Major city · France
Le Havre
Give Le Havre one full day and one night: Perret's concrete centre, MuMa, the beach and the funicular. Two nights only if you add Étretat or Honfleur.
Le Havre is a working Channel port rebuilt in reinforced concrete after 1944 and listed by UNESCO for that reconstruction. The centre is small and walkable, the sea is at the end of the main street, and the city works best as a one-day stop on the Paris–Normandy line or as a base for Étretat and Honfleur. It is not a resort town, and the weather is Atlantic: wind and rain in any month.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wind, rain, short days)
- Airports
- LEH · DOL · CDG
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Le Havre112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Le Havre, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyA calm city by day and night; the real risks are Atlantic weather, wind on the seafront and the usual pickpocketing around the station and market.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency (English) · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLEH Le Havre – Octeville (No scheduled flights; general aviation and occasional charters only.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is flat and walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, per person€25–45 (≈ US$30–55)
- Beerbar / supermarket€5–8 (≈ US$6–10)€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi€15–20 (≈ US$18–25)
- Budget bedHostel or budget-hotel bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LEH Le Havre – Octeville (No scheduled flights; general aviation and occasional charters only.) · DOL Deauville – Normandie (Nearest scheduled airport; about 1 h by road.) · CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (About 2 h 30 min by road or rail via Paris.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jun (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Le Havre: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is flat and walkable. The funicular links the lower town to the upper plateau; local buses cover the rest. Bikes can be rented at the tourist office or from the seasonal stand along the beach. The ferry terminal and train station are each a short walk or bus ride from the centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Étretat
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus from Le Havre station, or drive the D940 north
White chalk cliffs and the arch; go early, the car park fills by mid-morning in summer.
Door to door: About 1 h
Bus or car across the Pont de Normandie
Old harbour and narrow streets; the bridge toll is about €6 (check).
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Train from Le Havre station
Cathedral, old town and museums; easy as a half-day or full day.
Dieppe
cautionDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Train via Rouen, or drive the coast
Better as an overnight on a longer Normandy loop than a return day.
Mont-Saint-Michel
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h
Drive, or train via Rouen and Caen
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep nearby.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre / Hôtel de Ville
Perret's grid, MuMa, Saint-Joseph and the funicular within a 15-minute walk; best for a short stay.
Saint-François
Old quarter by the harbour with bars and crêperies; noisier at night.
Station / Docks Vauban
Near the train station and the shopping centre; practical with bags or an early train.
Beachfront
Sea views and the promenade; a 20–25 minute walk from the station.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–90 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 1 night × €110 | €110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €100 | €200 |
| Funicular, one way2 × €0 | €1 |
| MuMa entry2 × €10 | €20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €36 |
| Trip total≈ €199 per person per day, bed included | €397≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euros; travel to Le Havre excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Crêpe or galette | €5–12 (≈ US$6–14) |
| Lunch menu (plat du jour) | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Dinner, mid-range, per person | €25–45 (≈ US$30–55) |
| Beer: bar / supermarket | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) / €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| 5 km taxi | €15–20 (≈ US$18–25) |
| Pont de Normandie toll, car | about €6 (≈ US$7) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Atlantic weather: wind and rain arrive with little warning even in summer; carry a shell.
- The Pont de Normandie toll bridge can back up for an hour on busy summer weekends.
- Ferry and cruise arrivals land 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) from the centre; check the shuttle before walking with bags.Ferry and cruise arrivals land 1.2–1.9 mi (2–3 km) from the centre; check the shuttle before walking with bags.
- Some restaurants close one or two days a week outside summer: check before you go.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency (English)
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
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Le HavreLe Havre
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency (English)112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No US or UK embassy in Le Havre; embassies are in Paris. Greece keeps a consulate at Sainte-Adresse (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Paris → Le Havre, train: about 2 h, most trains stop at Rouen
- Funicular, one way: €0.40 (≈ under US$1)
- Ferry Le Havre → Portsmouth: crossings from about 3 h 15 min (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-zhoor)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-see)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo pleh)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-byen)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-yay par kart)
- Où est la gare ? — Where is the station? (oo ay la gar)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Le Havre. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wind, rain, short days) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LEH, DOL and CDG: last trains from Paris, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Hôtel de Ville, Saint-François, the beach and Saint-Joseph, the station and Docks.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (MuMa, Maison de l'Armateur, Saint-Joseph, Hôtel de Ville tower) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and cruise arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.