Car Rental Le Havre

With plenty of road signs and quite roads, navigating your way around Le Havre is wonderfully simple. This port city is located on the coast of Normandy, with excellent connections to other cities such as Caen and Dieppe.

Paris is just two and a half hours via the A13, allowing you to spend a weekend in the city of romance should you wish. There are a plethora of stunning national parks between Le Havre and Paris, including Vexin Français Natural Regional Park. It takes just under two hours to reach this beauty spot, which features 32 walking trails, bike paths and a vast forest.

There are actually two-speed limits in France - one for dry weather and one for rainy days. However, it’s important to note that if it’s been less than two years since you passed your driving test, you must stick to the wet weather speed limit at all times. Wet weather speed limits require you to stick to 80km/h in built-up areas, 70km/h in rural streets, 100km/h on dual carriageways and non-toll motorways, and 110km/h on toll motorways.

For dry days, the speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, 80km/h in more rural areas or two-lane roads, 110km/h on dual carriageways and non-toll motorways, and 130km/h on toll motorways.

There is a choice of parking spaces and garages dotted around the city, although you’ll likely have to pay. The prices are usually surprisingly affordable and are displayed clearly. Some of the most convenient public car parks are located beside the Centre Commercial, Hôtel de Ville and Les Halles.

A contemporary combination of concrete architecture, modern museums and vibrant gardens, Le Havre has something to offer every city explorer. While it may not be as famous as the capital city, Le Havre has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Paris and is a calling place for coffee-sipping hipsters. Enjoy the many sides this port city has to offer with our guide to Le Havre.

Visit Eglise St-Joseph

With a tower that rises tall above the town, Eglise St-Joseph is a unique and practically unmissable church. Aptly nicknamed the ‘lighthouse at the heart of the city’ - or simply ‘lantern tower’ - the 107-metre tall tower was designed as a beacon that dominates the city skyline.

The tower isn’t the only unusual thing about this church. Made primarily out of concrete with notable stained glass art, it’s a great example of the modern architectural changes that occurred in Post-War France. Rather than traditional arches, for example, the exterior of the building is framed by rectangular shapes.

This beautiful building is well worth exploring, particularly as the evening turns to night and the sun casts its last rays through the delightful stained glass windows. Plus, this is the time when the Eglise St-Joseph itself begins to light up on the outside and give off a heavenly glow.

Stroll through the Musee d’art Moderne André Malraux

No trip to France would be complete without a visit to a museum or two - and this rings true in Le Havre. Boasting the most extensive collection of impressionist paintings in the country, the Musee d’art Moderne André Malraux features acclaimed artists such as Pissarro, Renoir and Sisley.

With an airy atmosphere and modern design, this museum is the perfect place to spend the afternoon admiring some of the best pieces of impressionist art you may ever come across. This isn’t the only style of art you’ll find here, however. You’ll find a selection of 16th to 18th century art in one of the many exhibits.

Spend an afternoon at La Plage du Havre

Whether you want to catch some rays or go for a romantic stroll, La Plage du Havre is the place to be. This white-stone beach frames a stretch of blue sea, with vibrant beach huts adding to the charm.

Take a dip in the sparkling water on warm days, watch as boats glide by or go for an evening walk along the coast to see the sun dip below the water. Rather than sand, there are pebbles - but don’t worry, you can hire a sun lounger should you want to relax by the sea.

Explore Jardins de l’Hotel de Ville

While Le Havre is recognised for its contemporary buildings, you can easily escape the city should you want to. Spend time among Mother Nature’s offerings at the Jardins de l’Hotel de Ville.

This botanical garden belongs to a nearby hotel, but is free to venture through. Featuring a selection of striking sculptures, vibrant blooms and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s a great spot to have a picnic or just take a breather after exploring the city.