Ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre

Portsmouth Guide

Portsmouth is one of the best connected ports in the United Kingdom, serving nine different destinations across Europe with operators including Condor Ferries and Brittany Ferries. To the south of the naval base, you will find the Isle of Wight (Ryde) Passenger Ferry Terminal, while the Continental Ferry Terminal serves Le Havre in France and Bilbao in Spain. There are also daily crossings to Cherbourg, Caen and St Malo in France, St Helier in Jersey and St Peter Port in Guernsey.

Le Havre Guide

Le Havre is a French city and port that was founded by King Francis I in 1517 after the ports of Hornfleur and Harfleur, on the Seine estuary, silted up. Le Havre was enlarged during the first part of the 19th century by pushing back the city's ramparts and then later in the century by demolition them totally. The city's fast development and demography has been influenced by a number of events that occurred in the town's relatively recent history. First, during the 17th century Le Havre was a war port, then it was a successful trading port during the 18th century and during the 19th century many people emigrated to America. The city's industrialisation that commenced in the 1920's made it an important town and port for the Normandy region thanks to its global trade in coffee and cotton and in 2005 Le Havre's city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the works of architect Auguste Perret. He was labelled a "concrete poet" and an innovator and managed to successfully combine modern architecture with traditional architecture.

Le Havre is a deep-water port which can be accessed 24/7 unhindered by the tides and welcomes ships of all sizes. Ferry services operating from the port depart to Portsmouth on the south coast of England.

Which is better Portsmouth or Le Havre?

Determining whether Portsmouth or Le Havre is better depends on personal preferences and needs. Portsmouth boasts several attractions, including the historic dockyard with the famous HMS Victory, the modern Spinnaker Tower, and the vibrant Gunwharf Quays shopping and entertainment district. Le Havre offers attractions like the stunning Museum of Modern Art, the picturesque Saint-Joseph Church, and the nearby Etretat cliffs. Both cities have good transportation networks. Portsmouth has a well-connected ferry port, making it easily accessible for travel to the Isle of Wight or France. Le Havre has a ferry port as well, connecting it to the UK and other European destinations. Additionally, Le Havre has a larger international airport compared to Portsmouth.

Portsmouth has a rich maritime history, being the birthplace of famous naval figures like Admiral Lord Nelson. It also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. Le Havre, on the other hand, is renowned for its modernist architecture and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary culture.

How many days in Le Havre is enough?

The number of days you need in Le Havre depends on your interests and the activities you want to do. If you are mainly interested in exploring the city's main attractions, a day or two may be sufficient. You can visit the iconic St. Joseph's Church, the stunning Malraux Museum, and take a walk along the waterfront promenade. Le Havre is also known for its modern architecture, including the UNESCO-listed city center designed by Auguste Perret.

If you want to explore the surrounding area, consider adding a few more days to your itinerary. You can take a day trip to the picturesque town of Honfleur, visit the breathtaking cliffs of Étretat, or explore the beautiful Normandy countryside. Additionally, Le Havre is a great starting point for exploring the D-Day landing beaches and the historic city of Rouen.

Overall, 2-4 days in Le Havre should be enough to experience the highlights of the city and its surroundings. However, if you have more time, you can delve deeper into the region's history, cuisine, and natural beauty.