Paris, France

A top attraction is St. Joseph's Church, a towering concrete church that serves as a memorial to the victims of the city's bombing and a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Art lovers should visit the Musée d'art moderne André Malraux (MuMa), which holds one of France's most important collections of Impressionist paintings.

For panoramic views of the city and sea, head to Les Jardins Suspendus (Hanging Gardens), set within a former military fort.

Another unique experience is visiting the Perret model apartment, a preserved 1950s flat that showcases the innovative post-war housing design.

All of these sights are located within the city and are easily accessible from the shuttle drop-off point.

The charming harbor town of Honfleur is a very popular nearby destination, located just across the impressive Pont de Normandie bridge.

It takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Honfleur, known for its picturesque old port and art galleries.

Another must-see is the village of Étretat, approximately a 40-minute drive to the north.

Étretat is famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural rock arches, which have inspired many artists.

While a long day, some cruise excursions offer trips to Paris, which is about a 2.5 to 3-hour journey each way by bus or train.

The cruise terminal in Le Havre is located at Pointe de Floride, an industrial port area approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the city center.

Due to the distance and the industrial nature of the surroundings, walking to the city center is not recommended for most visitors.

Cruise lines almost always provide a shuttle bus service, either complimentary or for a fee, which drops passengers at a central location like Place Perret or near the Hôtel de Ville.

Taxis are also readily available at the cruise terminal for a direct journey into town.

Ships dock directly at the pier, so tendering is not required.

The official currency used in Le Havre is the Euro (€).

US Dollars are not accepted for transactions in shops, cafes, or restaurants.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most establishments, and contactless payment is very common.

ATMs (distributeurs) are plentiful in the city center and are the most convenient way to obtain Euros.

It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure your cards work smoothly abroad.

Le Havre is generally considered a safe city for tourists to explore.

Visitors should exercise standard precautions against pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas, on public transport, and at markets.

Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings.

There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid during the daytime.

It is perfectly safe to explore the city center and main attractions independently on foot or by using public transportation.

Le Havre has a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild temperatures and the possibility of rain throughout the year.

The main cruise season from spring to autumn sees pleasant weather, but it can be unpredictable.

Summer temperatures (July-August) average between 15°C and 21°C (59°F to 70°F), while spring and autumn are slightly cooler.

Packing in layers is the best strategy to adapt to changing conditions.

A waterproof jacket and an umbrella are essential items to pack, regardless of the season, along with comfortable walking shoes for exploring.

Le Havre features an excellent public transportation system called Lia, which includes buses and a modern two-line tramway.

The tram is a particularly convenient way to travel between the main shopping areas, the train station, and the beach.

Tickets can be purchased from machines at tram stops or directly from bus drivers and are valid for transfers within a one-hour period.

Official taxis are available at the cruise terminal and at designated ranks within the city; they operate on a meter.

For official information on routes and schedules, you can consult the Lia network website.

The primary shopping district is located in the city center, radiating out from the Hôtel de Ville and along Avenue René Coty.

Here you will find the Espace Coty, a large indoor shopping mall with a variety of national and international brands.

For a more local experience, explore the shops around the covered market hall, Les Halles Centrales, or the Saint-Vincent district.

Look for regional Normandy specialties such as Calvados (apple brandy), Pommeau, cider, and delicious local cheeses.

Prices are fixed in stores, so haggling is not customary.