Private car transfer
from Paris to Le Havre

A drive from Paris to Le Havre is far from boring. You can opt for the A13 motorway, a toll road that will get you to the port city of Le Havre in just above 2.5 hours, chosen by many travelers for its efficiency. If you prefer to avoid toll roads and make the most of your trip, you can opt for a personalized car service like Daytrip. Our door-to-door car service will pick you up and make stops at your chosen destinations along the way.

Both cities are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and stops that are worth visiting. After leaving Paris, you can explore the Palace of Versailles and its gardens, then visit Rouen's medieval architecture, and finally, the charming town of Honfleur before getting closer to Le Havre.

Although you may have already seen the Seine River in France, don't forget to add it to your itinerary to see it in less crowded areas. You will fall in love with the river when visiting it in the town of Les Andelys. It is located approximately halfway between Paris and Le Havre, so it makes a perfect stop to stretch your legs in the middle of your trip.

If you fancy some medieval experiences along the way, visit Château Gaillard, a castle near the banks of the Seine River. Your local driver will be happy to take you to these stops and any other sights you'd like to visit.

A brief history of Le Havre

Le Havre was founded in 1517 by King Francis I of France. Initially, it was a small fishing village, but King Francis later decided to build a big harbor, which was essential for trade and commerce. The town flourished and became one of the busiest ports in France, known for trading cotton, leather, sugar, coffee, and tobacco.

In the 17th century, it served as a war port and played a strategic role in naval operations. Then, in the mid-18th century, houses were constructed along the coast, stimulating economic growth and increasing the population as people from various parts of France moved there. The city became one of the four main ports of France.

Unfortunately, Le Havre was largely destroyed during World Wars I and II, leaving only a small portion untouched. The French architect Auguste Perret led the reconstruction of the city from 1945 to 1964, and his visionary work has since earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Le Havre is renowned for its extensive use of concrete in architecture and is considered the first modern city in France.

In the 1970s, the city faced challenges during the oil crisis, with high oil prices significantly impacting the economy, as the city relied on maritime trade and transportation. Le Havre took its first steps towards a more sustainable future by investing in energy efficiency. In the 1980s, the city shifted its focus to the growth of the tourism sector.

Learn basic French phrases

Although you’ll likely meet English-speaking people at restaurants, hotels, and museums, French people will appreciate your efforts in learning some of the local phrases. It is a way of showing your respect for their language and culture. You don’t have to be an expert and reach the C1 level, but the French will appreciate learning the most common phrases.

Some phrases that might come in handy:

• Bonjour (hello)
• Excusez-moi (excuse me)
• S’il vous plait (please)
• Merci (thank you)
• Au revoir (goodbye)

If you want to nail the pronunciation, you can always check it online by searching for how to pronounce the specific word in French.

Explore the culture and attend local events

If you plan to stay longer, you can attend one of Le Havre’s local events. With a variety of art exhibitions, festivals, and other events held throughout the year, you can get to know Le Havre’s culture on a different level. Whether you're passionate about contemporary art, music, or local cuisine, the port city has something for every soul. Check out the upcoming events or the whole agenda to plan in advance.

From Paris to Le Havre by train

You can get to the harbor city by choosing a train. The cheapest fare is €16, and you will get there in just over 2 hours. There are 15 routes per day. While this option sounds convenient, the only downside is that you won’t be able to explore any of the charming stops along the way.

You can either choose between TER or TGV trains. With TER trains, you can expect more stops, which means a longer journey, as they are regional trains, while TGV trains are faster and make fewer stops. They are considered the fastest trains in France. Another downside TER trains have is that you can’t reserve a seat, which is not the case when it comes to TGV trains. Tickets range from $20 to $50 (€19 to €46).

From Paris to Le Havre by bus

If you are looking for a more affordable means of transportation, you can go by bus. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to get from Paris to Le Havre, depending on the traffic conditions. Two bus operators can take you to Le Havre:

Flixbus:

• Fare: approximately $10 (€9).
• Equipped with amenities such as power sockets and WiFi.
• You can also bring your luggage.

BlaBlaBus:

• Fare: from $9 (€8).
• Offers space for your luggage.
• No WiFi is available.

They operate multiple times a day, and both are affordable. Please check the official websites for a more detailed timetable, fares, exact route length, and more information on amenities.

From Paris to Le Havre by car

Although it is possible to go from Paris to Le Havre by taxi, it is an incredibly inconvenient option, as generally taxi is expensive for long-distance trips. If you are looking for a more personalized way to transfer to the beautiful port city of Le Havre, which will not only take you to the destination but will also take into account your selected stops for you to enjoy the best France has to offer along the journey, Daytrip car service is for you.

Despite the route not being that long, numerous attractions and points of interest are worth stopping for along your journey from Paris to Le Havre. From historic landmarks to picturesque views, you will have a chance to explore more of France as you enter the Normandy region.

An English-speaking local driver will take care of your luggage and will share some tips and recommendations about the region. As you travel in an air-conditioned and spacious vehicle, you can relax and soak in the view, knowing that both flexibility and your comfort are Daytrip’s priority. With Daytrip services, you can enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable trip from Paris to the calmer Le Havre, a city that breaks the stereotypical standards of France. Secure your trip starting at $424 (€390) for a private sedan.

Admire the panoramic view from St. Joseph’s Church

When you're in Le Havre, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to climb St. Joseph's Church tower to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, coastline, and harbor from above. The tower stands 107 meters high and features a unique design of over 12,000 colored stained glass pieces. This architectural masterpiece by Auguste Perret is the centerpiece of Le Havre’s UNESCO-listed modern reconstruction.

Go on excursions to the maritime and modern art museums

Those who want to learn more about Le Havre’s maritime heritage will enjoy a visit to Musée Maritime or the Maritime Museum. Although the museum’s website is available only in French, it should not be an obstacle if you are a real maritime enthusiast. Take a look at the upcoming events, such as temporary exhibits that highlight the importance of Le Havre as a maritime center and the port's history, or even showcase the historic ships, vessels, and boats.

Art enthusiasts should not miss the chance to explore the modern art museum (Musée d'Art Moderne André Malraux). The museum itself is a work of art, thanks to its architectural design. You will discover a diverse collection of fascinating artworks, including traditional and modern paintings, as well as sculptures from various artists.

Go on a tour of the cliffs of Etretat

If you stay in Le Havre longer, you will love the majestic cliffs of Etretat. It’s around a 35-minute drive from Le Havre, or you can also take a boat trip. Find a guided tour that fits your plans and you will also learn more about the fascinating geological formations and the history of the area.

A range of excursions is available, depending on what type of experience you're seeking. Whether you prefer walking along the cliffs and appreciating the stunning views, going for a hike to explore the hidden caves, or learning about the rich history during an informative tour, you will have a story to tell.

Pedal through the city on a rental bike

Le Havre is the perfect place to explore in a sustainable and active way while biking through the city's cycle routes. Browse through the cycling routes beforehand and plan which landmarks you’d like to visit. Then, rent and hop on a bike and create your own customized tour. You can check with the local tourist office to find the best place to rent a bike.

Try fresh seafood and Normand cheese

Are you a pescatarian? Le Havre is the place to be because, being a coastal city, you will find a diverse selection of fresh seafood restaurants all around. Depending on what you fancy, you will certainly find something for your taste buds to enjoy.

Not keen on seafood? We’ve got your back! Try out some of the many types of Norman cheeses. The Neufchatel cheese is soft, creamy, and heart-shaped. It is known to be the oldest type of cheese in France. It is believed that its history dates back to the 6th century, so make sure you don’t miss out on trying this traditional delicacy.

In late spring and early autumn, the weather is also rather mild, which means it will be more enjoyable, and the prices will be lower. From May to June, the temperatures are around 10 to 20°C (at the end of June, they can go even higher), while from September to October, the temperature typically is from 12° to 18°C degrees. This is just an approximation, as it can vary each year.

However, if you are planning to attend any of the summer festivals, you won’t want to miss out on visiting Le Havre from June to August. One of the most famous events is Summer in Le Havre (Un Été Au Havre), which was first held in 2017 in honor of the city’s 500th anniversary and attracted more than 2 million visitors.