We have stayed in Le Harve over night before getting the Ferry home the next day, and we have always enjoyed it, after a Long drive from Further south, it is just nice pottering about, and having some food and a few beers. There is Outlook shopping Village on one of the Quays, which is not my thing but the Wife really enjoys it.
The outcome is, I think so, and we are going to return to do a proper Visit, as the last time, we called in on the way back from Florence, and to be honest, I was exhausted :-)
It is worth Noting, that if you have an EV it is Free Parking, where ICE Cars have to park, but Check the Zones as the time available varies.
Live in France and come back to the UK 3 or 4 times a year to visit family. Had the misfortune autumn 23 for our Brittany Ferries Caen booking to be replaced by Le Havre.
Coming from the Loire (Tours Le Mans) N of Alencon the A28 towards the NW of Rouen to join the A131 to Le Havre has got to be one of the most expensive stretches of peage in France.
Drivibg towards Le Havre late afternoon / early evening we were driving pretty much straight into a setting sun which made the toad signs - such as they were - well nigh unreadable.
Not a pleasant experience nor one we wish to repeat.
Quote: Originally posted by Dotto on 06/5/2025
Thinking of an overnight stay in Le Havre is it worth a day looking around, before we get the ferry. Thank you
But is there a campsite for an overnight stay these days? We used to stay overnight when there was, but gave up when that campsite closed. Has the situation changed?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Hi thanks very much for your comments. Seems like a few hours wandering around will be ok. Thanks for the insight on the roads that was the way we were coming as calling into Andorra on our visit back to the UK from Spain.
Can not comment on camp sites as we are not camping this time. As never travelled back from Le Havre just thought we would try it out.
Cant help with camp sites or touristy interest in Le Havre, very long time since I've been there and only stayed one night in a budget hotel before continuing our journey south in the morning.
But worth being aware Le Havre town now (starting this year) has an emission zone and Crit'Air stickers are mandatory. The zone exists north of the Tancarville Canal and includes the port:
Quote: Originally posted by jaiash on 10/5/2025
When we've used Le Havre ferry, we have generally stopped at Honfleur. Very pleasant port area and interesting town, much nicer than Le Havre IMHO.
Stayed there a good 20 years ago on our return journey going to Dieppe. Loved the harbour area.
Crossing the Seine on the Pont de Normandie was spectacular - in the same league as the Milau viaduct.
Quote: Originally posted by jaiash on 10/5/2025
When we've used Le Havre ferry, we have generally stopped at Honfleur. Very pleasant port area and interesting town, much nicer than Le Havre IMHO.
There are a couple of nice campsites around Honfleur; for motorhomes there’s also an aire at the harbour. However it can be incredibly busy.
We revisited the port town last autumn as part of a road trip and think it’s a bit of a tourist trap these days, a shame as we used to love it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.