Le Havre is a surprisingly versatile port for shore excursions, thanks to its strategic location on France’s Normandy coast and close proximity to iconic sites. Whether you’re drawn to World War II history, eager to explore Paris’ famous sights, or want to marvel at Mont Saint-Michel, Le Havre offers a variety of options. We particularly like tours that combine rich historical insight with personal storytelling, like the D-Day Beaches Shore Excursion from Le Havre with Packed Lunch, which offers a full-day immersion into one of the most significant moments of 20th-century history, complete with a French baguette lunch.
What makes Le Havre especially attractive for shore excursions is how many of these tours are designed with cruise schedules in mind—seamless pick-ups, clear itineraries, and careful timing mean you get the most out of your limited dock time. From private tours to group experiences, the options below cover a range of interests, budgets, and activity levels.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of tours you’ll find: full-day historical excursions (D-Day beaches), scenic day trips to Honfleur and Deauville (from Le Havre), elegant Paris day tours with river cruises (from Le Havre), and even private, bespoke journeys (such as this private Paris tour). Below, we explore each in detail.
1. D-Day Beaches Shore Excursion from Le Havre with Packed Lunch
This full-day trip is a standout for history lovers, offering a comprehensive visit to Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and the key sites of the Normandy landings. The tour starts with a smooth pickup in Le Havre, where an experienced guide shares insights into the region’s vital WWII role. The drive to Normandy is about two hours, during which your guide sets the stage with background on the D-Day invasion.
Once at the landings, you’ll visit the Cimetiere Militaire Allemand de La Cambe—a peaceful but moving site—and then head to Omaha Beach, where you can walk the sands where so many soldiers fought. The highlight is the American Cemetery, a poignant reminder of sacrifice. The tour includes a complementary packed lunch—featuring a traditional French baguette—making it easy to focus on the experience without worrying about food. Reviews emphasize the professionalism and depth of knowledge delivered by guides like Bertrand and Ash, making this tour perfect for WWII history fans.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a meaningful, well-organized day with a balanced mix of sights and storytelling, at a reasonable price for such a comprehensive experience.
2. From Le Havre: Paris with River Cruise Shore Excursion
For those who want a taste of Paris, this guided day trip combines coach travel, iconic sights, and a Seine River cruise. Departing from Le Havre, the journey takes about three hours, giving you time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Once in Paris, you’ll start with a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower and then cruise down the Seine, passing landmarks like the Louvre and Notre Dame.
The tour also includes stops at the Arc de Triomphe and a quick pass-by of other highlights, giving you an overview of the city’s most famous sites. The Seine cruise is a highlight, offering views of Paris from the water, bypassing the busy streets. With good reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics, it’s an efficient way to see the City of Light without the hassle of independent planning.
Bottom Line: This tour balances sightseeing and relaxation, ideal if your priority is to get a quick but meaningful introduction to Paris’s most famous landmarks.
3. From Le Havre Breathtaking Honfleur and Deauville Shore Excursion
This half-day tour captures the best of Normandy’s charming seaside towns. It starts with a drive to Honfleur, a town famous for its artistic heritage, historic harbor, and the Church of Saint Catherine. Your guide provides context on Honfleur’s role in the arts and its picturesque streets. Then, the tour continues to Deauville, renowned for its luxury boutiques, sandy beaches, and the famous racecourse.
You’ll enjoy a guided tour of both towns, with free time allowed for exploring or relaxing by the water. Guests have praised the scenic views and the knowledgeable guide, Bastien, for making the towns come alive. Prices are affordable, and the tour length makes it suitable for those with limited time but a desire to see Normandy’s coast.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a taste of Normandy’s coastal sophistication without dedicating a full day, and it offers excellent value for the experience.
4. Private 10-hour Shore Excursion to Paris from Le Havre (official guide in Paris)
If privacy and personalization matter, this private guided tour of Paris is hard to beat. The day kicks off with a luxury transfer from Le Havre, then your official guide in Paris takes you through Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysées, and beyond. The private guide is tailored to your interests, allowing you to focus on the sights that matter most.
This tour offers a full 4-hour guided experience, plus the flexibility to add visits like the Louvre or Moulin Rouge. Guests have praised guides like Joanna and Pascal for their knowledge and flexibility, making it ideal for travelers who want a customized, intimate experience. The price reflects the exclusivity, but the level of detail and comfort is unmatched.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a personalized, stress-free day in Paris with the convenience of private transport and expert guiding.
5. Deluxe Paris Shore Excursion from Le Havre with Seine Cruise
This slightly more affordable, yet still luxurious, option combines Paris sights with a Seine River cruise. Departing in comfort from Le Havre, you’ll see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, with a one-hour Seine cruise that offers a fresh perspective of the city.
Guests appreciate the seamless logistics and the opportunity to relax on a modern bus while taking in the scenery. The tour emphasizes free time for shopping and dining on the Champs-Elysées, giving a feel for Paris’s lively ambiance. The reviews mention knowledgeable guides and punctual service, making it a reliable choice for a day trip.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced tour for those wanting a taste of Paris with minimal fuss, especially great for cruise passengers with tight schedules.
6. Mont Saint Michel Shore Excursion from Le Havre Cruise Ship Port
This is the most awe-inspiring day trip in our list—Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour begins with a scenic coach ride through Normandy, lasting about 3 to 3.5 hours. The guide shares stories about its origins, religious significance, and legends.
Once at Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the lower village, marveling at its medieval ramparts and narrow winding streets. You can also opt to visit the abbey (for an extra fee) and climb some stairs for panoramic views. The tours are highly rated, with travelers remarking on the comfortable travel and the guide’s engaging storytelling.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to see one of France’s most dramatic sights, with enough time to explore and take photos.
7. Normandy D Day Landing Shore Excursion Customized Private Tour from Le Havre
This private tour is perfect if you want to customize your WWII experience. Select your preferred sites—whether Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, or the American Cemetery—and explore at your own pace. It includes visits to battle sites, museums, and memorials, guided by a knowledgeable expert.
The itinerary is flexible, so you can focus on the sites that resonate most. Reviews highlight the guide’s ability to tailor the experience and provide detailed background. It’s best suited for groups up to 8 who want a private, immersive day.
Bottom Line: If WWII history is your passion and you want a personalized experience, this private tour delivers in-depth insight.
8. From Le Havre: D-Day Beaches Private Shore Excursion
Another private option, this tour is priced per group up to two people, ensuring intimacy. It covers key WWII sites including Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery. The guide shares detailed stories about the soldiers’ experiences, bringing history to life.
The approximately 10-hour schedule allows plenty of time for stops, and reviews mention how smoothly everything runs, with guides like Ash delivering engaging commentary. It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting an exclusive, in-depth look.
Bottom Line: Best for couples or small groups seeking a private, detailed WWII tour with flexible timing.
9. Paris Shore Excursion from Le Havre Cruise port
This tour offers a straightforward day trip to Paris with guided sightseeing, including the Arc de Triomphe and other landmarks. It’s similar to tour #2 but less focused on the river cruise component. Travel takes about three hours each way, with guided stops in the city.
Reviews note the efficient organization and the opportunity to see key sights, though some mention that the tour could feel rushed. It’s a good option if your priority is seeing Paris without too many frills.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a quick, guided overview of Paris with limited free time.
10. Le Havre: Giverny and Honfleur Private Shore Excursion
This private tour combines art, nature, and Norman charm. Visit Monet’s Giverny, including his famous water garden and flower beds, and then explore Honfleur, known for its picturesque harbor and connections to Impressionism.
Travel arrangements are tailored, with a focus on comfort and flexibility. Reviewers love the opportunity to see Monet’s garden with a private guide, making it a perfect choice for art lovers or those seeking a relaxing day outside the busy crowds.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in art and gardens, seeking a personalized, leisurely experience.
11. Mont Saint-Michel: Guided Shore Excursion From Le Havre
This guided tour offers a less strenuous way to experience Mont Saint-Michel. It includes a guided walk through the lower village and the option to visit the abbey. The tour is designed for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to learn about the site’s significance without climbing many stairs.
Traveling by coach from Le Havre, the trip lasts about 11 hours. It’s particularly good for travelers who want to see the abbey from the outside or explore the village at a gentle pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to experience Mont Saint-Michel with minimal physical effort but still enjoy its charm and history.
How to Choose Your Perfect Shore Excursion
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. For a moving WWII experience, the D-Day Beaches offers depth and context. If your priority is seeing Paris without the hassle, tours like the private Paris experience or deluxe Seine cruise give you comfort and flexibility.
For a more relaxed day amid Normandy’s scenic coastlines, Honfleur and Deauville are charming options, while Giverny and Honfleur combine art and quaint villages.
Think about your fitness level—Mont Saint-Michel’s tours vary from gentle walks to more strenuous climbs, so choose accordingly. Booking early is always wise, especially for private and popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Le Havre offers a diverse array of shore excursions catering to history enthusiasts, art lovers, and city explorers alike. Whether you want a full immersion into WWII history, a quick glimpse of Paris’s most famous landmarks, or a peaceful visit to Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll find options suited to your interests.
If your time is limited, consider the D-Day Beaches tour or a half-day trip to Honfleur. For a comprehensive and private experience, the full-day Paris tour is unbeatable. Planning ahead and booking early can ensure you get the best experience—these tours fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Explore your options, match them with your interests, and enjoy the rich variety of experiences awaiting you in Normandy and beyond.
