Le Havre Ferry Port

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Le Havre Ferry Port Overview

The Le Havre Ferry Port, is the first port at the entrance of the English Channel, and is the largest city in the heart of Normandy, with 196,000 inhabitants. The Havre de Grace was founded in 1517 by King Francois (1st), because of the silting up of the Honfleur and Harfleur ports situated in the bay of the river Seine.

The port town of Le Havre expanded and developed rapidly, thanks to its 17th Century military port, and the commercial success with the West Indies in the 18th Century, including the emigration from America in the 19th century.

The industrialization of the 1920's helped Le Havre to become the most important city in Normandy, thanks to its coffee and cotton exchange, which became known all over the world. Along with this, the port of Le Havre has had a long standing tradition with luxury cruise ships, which have been welcoming guests and ships for two centuries.

During the Second World War (1944), an air raid destroyed most of the city centre and the port was left completely inoperable. Today the city and port has been completely rebuilt into a bustling and lively town. Downtown now consist of one of the largest post-war homogenous reconstruction sites, covering a total of 150 hectares.

The port of Le Havre is now France's largest commercial port for external trade, cargo, containers and the second largest French oil port. Le Havre is a seaward-looking city, a river cruise port, and ocean cruise ship destination, a yachting and seaside resort where all the latest water sports and beach activities can be practiced.

Le Havre is situated at the mouth of the River Seine with Paris only 200km away, making Le Havre the closest port to Paris. Le Havre itself is a nice place to visit with its sightseeing and shopping. Much of the shopping is in the shape of street markets and shopping centers. The Quartier Grand Centre is the main shopping centre, with a covered market and pedestrianied streets. The Quartier St Francois is near the port and has a daily fish market as well as charming bars and restaurants. Le Havre now also boasts Frances largest skate park, which is ideal for families and kids.

Le Havre Ferry Port Services

The main Le Havre passenger terminal is reserved for LD Lines, and is called the "Citadelle", which offers a full range of services and facilities, including boutiques, lounges, toilets, check-in desks as well as long-term parking facilities.

Le Havre Ferry Port Directions

By Car

From Paris, take the motorway A13 (90km); then take the exit towards E46/E402 (Le Havre/Caen) and merge onto the A13(32km), take the exit onto the A131 towards Le Havre/Fecamp (15Km). Make a slight right turn at E05 (follow signs for Le Havre), and turn right at N15 and start following the signs for the Le Havre ferry port.
Le Havre is only 95Km from Caen. Take the A13 motorway and then the A29, following the signs for Le Havre and Le Havre Ferry Port.
From Dieppe, take the Avenue de Breaute/N27 for 50 Km, then take the exit onto the A29 towards Le Havre/Caen and continue for 65 Km, then take the A131/E05 toward Le Havre, continue on the N282 and finally take the N15, which will guide you to the city centre where you will find signs for the port.

By Foot
The port is only a 20 minute walk to the city centre, simply follow the Pointe de Floride (walking path drawn on the pier).

By Shuttle Bus
There is a shuttle bus service that operates between the port and Le Havre city centre. The shuttle drop off/pick up points are located in the heart of Le Havre in front of St Michel Church, by the Coty shopping mall. Please ask onboard for further details.

By Taxi
Le Havre Ferry Port is only 5 minutes drive to town, 8 minute drive to the beach and the bus stop, or to the Railway Station. There is a taxi service available at the port, which costs approximately 8 Euros, to the centre of town.