We are coming in on a ship to Le Havre and want to go to Rouen and Monet in Giverny. What is the best way to do this? It seems practical for one day but want to make sure we are not biting off more than we can choose. Thanks in advance...Dallas Texas
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Train takes one hour or less from Le Havre to Rouen, then 41 minutes from Rouen to Vernon, then 2 hours back to Le Havre with a connection again at Rouen. How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it. I think you might just enjoy Rouen for the whole day, or decide when you're there. You also buy tickets there in the stations.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7039 posts
Whether or not you have enough time to do justice to both destinations depends mostly on what time you disembark the ship and what time you need to be back before sailing. If you're off the ship before 9:00am and the ship doesn't sail until late (say 8:00 pm or later) you might be able to do both. But you could be letting yourself in for some hurt if for some reason you don't make it back to the ship in time - things happen that could delay you.
Were you planning on doing it by public transport? It would be much more doable (timewise) if you rent a car at Le Havre for the day. That would cut the actual transportation time in half and give you more time in each place.