By The beautiful port of Le Havre, located on the French coastline, serves as the gateway to both the enchanting world of Paris and the charming villages of the Normandy region. During these three days, the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship docks in Le Havre, offering the opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty, rich history, and the unique flavors of French cuisine, as well as the extraordinary allure of Parisian culture. Paris, the City of Light, is the heartbeat of art, history, and gastronomy. Every street, square, and building presents a new and exciting discovery, featuring iconic landmarks you simply cannot miss.
History
The history of Le Havre dates back to the early 16th century when King Francis I of France founded the city to establish a secure port along the Normandy coast. The city reached its peak significance in the 19th century as a major hub for maritime trade. However, during World War II, it suffered devastating bombings that nearly obliterated it. The city’s reconstruction was led by architect Auguste Perret, whose modernist vision earned Le Havre’s city center UNESCO World Heritage status.
Attractions
Le Havre City Center: For fans of modern architecture, Le Havre’s city center is a living exhibition. This UNESCO-protected area is a harmonious blend of brutalist concrete and open, airy urban design, thanks to the architectural vision of Auguste Perret.
Impressionist Museum (Musée d’Art Moderne André Malraux): This museum boasts the largest collection of Impressionist works outside of Paris. Masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Boudin are among the highlights, capturing the unique light and color of the Normandy coastline.
TIP: Paris on Your Own: Round-Trip Transfer from Le Havre Port
Paris
A short train ride from Le Havre, the French capital is a perfect complement to your time in Le Havre. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame can be explored in a single day. Enjoy a croissant, sip coffee, and watch the world go by for an authentic Parisian experience. The elegant parks and timeless ambiance promise unforgettable memories.
TIP: Montparnasse Tower Roof Terrace Ticket – 360° of Paris
• Eiffel Tower: The city’s most iconic symbol offers breathtaking panoramic views. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the iron tower stands 324 meters tall. Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a must, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to sparkle.
• Louvre Museum: The world’s largest art museum is most famous for housing Da Vinci’s masterpiece Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. While its vast collection could occupy days, even a brief visit to see the highlights is worthwhile.
TIP: Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, standing proudly along the banks of the Seine. Although the cathedral is under restoration, the surrounding area and the famous Saint Nicholas Bridge are well worth exploring on foot.
• Montmartre: Paris’ artistic quarter, home to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Perched atop a hill, this white-domed basilica offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Built in the late 19th century, it symbolizes the spiritual renewal of France. Inside, visitors are greeted by magnificent mosaics, and the serene ambiance is particularly enchanting at sunset.
Reaching Montmartre is an adventure in itself. The easiest and most popular option is the funicular railway, which takes you directly to the basilica in minutes. Alternatively, you can climb the picturesque stairs, discovering Montmartre’s charming streets and cozy cafés along the way. Montmartre is also a romantic symbol of Paris, featuring the famous Le Mur des Je T’aime (The Wall of Love), where „I Love You” is written in over 250 languages, allowing every visitor to find the message in their native tongue.
• Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe: This iconic avenue, lined with trees and bustling with activity, offers a grand approach to the Arc de Triomphe. A perfect spot for shopping or a leisurely stroll, the Arc de Triomphe was built to honor Napoleon’s victories. For a breathtaking sunset view of Paris, climb the 300 steps to the top of this monumental structure.
• Seine River Cruise: A unique way to explore the city, offering visitors a chance to admire iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre from the water.
TIP: Bateaux Parisiens Cruise – Quick Entry Ticket
• Palais Garnier: A must-see for art lovers, the Palais Garnier is the legendary setting of The Phantom of the Opera. This magnificent Beaux-Arts building is primarily used for ballet performances today. Highlights include the grand marble staircase, the opulent foyer, and the stunning painted ceiling that depicts the history of music.
• Rue Cler: A traditional market street perfect for sampling fresh produce, cheese, pastries, and wine. A favorite among locals, it offers an authentic taste of French flavors.
• Palace of Versailles: One of the most stunning royal residences of the French monarchy, the Palace of Versailles was built in the 17th century and is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Renowned for its magnificent gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, and opulent rooms, Versailles embodies the grandeur of France’s royal era. Historically significant, it was here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed, marking the end of World War I.
TIP: Palace of Versailles Full Access Passport Ticket
• Vendôme Column at Place Vendôme: This imposing column was erected by Napoleon I in the early 19th century to commemorate the French victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Its bronze exterior is adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting Napoleon’s army’s triumphs, reminiscent of Rome’s Trajan’s Column. At the top stands Napoleon himself in imperial attire, symbolizing his power and glory.
• Moulin Rouge: Known as the „Red Mill,” the Moulin Rouge is one of Paris’s most iconic cabarets and entertainment venues. Located near Montmartre in the Pigalle district, it was established in 1889 and quickly became a hub for bohemian artists and Parisian nightlife. The building, adorned with its famous red windmill, remains a landmark today, renowned for its spectacular cabaret performances, especially the famous cancan dance.
• Musée d’Orsay: Situated on the banks of the Seine, near the Louvre and the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Musée d’Orsay is a world-famous art museum. Originally built as a railway station in the late 19th century, it now houses one of the world’s most significant art collections. Specializing in 19th-century art, the museum features masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas, among others.
• Panthéon: One of Paris’s most important historical landmarks, the Panthéon is located in the Latin Quarter near the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church. Originally built in the 18th century as a church, it was later transformed into a mausoleum for France’s great figures. Its neoclassical design resembles the Roman Pantheon, with a stunning interior adorned with frescoes and an impressive dome. The Panthéon is the final resting place of prominent figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie.
• Centre Pompidou: The Pompidou Center is one of Paris’s most daring and recognizable modern art hubs, inaugurated in 1977. Designed by renowned architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the building stands out with its exposed pipes, escalators, and colorful exterior. Inside, it houses France’s largest modern art museum, the Musée National d’Art Moderne, showcasing works by Picasso, Duchamp, Kandinsky, and more. The center also includes a library, cinema, and performance spaces, serving as a vibrant hub for modern culture and innovation.
• Pont Alexandre III: One of Paris’s most ornate and iconic bridges, Pont Alexandre III spans the Seine, connecting Les Invalides to the Champs-Élysées. Named in honor of Russian Tsar Alexander III, the bridge was completed in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. Designed in the Art Nouveau style, it is famous for its gilded sculptures, angels, and lampposts, making it an integral part of the Parisian cityscape. The bridge also offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding landmarks.
• Musée Picasso: The Picasso Museum, located in the heart of Paris in the historic Marais district, resides in the stunning Hôtel Salé building. Operating since 1985, it boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Picasso’s works, with over 5,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics. This museum is particularly significant as it showcases various phases of Picasso’s life and highlights the evolution of his diverse artistic styles.
When visiting local restaurants, indulge in Normandy’s famous seafood soups, „moules-frites” (mussels with fries), or the renowned Normandy cider. While in Paris, sampling croissants, baguettes, and cheeses is a must. A romantic French dinner with wine read more here: French Wines: Flavors and Traditions and escargot is also within easy reach, offering a quintessentially French culinary experience.
Experience the magic of Paris aboard the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, where luxury and comfort seamlessly blend with French culture. While exploring the city, savor the region’s famous champagnes (read more here: French Champagne: The Taste of Celebration), an essential part of the local wine culture, as you marvel at the stunning sights. Don’t miss the chance to toast with the finest champagne above the romantic Paris skyline!
For the residents of the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, these three days in Le Havre and Paris promise an exceptional cultural and culinary journey. This experience not only showcases the charm of French urban and rural lifestyles but also offers a captivating insight into the country’s rich history and artistic heritage.