Top 5 things to do in Le Havre

Normandy is one of France’s most culturally rich regions. This region has been the scene of some of the darkest hours in history. A trip to Normandy is not exactly a trip like any other, where you can enjoy the good weather without worrying. The richness of the region means that there are plenty of historic sites and monuments to visit.

1- Take a first flight in a microlight

Category : €€€ / Unusual / Sensations

Description: Leaving from Le Havre aerodrome, you’ll get your fill of thrills while enjoying the sublime landscapes that Normandy has to offer. Accompanied by an expert in the field, you’ll fly over the cliffs of Etretat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll discover La Manche from a different angle, Le Havre and its imposing port and the small village of Yport with just 700 inhabitants. A small village, but famous throughout Normandy for its beauty and location, wedged between two cliffs. You’ll have a choice of flight options, from a 12 to a 45-minute first flight. On landing, you’ll have a short debrief with your pilot. A unique and unusual way to discover the Normandy countryside.

2- Discover the impressive Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery

Category : €€€ / Cultural

Description: The Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery, around 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive away, is well worth a visit. No fewer than 9,388 American soldiers who died for France in the fight against Nazism are buried here. As a duty of remembrance, you should visit this cemetery at least once in your life. During your visit, you will find yourself close to the landing beaches such as Omaha Beach, and the famous Pointe du Hoc, once fortified by the Germans. This was a strategic point that had to be knocked out as quickly as possible, as the artillery present could have reached Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. If you have a vehicle, you’ll have to pay 9.50 euros to get in. However, if you don’t have a car at the moment, you can book your ticket from Le Havre. An all-day excursion will take you to the places listed above.

3- Visit the Port of Le Havre by boat

Category : € / Cultural

Description: The Port of Le Havre is the largest and most important port in France. Its geographical position greatly facilitates trade with other countries. Covering an area of 10,600 ha², the Port of Le Havre sees almost 106 million tonnes of goods pass through its gates every year. On this tour, you’ll be up close and personal with the huge ocean liners. Immerse yourself in the heart of the largest ships, and you’ll feel as if you’re a tiny child. Contemplate the skeleton of these giants as your Captain explains the different port activities and the different types of ship. It’s a fun way to retrace the history of this world-famous port.

4- Stroll through Perret architecture

Category : € /Cultural

Description: During the Second World War, the city of Le Havre was bombed several times, leaving behind a city to be rebuilt. In all, more than 10,000 buildings were destroyed. Auguste Perret was appointed to rebuild Le Havre. He was a famous French architect who had built the Champs Elysées theatre in Paris. Everything had to be done very quickly to rehouse the 80,000 disaster victims. Once seen as cold and unwelcoming, the city centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see for yourself just how much work went into enabling thousands of Le Havre residents to return to a peaceful life.

5- Stroll along the coastline

Category : Cultural

Description: Discover Sainte-Adresse, a small village located to the west of Le Havre and accessible on foot. As you walk along the coast, you’ll come across this charming little spot with a view over the whole of Le Havre. When the weather’s fine, it’s nice to relax a little, lose your gaze on the sea horizon and admire Le Havre and its impressive Eglise Saint-Joseph, with its air of an American building.