Saint-Joseph Church
Step inside Auguste Perret’s landmark church and its extraordinary coloured-glass lantern tower.
Normandy · France
Le Havre Ferry &
Le Havre Ferry &
Destination Guide
Discover Le Havre’s UNESCO-listed modern architecture and seafront, then sail directly to Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries.
FerryEU booking search
Check Le Havre ferry prices & availability
Use FerryEU to compare live ferry sailings, fares, passenger and vehicle options for France. When you continue, the live booking results open in a new tab so this FerryEU destination guide stays available.
Discover Le Havre
UNESCO-listed modernism, Impressionist light and a seasonal direct ferry to Portsmouth
Le Havre is one of Normandy’s most distinctive cities. Rebuilt after the Second World War under architect Auguste Perret, its central district is recognised by UNESCO for the exceptional coherence of its modern concrete architecture.
Saint-Joseph Church is the defining landmark, with a slender lantern tower visible across the city and coloured glass transforming the interior light. Nearby streets show how Perret’s planning created broad avenues and carefully proportioned urban spaces.
The MuMa André Malraux museum sits close to the sea and holds an important collection associated with Impressionism and the artists inspired by the changing light around the Seine estuary.
Le Havre also has a long beach, marina, waterfront promenades and the Hanging Gardens in a former hilltop fort. Honfleur and Étretat make excellent nearby excursions if you have a car or time for a regional tour.
Brittany Ferries operates the direct Le Havre–Portsmouth passenger-and-vehicle route. Its published 2026 programme describes the service as seasonal from March to October, with a typical crossing of around six and a half hours and up to four sailings a week.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Le Havre
Le Havre rewards travellers who look beyond the port: its architecture, art and seafront make a distinctive Normandy city break.
Perret city centre
Walk through the UNESCO-listed post-war centre to understand one of Europe’s most important reconstruction projects.
MuMa
See a major Impressionist and modern-art collection in a light-filled museum beside the sea.
Le Havre beach
Walk the broad seafront, marina and promenade for views across the Seine estuary and Channel.
Hanging Gardens
Visit the hilltop gardens in a former fort for landscaped spaces and views over the city and port.
Honfleur & Étretat
Use Le Havre as a base for two of Normandy’s most popular nearby coastal excursions.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Le Havre
Browse Normandy city tours, Étretat and Honfleur excursions, D-Day trips and experiences from Le Havre.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Le Havre Ferry Terminal
The terminal is straightforward by car from the A131 and Pont de Normandie approaches. Le Havre railway station connects the city with Rouen, Paris and regional Normandy services, making onward travel possible without a vehicle.
The published 2026 programme lists the Le Havre–Portsmouth service from March to October, typically as a daytime crossing of around six and a half hours with up to four sailings per week.
Brittany Ferries uses Terminal de la Citadelle in Le Havre for the direct passenger-and-vehicle route to Portsmouth. The terminal is close to the city centre and is signposted locally for ferries.
Terminal Terminal de la Citadelle, 76600 Le Havre, France
Directions to the ferry Open Terminal de la Citadelle in Google Maps
Main route Direct Le Havre–Portsmouth passenger and vehicle ferry
2026 season Published service runs from March to October
Typical crossing Around 6 hours 30 minutes on the published 2026 schedule
Rail access Le Havre station provides regional and Paris-bound train connections
Plan your stay
Getting around Le Havre
Le Havre’s central attractions are easy to combine by foot and tram, with rail links to Rouen and Paris and good roads around Normandy.
Walk the UNESCO centre
Saint-Joseph, the Perret streets, MuMa, marina and beach can all be combined in a long central walking route.
Use rail for Paris and Normandy
Le Havre station has direct and connecting services towards Rouen, Paris and other regional destinations.
Find France rail tickets here...Drive for Honfleur and Étretat
A car gives the easiest access to the Seine estuary, Pont de Normandie, Honfleur and the cliffs at Étretat.
Stay in Le Havre
Find Le Havre Accommodation
Stay in central Le Havre or near the seafront
The Perret centre is best for architecture and restaurants; the seafront gives a more relaxed coastal feel while remaining close to the ferry terminal.
Common planning questions
Le Havre ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Le Havre Ferry Terminal?
Brittany Ferries uses Terminal de la Citadelle in Le Havre, close to the city centre.
Where does the ferry from Le Havre go?
Brittany Ferries operates the direct passenger-and-vehicle route between Le Havre and Portsmouth.
How long is the Le Havre to Portsmouth ferry?
The published 2026 programme gives a typical journey time of around 6 hours 30 minutes.
Does the Le Havre ferry run all year?
The current Brittany Ferries 2026 programme lists the route as seasonal from March to October.
Can I take a car on the Le Havre ferry?
Yes. The Portsmouth–Le Havre service is a passenger and vehicle ferry.
Can I reach Le Havre by train?
Yes. Le Havre station has rail connections towards Rouen, Paris and other destinations.
What are the best things to do in Le Havre?
Saint-Joseph Church, the UNESCO-listed Perret centre, MuMa, the beach and Hanging Gardens are the main city highlights.
How early should I arrive at Le Havre Ferry Terminal?
Brittany Ferries currently advises standard passengers to check in at least 45 minutes before departure, with longer requirements for some travellers such as those with pets; always follow your booking instructions.
Continue planning
Compare Ferry Prices
Compare ferry journeys for Le Havre
Check live sailing options, passenger fares, vehicle prices and onboard accommodation for your travel dates.