Hi,
This is my first time to France and we will be getting off the cruise ship in Le Havre. We are hesitant about trying to get into Paris due to the 3hr trip both ways and would not be able to enjoy seeing Paris. Does anyone have any suggestions for us seeing quaint beautiful towns and countrysides that would be closer? We are not really big city, museum or fast paced people. We love beautiful scenery and quaint picturesque settings.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8887 posts
I would start by looking at what excursions the cruise company is offering. That will give you a sense of some of the activities in the area that others have found a good fit. You could go on the excursions, or just sort of copy the idea and do the exploring on your own.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
The excursions are all mostly in Paris...which is a six hour round trip. We were just wondering if there was anything closer that fit what we were looking for...we could take a bus or rent a car and go 1 hr.-1.5 hours away...
Posted by
481 posts
We took a bus from Le Havre to Honfleur less than .5 hour. It doesn't get any quainter of scenicer than Honfleur. Surprised that a Honfleur option isn't offered Brad
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8887 posts
That also surprised me. I know Overlord Tours has some DDay tours for cruise passengers.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
THere is a tour to Honfleur... I just did not know what to expect or if we should get a car and drive a bit further if there was other areas that might be a better use of our time...like maybe driving down the coast...
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Honfleur is a great use of your time, it is really charming! The cruise excursion has the benefit of taking care of all logistics for you, but it is not too hard to go there on your own (there are buses, or you can take a cab (prearranged for the return leg from Honfleur)).
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Is it big enough so that we do not become bored and want to go back to the ship? If so, are there other recommendations you would have? Thanks so far for your advice.
Posted by
New Jersey
16 posts
We just finished a river cruise that terminated in Le Havre - excursions focused on Honefleur, an architecture walk in Le Havre, and Etretat. If you have a car, I could see a fun day being visiting Honfleur and then spending some in Etretat if you have the time in port (sounds like you would given the Paris excursions).
You could also spend a full day in the Etretat area - lovely scenery and opportunity for short hikes. The town itself is a bit touristy but I think the scenery is worth it.
https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/etretat/
In the different direction, you might be able rent a car and drive to Bayeaux to visit the tapestry and Cathedral. We wanted to do that, but our best location was on May 1 when everything was closed.
Posted by
Olympia, Washington
249 posts
Posted by
France Southwest
2340 posts
Getting bored in Honfleur by staying there for only a few hours seems impossible to me.
Along the coast, to the west, less than 10mi from Honfleur there are also plenty of typical Normandy towns to see Trouville, Deauville, Houlgate...etc.