Things to Do in Le Havre: What to See, Eat and Explore
Le Havre isn’t like the rest of Normandy and that’s exactly why we based ourselves here for a few days in July. After a weekend in Paris we wanted a central spot where we could unpack, explore nearby villages and have easy access to restaurants and grocery stores. Le Havre gave us all of that plus its own mix of modern architecture, coastal walks and green spaces.
The city feels very different from the postcard towns nearby. Between the bold post-war architecture, colorful street art like the stacked shipping container installation on the harbor and plenty of open spaces to walk and explore, Le Havre has its own energy and personality.
Most people head straight to the smaller towns but Le Havre surprised us. The city was almost completely rebuilt after World War II which gives it a different feel from the rest of Normandy. It is busy and modern in some areas and relaxed in others. If you are planning a trip to the region it is worth adding to your list and it makes the perfect base for day trips to Honfleur, Étretat and Rouen.
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Walking the Harbor
We started our first morning with a walk along Le Havre’s harbor. It is a working port so expect ferries, cargo ships and fishing boats instead of quiet cafés and terraces. Watching the ferries leave for England and the fishing boats come back with their early morning catch was a reminder of how important the port is to this city.
As you walk along the water you’ll spot “Catène de Containers”, a colorful art installation made from stacked shipping containers. It adds a bright pop of color against the industrial backdrop and makes a fun photo stop before heading toward the marina.
The marina area feels different with sailboats lined up along the docks and casual restaurants scattered around. We stopped for coffee here before heading into the city center and it was a nice spot to watch the water.
Église Saint-Joseph
You can see Saint-Joseph’s tower long before you get close. Designed by Auguste Perret after the war, the 107-meter tower dominates the skyline and helps you find your way around the city.
Inside, hundreds of stained-glass windows filter the light in every shade of red, gold and blue. The effect is incredible and changes as the sun moves. Even if modern architecture is not usually your thing, this church is worth visiting.
Oscar Niemeyer’s Volcano
Le Havre has plenty of modern architecture but Niemeyer’s Volcano is one of the most striking and odd. The curved white structure stands out immediately against the rebuilt city blocks. It houses a performance hall and a multimedia library. Walking around the exterior was enough to appreciate the design and see how it changes from different angles.
The plaza around the Volcano has open seating and small cafés which makes it a nice place to pause before heading back toward the harbor.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Havre
Le Havre’s Notre-Dame is one of the oldest buildings in the city and one of the few that survived the bombings of World War II. It feels like every French town has its own Notre-Dame, but this one stands out because of its history. It is smaller than the cathedrals in nearby towns but it has its own quiet charm. Inside, the light comes through tall windows and the stone walls give it a calm atmosphere. It is worth stopping in while you explore the city center.
Forêt de Montgeon
When you want a break from the city head to Forêt de Montgeon. This massive park covers more than 270 hectares and has shaded walking trails, open lawns and plenty of space to relax. We spent part of an afternoon here and it was a nice change of pace after exploring the harbor and city center.
There are great play areas for kids, a small lake and wide paths for biking or walking. It’s a good spot for a picnic and there’s more than enough space to spread out, which makes it a nice option if you’re traveling with family or a dog.
Where We Stayed
We booked an Airbnb in Le Havre and used it as our base for visiting Honfleur, Étretat and Rouen. Staying here made the trip so much easier since we did not have to unpack and repack every night. Parking was simple, grocery stores were nearby and the drives to the other towns were quick and straightforward.
If you plan on exploring several parts of Normandy, Le Havre is one of the best places to stay.
Know Before You Go
Getting There: Le Havre is about a two-hour drive from Paris
Parking: Street parking and garages are easy to find in the city center
Good to Know: Le Havre is a great base for visiting Honfleur, Étretat and Rouen
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall when the weather is warm enough for coastal walks
Planning More Coastal Travel in France?
If you’re exploring Normandy or heading along the coast, check out:
Things to Do in Étretat – Cliff hikes, sculpture gardens and local cider
Things to Do in Rouen – Gothic cathedrals, historic streets and a proper French dinner
Things to Do in Honfleur – Pastel houses, harbor walks and caramel