La Havre Port/ Harbour Guide

In terms of traffic, Le Havre is the busiest port in France, with two ferry terminals at its port. The British Terminal called Terminal de Grand Bretagne is used for ferry crossings. The Irish Terminal or Terminal Irelande no longer services Ireland. The staff is on hand to help disabled passengers. Wheelchair access is also available. However, please give prior notification.

Port of Le Havre Ferry Routes:

The large cargo traffic from Normandy, France and Le Havre makes it the busiest port in France. However, passenger ferries only go to one destination. On a daily basis, LD lines sail to and from Portsmouth. They depart Le Havre at 5:00pm and take roughly 6 hours. Passengers should arrive an hour before departure. The Norman Spirit is a fast vessel. Both modern and well equipped, it can carry around 1,850 passengers, 700 cars, and 110 Lorries. Onboard there are several dining options, shopping, and internet access. There are also areas for children to play.

Local Transportation:

The A131 road connects the ferry terminal at Le Havre to Paris. If you take the A55, you’ll be taken to the capital of Normandy Rouen. A great way to find service all over France and on into Europe is to travel by the SNCF train on Cours de la Republique. The center of town has a regional bus and a shuttle bus between the port and train station. Look for town busses marked “Centre Ville” to take you into the central town area. If you prefer you can go online and rent a car for hire in Le Havre.

Accommodations & Activities:

Many ports don’t have the appeal that Le Havre has, especially with the low skyline which allows you to enjoy the view of the sea from almost anywhere. There are many places to stay in Le Havre from self catering cottages, bed and breakfasts, two to five star hotels, and nearby campsites. If you like to camp, you could stay at the Forest de Mongeon Campsite. Some international hotel chains you may recognize are Best Western, Novotel and Ibis.

There are many street markets available which adds to the enchantment of this seaside stop. There are appealing cafes, bars and restaurants in which to try some local flavors. Why not check out one of the nearby beaches and stretch your legs, really take in the beauty of what La Havre has to offer.