day in this concrete city. But if you find yourself visiting as a port of call, and you’re wondering if it’s worth getting off your fabulous cruise ship or not. Then here’s my list of 11 things you can do in Le Havre.

1. Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel

We visited Le Havre on a sunny Decembers day. So I’m not entirely sure if this Ferris Wheel was a special Christmas time addition to the city, or a permanent structure. Fingers crossed its there all year, as it’s actually a bit of a laugh!

Whilst you’re circling around, you manage to get a good panoramic view over the city. A great way to get your bearings and start your day of site seeing

Tickets only cost a few euros each, and it did a good 7 or 8 loops in total!

If the Ferris wheel is there all year, you’ll find it right by the public gardens. Which is up next up on my list.

Ferris wheel. Le Havre for Christmas/December

2. Admire the public gardens and water fountains

This part of Le Havre is actually quite pretty. No doubt it’s even nicer during the summer when the colourful flowers are in bloom, softening the harsh concrete.

The large open square has multiple shallow pools, with peaceful water features and jets of water shooting here, there and everywhere. Someone was stood doing the forever original thing of making it look like he was going for a wee. If that’s a photo opportunity you simply cant resist capturing. Then this is the place to do it!

There’s also plenty of interesting sculptures to enjoy in this area. My favourites were the larger than life, rusty flamingos. At least I think they were flamingos!

3. Take a ride on Le Havre’s Funicular

Whether it’s just for an ounce of fun, or to save your legs from all the challenging steps. Le Havre has a small, 2 car funicular at Rue Gustave Flaubert. Where you can catch a ride to the upper part of the city, without producing a single bead of sweat.

As you enter the compact Funicular station, you’ll see a self-serve ticket booth standing In front of you. Don’t worry if your French is a little rusty, as there’s a handy button to translate the text into English. Purchase your cheep-as-chips ticket (single or return) with either cash or card. Then hop inside the funicular to grab yourself a seat. The trip only lasts three minutes, so enjoy short glimpses over the city, before it heads inside a tunnel. Once you’re up the top, theres some beautiful French houses to admire!

4. Get up close with the UP#3 statue

This modern statue is the brain child and abstract creation of Swiss artists; Sabina Lang and Daniel Baumanncan. Found along the beach of Le Havre, this frame styled sculpture arises from the pebbles. It almost looked a little unfinished to me, or perhaps just a smidge unloved? Nonetheless, it’s quite quirky.

As the sun moves across the sky (don’t panic – I know it’s Earth moving) the statue changes its appearance, casting different shadows on itself and the ground.

Of course the artists have crafted it from this cities most favourite medium. Concrete. At least they have stayed authentic, and it fits the vibe of the city.

5. Have a photo with this bird statue

I have no idea what this is. Or why its placed in the middle of an empty, semi derelict carpark. There was a grotty mattress on the floor, along with abandoned shopping trollies flung about the place. But this unusual statue of a human body with a bird head is very unique and worth a look.

It makes for a fun photo opportunity, if nothing else.

6. See the bright Catène de Containers

These shipping containers are the most, if not the only, colourful thing we found in the whole of Le Havre. Providing a very welcome, and much needed injection of colour to the vastly dull city.

Created by Vincent Ganivet in 2017. The vibrant multicoloured archways are a fun addition to the well kept grassy area that’s found near the dock.

7. Take a stroll along Le Havre beach

Le Havre beach stretches for over a mile and is mostly made up from pebbles. Although, sandcastle building shouldn’t be completely ruled out. As you will find some sand nearer to the water.

As this is the English Channel, you might not want to brave getting in the water until the warmer months of July and August. Up until then, it could be a touch on the chilly side!

There’s also a nice promenade to wall along, if you’d rather not tackle the pebbles or risk twisting your ankles on the large pebbles.

8. Wander along to Le Volcan

You’ll easily spot ‘Le Volcan’ and quickly understand how it gained it name. The larger building looks a bit like a volcano. Whilst I personally think the smaller one takes on the appearance of a UFO, with the row of windows around the top.

The larger volcano building contains a theatre and cinema. Whilst over at the smaller volcano, there’s a multimedia library and a café bar. Offering a peaceful space for you to get properly stuck into a good book.

Some people think the architecture of Le Volcan is incredible, whilst others think it looks like a yoghurt pot. What do you think?

9. Take a look inside Musée d’art Moderne

If you appreciate art, then the Musée d’art Moderne is a great place for you to check out. This modern building has a ginormous swooping sculpture out the front, and is home to a collection of artwork waiting for you to admire. There is a large space dedicated to Eugene Boudin, with the majority of the artwork being impressionist paintings.

Tickets cost between €5-€10 depending on the time of the year that you’re visiting.

10. See the unusual St. Joseph’s Church

This is one of the most unusual churches we’ve ever seen. From the outside I think its pretty bizarre (for a church) with its imposing brutalist architecture. In my mind, churches are generally more delicate looking. But then you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, should you?

The moment you step foot inside this church, your negative opinions will instantly shift. Because when the sun shines through, it magically illuminates all the stained glass windows. Transforming the ginormous hexagonal steeple into a wonderful colourful lantern.

It’s free and worth a visit!

11. Be impressed by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame

One of the few buildings that escaped being turned entirely to rubble during the destruction of World War 2. Although it suffered heavy damages during the bombing, it’s been meticulously restored to its former glory. Making Cathédrale Notre-Dame the oldest building in central Le Havre.

Set back off the main road, this church with its baroque façade is unmissable. Take a look inside and have a moment to notice all the bomb scars that are etched into its outer walls.

Tips for visiting Le Havre

Now you’re equipped with a list of 11 things to do in Le Havre. Here’s a few other tips to help you during your time in this French city.

Watch out for the dog poo!

Ok. I know this isn’t an activity. But it’s something you’ll be doing for a pastime in Le Havre!

One thing we both commented on in Le Havre, was that there is dog poo everywhere! Actually everywhere. In the road. On the pavements. On the beach. Everywhere.

I don’t think we walked along one single pavement where there wasn’t a brown mess waiting to be accidentally trod in!

Sadly its not very desirable and does drag down the overall feel of the area. After all, who puts ‘dog poo lined streets’ on their holiday wish list? Exactly.

What does Le Havre mean?

The name Le Havre translates as ‘the harbour’ or ‘the port’.

How to get into Le Havre from the cruise terminal

The cruise terminal in Le Havre isn’t too far from the city centre. You can even walk in, but its not overly scenic and it will take you over half an hour to do. As it was chilly in December we opted for a ride on the MSC shuttle bus. It took about 10 minutes and it dropped us off by the city hall in the centre of Le Havre.

Below shows the route that you would need to take.

Will you visit Le Havre?

Although I personally wouldn’t rush back, or choose to come and holiday for a week in Le Havre. We thought it was perfectly fine to wander around for the day. It had enough things to keep us occupied for a few hours. Which, to be honest is perfect when you’ve arrived here on a cruise ship!

Hopefully this article has helped you decide if you want to visit Le Havre, and given you some options of things to do. Have a nice time, and remember that as with anywhere it the world. A place is what you make of it.

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