If you’re a maritime enthusiast visiting the Cité Océane, don’t miss the Seine boat trip from Le Havre marina! This excursion gave us a new perspective on Port 2000, one of France’s largest ports. From port facilities to gigantic ships, and some of the iconic works of art that grace the city, this sea tour promises to be a great experience.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Port of Le Havre from the Seine, Normandy.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is it worth taking a Seine boat tour of the Port of Le Havre?
Yes, the Port of Le Havre is well worth a visit by boat! This tour of the harbor by speedboat was a fascinating experience. Departing from the town’s marina, we sailed to Port 2000, a deepwater port dedicated to container traffic. We were impressed by the scale of the port facilities and the unique view of these giants of the seas. The tour offers a glimpse of maritime activity, from historic dykes to modern terminals. It’s an original way to discover Le Havre’s heritage and understand its economic importance. It was an enriching outing that we highly recommend.
And it’s also one of the must-do activities in Le Havre!
What you can see
Le Havre marina
Our tour began at the Le Havre marina, opposite the Hilton Hotel. We enjoyed the lively atmosphere on the quayside, with its many sailboats and pleasure boats. Did you know that this port can accommodate 1,360 boats on pontoons? Which makes it one of the largest in the Channel! It also has a visitors’ area for boats of up to 45m in length. Before boarding, we took time to admire the view of the modern buildings lining the waterfront. The ideal starting point for discovering Le Havre’s maritime history!
Aboard the Seine speedboat
All aboard and cast off! Once aboard the launch, we made ourselves comfortable and enjoyed the tour, with commentary in French. The boat is spacious and well-equipped, with seating both inside and on the upper deck. You can move around freely to take photos or observe the different viewpoints. Of course, we also came across the famous seagulls that call Le Havre home. And let’s not forgetSt. Joseph’s Church, which we spotted in the background, proudly emerging from behind the buildings near the docks.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Discover the dikes from the sea
Leaving the marina, we walked along the imposing dikes that protect Le Havre from rising seas. These structures have stretched over several kilometers since the beginning of the 20th century. The north dike was completed in 1905, and the south dike only 3 years later. Their size and sturdiness can be quite astonishing! We learned more about their role in protecting the town and harbour from storms and high tides. Since the rough sea, we’ve really come to appreciate the importance of these structures!
See the Statue Jusqu’au bout du monde
As you sail along the north breakwater, keep an eye out for the Jusqu’au bout du monde statue, designed by Fabien Mérelle and installed in 2022. This contemporary work of art depicts a man carrying a little girl on his shoulders. The symbolism of this sculpture is very touching, evoking the horizon and adventure. We’d already seen it up close by walking along the sea wall, but this time we were delighted to be able to see it from the sea and change our perspective! The contrast between the silhouette of the statue and the massiveness of the dike creates a striking image. Add a poetic touch to the port’s industrial environment during your visit!
North dike lighthouse
As you continue your trip aboard the Baie de Seine speedboat, take note of the lighthouse on the north dike. Did you know that it was erected at the end of the 18th century and has been guiding ships entering the port of Le Havre ever since? Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, notably as part of the harbor expansion and the destruction of 1944. Now automated, it remains a symbol of navigational safety, bearing witness to the city’s maritime history. In the image below, you can also make out part of the Plage du Havre.
Admire the horizon
A light, iodized sea breeze whipped across our faces, what serenity amidst the immensity of the sea!
Off the port, the speedboat made a short stop to let us admire the horizon. We were overwhelmed by the panorama before us. The guide pointed out the various landmarks visible from this privileged vantage point, and made us aware of Le Havre’s strategic position at the mouth of the Seine.
Entering Port 2000 by sea
Set course for Port 2000! This modern extension, inaugurated in 2006, has been adapted to the constraints of container transport, with a large storage area, but also to the challenges of profitability, with the capacity to handle very large ships 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We were surprised to learn that it’s France’s 2nd port for maritime trade, and on the podium for container traffic as well as wine and spirits exports. A fine image of French maritime effervescence! We were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the facilities and the precision of the maneuvers required to access them, combining tradition and modernity on over 4km of quayside. The guide will explain the technical challenges involved in building this deepwater port, a feat of engineering that we have seen up close and personal.
Container ships, giants of the seas
The moment that left us speechless was undoubtedly when we were very close to a gigantic container ship in Port 2000. These giants of the seas have made Le Havre famous, and we can see why! Like floating cathedrals, these vessels can measure up to 400m in length and carry over 20,000 containers. We were impressed by their colossal size and the efficiency of their mechanized loading and unloading operations. In fact, we missed the CMA CGM Louvre, which was carrying 23,000 containers!
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of this spectacle from the launch: the waltz of automated container lifts facing the sea!
The “Abeilles”: guardians of the Port of Le Havre and the coastline
On our way, we passed the “Abeilles”, Le Havre’s emblematic small tugs, a testament to Le Havre’s maritime expertise. Did you know that their role has been essential to the port life of the Cité Océane since the 19th century? Despite their small size, these boats sail with agility even in rough seas! The “Abeilles” provide maneuvering assistance to large ships as they enter the port. In fact, their ability to guide these giants of the sea safely is quite astonishing. The guide told us that during boat christenings, the “Abeilles” add a festive touch by sending out small jets of water. Another testament to their expertise! In addition to these maneuvers, they take part in towing missions on the high seas and in rescue operations. Interesting, isn’t it?
Terminals: Normandie, Porte Océane and France
During the tour, you’ll pass by the various Port 2000 terminals: Normandie MSC, Porte Océane and France, all 3 with rail connections to facilitate traffic. The choreography of the cranes and vehicles busy on the quays is quite fascinating. You’ll see that the Normandie MSC Terminal is by far the widest, with 1400m of quay length. The guide also revealed that container loading is generally longer and more complex than unloading. After this outing, you’ll no doubt know everything there is to know about these ultramodern terminals and their role in the international logistics chain.
Finally, the Cruise Terminal and the Container Catena
Our tour ended with a visit to the Cruise Terminal, its observation tower on the Grand Quay and the famous Cathedral of Containers. This sculpture of 21 containers was created by French artist Vincent Ganivet for the 500th anniversary of the city of Le Havre. With its bright colors and natural setting at the intersection of the port and the Perret-architecture town center, it has become Le Havre’s “Eiffel Tower”. The originality of this sculpture had already won us over on our nearby walking tour. Here, in the background of the Cruise Terminal, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers every year, it adds charm to the panorama and symbolizes Le Havre’s port identity. It’s a fitting conclusion to our visit, harmoniously combining the industrial aspect of the port with the artistic creativity of this open-air museum in the city of Le Havre.
WHERE TO STAY IN Le Havre
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront:
Hilton Hotel with its modern decor and balconies – see prices, photos and availability.
Downtown, in the heart of Perret architecture:
Hôtel Pasino, for ultra-spacious rooms – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Vent d’Ouest, a charming place to stay – See prices, photos and availability
Boat trip in the Port of Le Havre: access
Where to find the marina, the launch’s departure point
- In Le Havre
- Departure from the town’s marina opposite the Hilton Hotel
- Along Boulevard Clémenceau, on the Charles Olsen dike
- Less than a 10-minute walk fromÉglise Saint-Joseph
Access by car and parking
If you’re driving to the marina, you can park along Boulevard Clémenceau or in the adjacent lanes. Take care when getting out of your car, as the boulevard is flanked by a cycle path on the pedestrian promenade side.
Public transport access
Le Havre is one of the world’s most walkable cities. We owe this to the city’s reconstruction, which left the streets wide and square. This makes it easy to get around on foot, on a scooter (self-service rental service), by bike or by car. The public transport network is also fairly dense, with a tramway line irrigating the city and a high-quality bus network (see here). The C1 bus and tramway lines A and B serve the site (La Plage stop about 10 minutes’ walk away).
Visiting difficulties
Access to the launch is by crossing the quay, on a level path. You then descend an unobstructed sloping walkway. The official website states that the boat trip is accessible to people with disabilities. Once on board, people with reduced mobility can move around and sit comfortably. There’s a heated, sheltered interior.
Toilets are available on the boat. Please note that pets are welcome on board.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Visit the Port of Le Havre by Seine boat: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Schedules:
- Depending on the day of the week and the weather, departure at 11 a.m. or 2.30 p.m. or 3 p.m.
- Last boarding 15min before departure
Price:
- Full adult price: €16
- Children aged 4 to 17: €12
- Free for children under 4
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow around 1h30 for a maritime visit aboard the launch.
Best moment
Boat tours of Port 2000 in Le Havre are available all year round, depending on weather conditions and daily availability. During the summer months, tourist numbers are higher, so remember to book ahead at the ticket office.
Direction of visit
You’ll see on the map below that 2 routes are proposed for this sea outing, depending on weather conditions: in Port 2000 or in the Inner Port.
Visiting with children
This trip aboard a Seine boat from Le Havre’s marina can be fun and original enough for the whole family. You’ll discover the city’s heritage from a different angle, with a perspective from the sea! Crossing the marina and observing the many sailing boats, spotting the imposing statues that adorn the town, such as Jusqu’au bout du monde or la Catène, or admiring the huge ships from the small speedboat… These moments can be both impressive and educational, much appreciated by the youngest visitors. Please ensure your children’s safety on board the boat by following the instructions given by the crew.
Eating out
A snack bar is available on board. Alternatively, before or after your visit, you can enjoy a meal in town. You’re right in the heart of Le Havre. Discover our selection of the city’s best restaurants here.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Le Havre. See our article on the best hotels.
