LeHavre to Bayeux

[Exponent]

Is it possible to get from LeHavre to Bayeux by 8:30am if the ship docks in LeHavre at 6am? If so, what is the best way?

 

Thanks in advance!

[TLCOhio]

Is it possible to get from LeHavre to Bayeux by 8:30am if the ship docks in LeHavre at 6am? If so, what is the best way Thanks in advance!

 

You asked for the "best" way and I would suggest getting a rental car and see Bayeux and other key, nearby sites and sights. Per MapQuest, it takes 1 hour 23 minutes to cover the 76.60 miles from Le Havre to Bayeux. Tell me more on your budget, party size, past Europe experiences, etc. Below are some notes on this wonderful area and many of the potential options for this visit and/or a return, later, longer visit. This area is fairly flat and reasonable to drive.

 

NORMANDY: This is an area with many great potentials, including its 360-mile coastline, historic cities, beaches, lush farmlands, fine cheeses, nice ciders and many Gastronomic delights! This includes calvados, an apple brandy and Camembert cheese, a local specialty. It was part of ancient Gaul, conquered by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC. The name of Normandy is derived from the settlement and conquest of the territory by Vikings ("Northmen") from the 9th century. Architecture in upper Normandy is typified by half-timbered buildings that also recall vernacular English architecture.

For the area, here’s more tourism info: http://www.normandie-tourisme.fr

 

In our one day-trip there, we did:

GIVERNY: This is a pilgrimage for art lovers in this picturesque village (just east of Vernon where the train from Paris took us and we got our car for our day-trip in this area). It is on the banks of the Seine and was the home of French impressionist painter Claude Monet. Visitors can wander through Monet's spacious house and the exuberant gardens. Near these garden is the famed pond and bridge, the inspiration of his famous water lily series.

 

BAYEUX: This charming town is built around the magnificent Cathedral of Notre-Dame and is home to the 200-foot long Bayeux Tapestry. This is a world famous masterpiece whose cartoon-like scenes depict the epic tale of William the Conqueror's expedition conquering England in 1066 AD. We had a wonderful lunch at the Lion d’Or, a former coaching inn dating back to 1770. The town/area tourism website is: http://www.bessin-normandie.fr

 

WORLD WAR II LANDING BEACHES: The largest military landing in history took place in Normandy on June 6, 1944 with 130,000 troops landing that day on the beaches. Monuments, museums and bunkers are a living commemoration to the Battle of Normandy. The American Cemetery is located near Colleville-sur-Mer on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach (one of the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion) and the English Channel. It covers 172 acres and contains the remains of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations. The graves face westward, towards the United States. This cemetery is very moving and is maintained in an incredibly beautiful manner.

 

MONT-ST-MICHEL (mohn-san-mee-shel) is a unique abbey perched precariously on a 264-foot high rocky islet connected to the mainland by a causeway. Surrounded by over half a mile of massive walls and reached by a steep climb up winding streets, it remains one of the greatest sightseeing attractions in Europe and the second only to the Eiffel Tower as the most visited place in France. Its fortifications enabled the islet to withstand repeated English assaults during the Hundred Years' War. The abbey served as a prison during Napoleon's reign. Restored after 1863, and connected to the mainland by a causeway in 1875), Mont-St.Michel is also known for its tides, the highest on the continent. For more tourist info/options: http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com

 

We took the TGV Express train back from Rennes in Brittany at the end of our day-trip to this wonderful area with many great sites and sights!

 

There are also options at:

 

ROUEN: A thriving industrial and commercial center and the third largest port in France, Rouen is steeped in history. Both William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc died in the town Victor Hugo called it "the city of a hundred spires". Rouen is home to many museums as well as its famed Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, immortalized by Claude Monet’s paintings.

 

DIEPPE/FECAMP/ETRETAT: As the oldest seaside resort in France, Dieppe has its history retold in the castle museum. The Benedictine Palace & Museum, home of the famous Benedictine liqueur, is Fecamp's main fame, along with its picturesque marina. A short drive down the coast is the village of Etretat, nestled between striking white cliffs.

 

DEAUVILLE/TROUVILLE: The glamorous resort town of Deauville, home to the rich and famous, is a thriving vacation spot of luxury hotels, casinos, race tracks, golf courses and polo grounds. Its twin city, Trouville, separated from Deauville by the Touques river, is a more sedate fishing village. Both towns boast wide sandy beaches. Another town named Honfleur is the birthplace of impressionist painting. Honfleur is a charming harbor village with narrow timbered houses. Monet and Baudelaire are two of the many artists who spend time in this 11TH century town.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[John Bull]

Is it possible to get from LeHavre to Bayeux by 8:30am if the ship docks in LeHavre at 6am? If so, what is the best way?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

There's no simple train route. Terry is right, by road (taxi or self-drive) is the best bet, driving directions are pretty simple. Googlemaps quotes 1hr 25 mins for the 76 miles, I find googlemaps a little pessimistic, you should be able to do it in under an hour & a quarter, esp if you clear the Caen ring road before 8pm or at a weekend. You'll need a few euros for the tollbridge over the Seine

 

One fly in the ointment. I recall a thread which complained of the difficulty of getting a rental car at Le Havre quayside fullstop, let alone at daft o'clock in the morning. Hopefully HeinBloed will latch onto this thread - or perhaps you can alert her. She knows her stuff with continental trains & carhire.

 

John Bull

[mike23]

Terry

How long a drive is it from Le Havre to Dieppe?

 

Mike

[TLCOhio]

Terry: How long a drive is it from Le Havre to Dieppe? Mike

 

If you go to:

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/europe.adp?do=nw

you can get detailed driving directions, alternative routes, maps and other info.

 

They say it would take 1 hour 19 minutes to cover those 72.28 miles from Le Havre to Dieppe.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[Hlitner]

Is it possible to get from LeHavre to Bayeux by 8:30am if the ship docks in LeHavre at 6am? If so, what is the best way?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

The only chance would be with a car whether you hire a car/driver or rent a car. It takes about 1 1/2 hours for the drive assuming you can get out of LeHavre without getting lost. Your problem would be that its probably impossible to get a rental car early enough in the morning to get to Bayeaux by 8:30. Most rental car companies do not even open until 7 (or later) and since its France you can count on more than a few minutes to complete all the paperwork.

 

Hank

[moyaroo]

 

 

One fly in the ointment. I recall a thread which complained of the difficulty of getting a rental car at Le Havre quayside fullstop, let alone at daft o'clock in the morning. Hopefully HeinBloed will latch onto this thread - or perhaps you can alert her. She knows her stuff with continental trains & carhire.

 

John Bull

The biggest trouble with LeHavre and car hires is that if you are in on a Sunday, you are out of luck. My stop this summer, you guessed it, Sunday.

 

I know of nowhere else in France with no rental agencies open on Sunday. C'est dommage!

[TLCOhio]

The biggest trouble with LeHavre and car hires is that if you are in on a Sunday, you are out of luck. My stop this summer, you guessed it, Sunday. I know of nowhere else in France with no rental agencies open on Sunday. C'est dommage!

 

In checking in the past, I have found other French cities without Sunday car rental offices being open. It is not just this one port. Avis is one of the large rental firms throughout France. It is a pain and frustration if you're there on a Sunday.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[overlord14]

Hi,

I am french and I live in Normandy and I know for sure that the rental car company won't be open that early. You should book a taxi or hire a driver. Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

Francis.

[portsherry1]

Hi,

I am french and I live in Normandy and I know for sure that the rental car company won't be open that early. You should book a taxi or hire a driver. Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

Francis.

 

Is it very difficult to take train from Le Havre to Bayeax - we will be leaving the ship and no hurry to get to Bayeau. Understand there is a change in Rouen and Caen then Bayeux?

 

Thanks for your assistance.

 

Linda

[Hlitner]

Is it very difficult to take train from Le Havre to Bayeax - we will be leaving the ship and no hurry to get to Bayeau. Understand there is a change in Rouen and Caen then Bayeux?

 

Thanks for your assistance.

 

Linda

 

Forgive me for butting :)

 

You are talking about a train ride that will take you over 4 hours each way (some of the trains take over 5 hours) and this fun journey will cost you over $100 per person (2nd class). Having been to Bayeux (twice) it is hard to imagine it being worth all this trouble. Oh, and by the way, you can drive it in about 1 1/2 hours and renting a car for a day would cost you much less then the train (for 2 or more people).

 

Hank

[wilkij]

You asked for the "best" way and I would suggest getting a rental car and see Bayeux and other key, nearby sites and sights. Per MapQuest, it takes 1 hour 23 minutes to cover the 76.60 miles from Le Havre to Bayeux. Tell me more on your budget, party size, past Europe experiences, etc. Below are some notes on this wonderful area and many of the potential options for this visit and/or a return, later, longer visit. This area is fairly flat and reasonable to drive.

 

NORMANDY: This is an area with many great potentials, including its 360-mile coastline, historic cities, beaches, lush farmlands, fine cheeses, nice ciders and many Gastronomic delights! This includes calvados, an apple brandy and Camembert cheese, a local specialty. It was part of ancient Gaul, conquered by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC. The name of Normandy is derived from the settlement and conquest of the territory by Vikings ("Northmen") from the 9th century. Architecture in upper Normandy is typified by half-timbered buildings that also recall vernacular English architecture.

For the area, here’s more tourism info: http://www.normandie-tourisme.fr

 

In our one day-trip there, we did:

GIVERNY: This is a pilgrimage for art lovers in this picturesque village (just east of Vernon where the train from Paris took us and we got our car for our day-trip in this area). It is on the banks of the Seine and was the home of French impressionist painter Claude Monet. Visitors can wander through Monet's spacious house and the exuberant gardens. Near these garden is the famed pond and bridge, the inspiration of his famous water lily series.

 

BAYEUX: This charming town is built around the magnificent Cathedral of Notre-Dame and is home to the 200-foot long Bayeux Tapestry. This is a world famous masterpiece whose cartoon-like scenes depict the epic tale of William the Conqueror's expedition conquering England in 1066 AD. We had a wonderful lunch at the Lion d’Or, a former coaching inn dating back to 1770. The town/area tourism website is: http://www.bessin-normandie.fr

 

WORLD WAR II LANDING BEACHES: The largest military landing in history took place in Normandy on June 6, 1944 with 130,000 troops landing that day on the beaches. Monuments, museums and bunkers are a living commemoration to the Battle of Normandy. The American Cemetery is located near Colleville-sur-Mer on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach (one of the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion) and the English Channel. It covers 172 acres and contains the remains of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations. The graves face westward, towards the United States. This cemetery is very moving and is maintained in an incredibly beautiful manner.

 

MONT-ST-MICHEL (mohn-san-mee-shel) is a unique abbey perched precariously on a 264-foot high rocky islet connected to the mainland by a causeway. Surrounded by over half a mile of massive walls and reached by a steep climb up winding streets, it remains one of the greatest sightseeing attractions in Europe and the second only to the Eiffel Tower as the most visited place in France. Its fortifications enabled the islet to withstand repeated English assaults during the Hundred Years' War. The abbey served as a prison during Napoleon's reign. Restored after 1863, and connected to the mainland by a causeway in 1875), Mont-St.Michel is also known for its tides, the highest on the continent. For more tourist info/options: http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com

 

We took the TGV Express train back from Rennes in Brittany at the end of our day-trip to this wonderful area with many great sites and sights!

 

There are also options at:

 

ROUEN: A thriving industrial and commercial center and the third largest port in France, Rouen is steeped in history. Both William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc died in the town Victor Hugo called it "the city of a hundred spires". Rouen is home to many museums as well as its famed Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, immortalized by Claude Monet’s paintings.

 

DIEPPE/FECAMP/ETRETAT: As the oldest seaside resort in France, Dieppe has its history retold in the castle museum. The Benedictine Palace & Museum, home of the famous Benedictine liqueur, is Fecamp's main fame, along with its picturesque marina. A short drive down the coast is the village of Etretat, nestled between striking white cliffs.

 

DEAUVILLE/TROUVILLE: The glamorous resort town of Deauville, home to the rich and famous, is a thriving vacation spot of luxury hotels, casinos, race tracks, golf courses and polo grounds. Its twin city, Trouville, separated from Deauville by the Touques river, is a more sedate fishing village. Both towns boast wide sandy beaches. Another town named Honfleur is the birthplace of impressionist painting. Honfleur is a charming harbor village with narrow timbered houses. Monet and Baudelaire are two of the many artists who spend time in this 11TH century town.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Terry, wonder if you can advise we dock in Le Havre, have a rental car and want to maximise our day. Is it possible to do Bayreuth see the tapestry, do the beaches and American cemetery. Also see honfleur? If so, what route would you take and in which order please thanks Janet

[Hlitner]

Terry, wonder if you can advise we dock in Le Havre, have a rental car and want to maximise our day. Is it possible to do Bayreuth see the tapestry, do the beaches and American cemetery. Also see honfleur? If so, what route would you take and in which order please thanks Janet

 

Not Terry, but we will jump-in since we have extensively driven this region many times. Bayeaux is a bit out of the way, so we would suggest going directly there in the morning. There is also an excellent "Peace Museum" in Caen, which is along that route....but this is where you must prioritize what is most important to yourselves. After seeing the tapestry you should head north to the beaches. Most Americans make Omaha and Utah beaches their goal....keeping in mind that Omaha is the best when it comes to having preserved quite a few historic sites. The American Cemetery is nearby and you also should go over to Pointe du Hoc (near Omaha and Utah beaches).

There are other historic places in the beach region including Sainte Mere Eglise...but this would be stretching things...if you want time to visit Honfleur.

 

Once done with the beach area you head back to the A13 (road) and head directly over to Deauville and Honfleur.....from where you drive back to Le Havre. Its a busy day, but doable.....if you can get an early start. Most cruises stay in Le Havre until the late evening...which does give you some extra time. And its a good idea to arrange to drop your car after hours (not usually a problem).

 

The key to do type of long driving day is to head towards your most distant places...first and then work your way back towards the port. That is why saving Honfleur to later in the day makes sense. The downside (for us) to this kind of day is that DW and I really enjoy having a long lunch in Honfleur (at the little harbor area). But this is not reasonable if you also want to go to the beaches and Bayeaux.

 

And we always add an important CAUTION that most European rental cars have a manual (stick) shift! If you cannot handle a stick, or simply prefer an automatic, make sure you reserve far in advance and specifically tell the rental car agency that you must have an automatic. And be prepared to pay significantly more money for an automatic.

 

Hank

Edited January 22, 2017 by Hlitner

[deec]

Before I start to research a great guide and driver I am wondering if we can see Monet's Gardens and the Bayeaux Taperstry in the same port day.

 

Any suggestions for a driver / guide? Would rather not spend the time trying to rent a car for the day.

[John Bull]

Terry, wonder if you can advise we dock in Le Havre, have a rental car and want to maximise our day. Is it possible to do Bayreuth see the tapestry, do the beaches and American cemetery. Also see honfleur? If so, what route would you take and in which order please thanks Janet

 

Hi Janet.

Similar advice to Hank's.

 

Start with Bayeux (90 mins from your ship. most of it on the fast N13 divided highway).

Then 20 minutes on smaller roads to the American cemetery (Colleville-sur-Mer) which overlooks part of Omaha beach. You will probably want to spend longer here than you imagine, but if you think you have the time drop down to the beach west of the cemetery , then continue west along the D514 coast lane for 15 minutes to Pointe Due Hoc. You'll only need to spend about 20 minutes there, before returning thro Colleville-sur-Mer & east along that D514 coastal lane (guns at Longues-sur-Mer on the way) for 25 mins to Arromanches, where parts of the Mulberry Harbour remain. Good seafront D-Day museum there too, and shops & cafes & bars. Keep to the D514 eastbound (signed Caen, Courseullies-sur-Mer) up the hill out of Arromanches to the viewpoint /360 cinema overlooking the town before heading back via the Caen ring road / N13 to Le Havre.

Give yourselves at least 2.5 hours for that drive back from Arromanches. It should take about 1.5 hours, but you need that extra hour for wiggle-time in case of delays.

If you're not delayed you can spend that hour in Honfleur, a relaxing café-lined fishing harbour to end the day.

But if you're running late you can skip Honfleur. Its just under half an hour from your ship, but give yourselves 45 minutes.

 

Here's that route, but don't treat it as gospel - you may want to, or have to, skip or change parts, and that's easy to do. From time to time during the day, check on your GPS the distance / time back to the ship and adjust your plans as necessary.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/49.4789689,0.125412/14400+Bayeux,+France/American+Cemetery+%26+Memorial,+Colleville-sur-Mer,+France/Omaha+Beach/Pointe+du+Hoc,+France/49.3389752,-0.6152727/Honfleur,+France/Avenue+Lucien+Corbeaux,+76600+Le+Havre,+France/@49.3646634,-0.5997558,10z/data=!4m60!4m59!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x480bacaab8e20a89:0xd64bc55fc9c3f294!2m2!1d-0.70314!2d49.276437!1m5!1m1!1s0x480ba821aede443d:0x9eae831a6fedc2fe!2m2!1d-0.8532267!2d49.3592223!1m5!1m1!1s0x480b08081a97b07b:0x652b44ab64e81d92!2m2!1d-0.8710842!2d49.3696815!1m15!1m1!1s0x480b0a35f1069ef9:0x7636a3776c92f0cb!2m2!1d-0.9892703!2d49.3971886!3m4!1m2!1d-0.7687926!2d49.343228!3s0x480baa1599271b4b:0x545af7f45e41bb6f!3m4!1m2!1d-0.619659!2d49.3381664!3s0x480a55db8621c85b:0x6fd5ce15eddd9f22!1m10!3m4!1m2!1d-0.5982573!2d49.3372454!3s0x480a566fdb827f73:0xe06077052fe399fb!3m4!1m2!1d-0.595909!2d49.3395329!3s0x480a566c0de84393:0x31e6992d31d0de16!1m5!1m1!1s0x47e033a5e30f5dc5:0x40c14484fbceaf0!2m2!1d0.233262!2d49.418762!1m5!1m1!1s0x47e02ef92c78c4f5:0xb2a1e8ba457afa56!2m2!1d0.1271172!2d49.4788317!3e0

 

The Caen ring road can get clogged where it crosses the Orne, but the alternate (via Pegasus Bridge at Benouville) is a little complicated.

And altho the N13 is a good fast road its a popular road for speed cameras so don't be tempted.;)

 

I'll disagree with Hank on one point. The Peace Museum at Caen is about warfare in general, it majors on the holocaust and features little about D-Day. Its also expensive - well worth it for a full day but you'll be hard-pressed to fit in the places I've mentioned, let alone the Peace Museum.

 

Do check the latest time that you can return your rental car.

 

JB :)

 

 

 

Before I start to research a great guide and driver I am wondering if we can see Monet's Gardens and the Bayeaux Taperstry in the same port day.

 

Any suggestions for a driver / guide? Would rather not spend the time trying to rent a car for the day.

 

You could fit the Bayeux tapestry and Monet's garden into one day, but they're far from ideal partners because they're in opposite directions.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/49.4770642,0.1427078/BAYEUX+-+TAPE+A+L'%C5%92IL,+Rue+Saint-Malo,+Bayeux,+France/Giverny,+France/Le+Havre,+France/@49.2808785,-0.1580837,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m21!4m20!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x480baca915d1b1e9:0xcb3b8f7c7ea136b!2m2!1d-0.7059049!2d49.2782832!1m5!1m1!1s0x47e6c8e2b4ec4081:0x40c14484fbba300!2m2!1d1.533504!2d49.081595!1m5!1m1!1s0x47e02f2395218b7d:0x5bc1867aaf33af12!2m2!1d0.107929!2d49.49437!3e0

This route is the quickest, with total driving time of 5 hours & nearly all of it on bland expressways.

If you decide to do both, mebbe give yourselves some more pleasant & interesting scenery by taking the coast road to Bayeux (thro Honfleur, Trouville, Houlgate, Pegasus Bridge) and / or the winding Seine valley lanes of the Parc Naturel des Boucles from Giverny back to the ship. Adds more journey time, but so much more pleasant & laid-back.

 

Though to repeat, they're two destinations which don't fit together well.

 

I cant imagine one guide being great for both places, what you need is a decently-knowledgeable & experienced driver with good English. And do some homework on the places before your cruise.

 

Sorry, cant help with recommendations, I've only ever self-driven Normandy.

 

JB :)

[Hlitner]

Before I start to research a great guide and driver I am wondering if we can see Monet's Gardens and the Bayeaux Taperstry in the same port day.

 

Any suggestions for a driver / guide? Would rather not spend the time trying to rent a car for the day.

 

Can it be done? Yes. Should it be done? Probably not. As JB explained, going to Bayeux and Giverny takes you in opposite directions...adding a lot of driving time. And if you are going to Giverny in the high season, you can expect to encounter lines which will add to your time. If you have Giverny on your "must" agenda consider pairing it with a visit to Rouen and its fantastic Cathedral (which was the subject of a series of Monet paintings)..

 

Hank

[deec]

Thank you. We will only do one.