9 Comments / Blog / By

Exploring Le Havre: A Car Rental Travel Itinerary

If you are taking a cruise with Europe involved, you might have a port stop in Le Havre, France. There are many places to explore here nearby. Most take an excursion from a cruise ship, but I did something cost-effective, that allowed me to explore more than a tour ever would. Today’s post is about my experience, renting a car, driving in France as a US citizen, also parking and traffic in places along the way to Omaha Beach. And of course, I toss in a little bit of history along the way with the places that I saw.

Jump to:

Navigating Le Havre: Top Car Rental Services to Consider

Renting a car in Le Havre, France, is like embarking on a delightful dance with the freedom of the open road! It’s a simple, streamlined process, peppered with a sprinkle of adventure. Most car rental companies are located conveniently close to the cruise port, making your transition smoother than a crème Brulé.


You’ll be greeted by friendly staff, well-versed in English and eager to serve. They’ll walk you through the paperwork with ease, ensuring you understand the ins and outs of your rental agreement. Don’t forget to ask about the local traffic norms, parking rules, and must-visit pit stops on your way to Omaha Beach! To guarantee friendly service always start by greeting them in French so start with Bonjour. If you are casual and start with this phrase, then ask if they speak English, you are sure to be fine. You will find the French as warm and welcoming as a fresh croissant on a French morning.

Now like most people, I looked and bought online before ever arriving in the port city, with Enterprise at 91 Southampton Quai (because I was familiar with this rental company in the US). I knew how much I was paying, the type of car that I would be receiving, and how long the taxi ride was to the rental car place (it’s super close, but in my opinion not within walking distance), do your research. One thing I also learned by doing the research is they do not rent to anyone under 30 years old. Fine by me, as I was already older than that for my first driving experience in France. Prices vary but right now the price is $237 for a small SUV. I had a compact car for $187. If you pick an automatic transmission that will change what’s available and the prices. Manual transmission is cheaper and more common in France than in the United States.

Take that price and divide by 4, that’s cheap in comparison to the cruise excursion to Omaha Beach and American Cemetery. Plus, we got to stop in the city of Caen which would not be included in your excursion to Omaha Beach.

Other rental companies nearby in order of how close they are to the cruise terminal.

Exploring the Charming Routes: Driving Away from Le Havre in France

So, buckle up, your epic French road trip awaits! My tummy had butterflies knowing that I was driving for the first time in a foreign country, but this was easy breezy lemon squeezy. Just in case you didn’t know the French drive on the right side of the road just like us in the United States. Traffic leaving Le Havre was manageable compared to the concrete jungles in the United States. Being that I live in the Charlotte NC area, Le Havre is a smaller city than what I am used to driving in, so it was not a problem at all. I did notice I needed to pay closer attention to the speed limit signs, and my dashboard. Being from the United States it feels weird to be driving in KPM instead of MPH. You will think you are losing your mind when you notice the speed at which you are driving.


As you bid adieu to Le Havre, the landscape transforms, welcoming you into a living tapestry painted with hues of history and nature. As your car hums along, you’ll be greeted by vibrant fields, some are yellow in the spring with canola plants (they make canola oil). By late summer you will see sunflowers, reminiscent of Van Gogh’s sun-dappled masterpieces, and traditional Normandy houses with their charming, thatched roofs. Keep an eye out for the occasional apple orchards, their fruit ripe for the region’s famous cider. You will pass over some nice bridges over canals and even the Seine River as it is heading out to sea.


As your French road trip continues, be sure to make a pit stop at Caen, a city rich with medieval heritage. Caen is home to the astonishing Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the conquests of William the Conqueror, in an awe-inspiring 70 meters of embroidered cloth. As you marvel at the intricate stitchery, you’ll be taken on a journey back to 1066 and the historic Battle of Hastings. But the connection to William doesn’t stop there. Caen is also where he was laid to rest, at the striking Abbaye aux Hommes. This beautiful abbey, with its towering spire and grand architecture, serves as a silent sentinel to the city’s past. A trip to Caen is a detour into history, a pause in your journey that allows you to tread the footprints of kings. Remember, our road trip isn’t just about the destination; it’s about embracing the stories that make up the journey.

How to Find Parking in Caen: Insider Tips and Tricks

Let’s talk about the nitty-gritty, the practical stuff – driving and parking in Caen. It’s a bit like finding a unicorn at a horse race but fear not! The city’s heart may be a swirl of cobblestone streets, but it’s surrounded by a halo of ample parking spaces. A top tip – park at the “Château” or the “Port de Plaisance”, both of which are a stone’s throw away from the city center and reasonably priced. As for driving, remember to go with the flow. Literally. Roundabouts are the pulse of French traffic, and in Caen, they are as common as baguettes. I made plenty of wrong turns at the roundabouts, but it was not a worry, just drive through it again. Treat them as adventure swirls, lol. As I sit here typing I think about the roundabouts as a bit like stepping onto a merry-go-round, but with your car. Keep your wits about you, enjoy the ride, and Caen will feel like your very own playground. This is a large city like Le Havre, but nothing in comparison to the big cities in the United States. You will be fine.

300*250

Exploring the Historic Omaha Beach: A Must-Visit Destination

Next stop, Omaha Beach! As you draw closer to Omaha Beach, the azure expanse of the English Channel unfolds, its waves whispering tales of the D-Day Landings. It’s a journey that’s as much about the destination as it is about the sights, sounds, and soul of France. So, soak it all in, each mile a memory, each turn a treasure. It’s time to swap cobblestones for sandy shores, and city bustle for wave whispers. As we drive along the D514, the ocean will be on your right but not visible until you turn off to Omaha Beach. The landscape shifts, trading urban sprawl for open skies and endless horizons.

We’re off to a place where history has written itself in the sand – Omaha Beach. It’s not just a beach; it’s a testament to bravery, a symbol of resilience. Let’s tread softly, honoring the souls of those who once walked here. As the sea breeze fills our lungs, we’ll let the waves tell their stories – tales of courage, of sacrifice, of liberation. We’ll breathe in the air of freedom and taste the salt of perseverance. It’s more than just a drive – it’s a voyage through history, a journey through time.

Arriving at Omaha Beach, you’ll find a grand symphony of parking spaces waiting and available to you for your four-wheeled adventure of the day. Stow your vehicle in a spot that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, respecting the historical significance of the site. Spot the signs leading to the parking area – they are easy to follow. You’ll find the car park at the Visitor Center, and walk downhill to the beach, plaques, and monuments. It has a little bit of a downhill grade. Best of all, parking here is free. Glance back into the hills and you will also notice historical bunkers up there where the Germans were waiting for the invasion. At the time I was here at Omaha Beach, it was not crowded at all, and tons of parking was available. This was the beginning of May, so the summer beach season was not in full swing. There were a couple of places to get some food and something to drink, but it was mainly quick eats or snacks.

Paying Tribute to the Fallen: Visiting American Cemeteries

As your journey continues from Omaha Beach, your next stop is the hallowed grounds of the American Cemetery. Here, your trusty steed of an automobile will find comfort at the large, designated parking area that is adjacent to the cemetery which is also free. It’s more than just a place to leave your car; it’s the gateway to a panorama of remembrance. So, you can take your time, walking amongst the solemn beauty of the white crosses, paying your respects, and absorbing the profound atmosphere. I was here mid-week, early afternoon and it was crowded, probably from tours from the cruise ship that I came to Le Havre on. You can enter the Visitor Center or just take a walk along the paths. I personally saw the line at the visitor center and decided to just walk the paths (I knew where I was walking to.) It’s up to you, whichever is best for your visit. This is your first step into a garden of honor that pays tribute to the heroes of the past. The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach is ready to share its stories with you.

The Charm of Le Havre

I waited till the end to visit the port city of Le Havre just so I had a better judgment of time in case I needed to get back on the ship quickly. Once there I knew we had plenty of time to explore this wonderful city.

The picturesque port city of Le Havre, with its modernist architecture and vibrant harbor. When it comes to parking here, the city welcomes you with open arms – and plenty of space for your vehicular companion! The heart of the city, with its bustling markets and historic buildings, is best explored on foot, so park your car and let your adventure begin. Park near the city center, gives you easy access to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. due to the reconstruction and architecture after WW2. Fret not about the ticking clock, as parking here is affordable and well-regulated.

Conclusion

All in all, with my drive and stops in Caen (Bayeux Tapestry and Abbaye aux Hommes), stops at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Plus, the drive back to Le Havre, sightseeing, and fueling up the car for the return to Enterprise. I was back on board the ship at 7.5 hours. Also, kudos to the people working at Enterprise, it’s so close they just drove us over to ship when we dropped off the car. They were so helpful. We could have stayed out longer because we were in port for 10 hours that day, but that was enough exploring for me. Maybe next time I am in port I will go to the town of Honfleur or Rouen (Joan of Arc execution site).

 


I hope you have enjoyed this post, and you found it informative for your time in the port city of Le Havre, France. We will have to hit the road again, with the spirit of adventure in our hearts and the echoes of the past in our ears! Au revoir!!!!!

 
 
 
 
 

 

9 thoughts on “Exploring Le Havre: A Car Rental Travel Itinerary”

  5. Accredited_ltSt

    Leading accredited online schools for degrees
    Find your best fit at accredited online schools
    Boost your career at accredited online schools
    Discover the perks of accredited online schools
    Upgrade your knowledge at accredited online schools
    Take your education to the next level with accredited online schools
    Explore the choices at accredited online schools
    Accredited online schools: Your way to success
    Achieve your dreams with accredited online schools
    Turn your interest into a degree at accredited online schools
    Be part of a prestigious community at accredited online schools
    Unleash your capabilities with accredited online schools
    Join the countless who have benefited from accredited online schools
    Secure your future with accredited online schools
    Accredited online schools: Your ticket to a brighter future
    Get convenient education at accredited online schools
    Accredited online schools: Where top-notch meets flexibility
    Empower yourself with accredited online schools
    Elevate your life with accredited online schools
    Accredited online schools https://www.umpirebook.com.

    Reply
  9. Fernandorooge

    Online learning has profoundly modified the education sector, and the K12 online school perfectly exemplifies this transition. It offers an adaptable and individualized way to learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace, additionally from the convenience of their house.

    One of the plenty of benefits of the K12 system is the vast assortment of elective units as well open, enabling students to travel beyond the regular syllabus & investigate new areas of interest.

    The high academic standards, demanding coursework, and interactive multimedia content can make web-based education as effective as traditional classroom learning, potentially more so. Plus, the strong backing given by certified teachers supports students stay involved and do to the amaximum of their potential.

    Yet, just as with any system, it is not empty of challenges. The main probable shortcoming is the lack of social communication. While the versatility is superb, some students may forego the typical secondary school experience.

    It is how K12 online school manages to merge conventional practices with technology, forming a fresh way in academics. If you're considering looking into alternatives for education, it might be worth considering an digital format like the K12 program. To dig deeper, I invite you to take a deeper dive and get more information on this efficient and innovative educational approach. You might be surprised by the huge chances it provides. http://www.k12onlinechool9.com

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *