'It's incredible how beautiful the sea and the river communion looks from this vantage point. It makes you wonder why strive for beauty when there's so much of it around us anyway.,
August Perret, a highly acclaimed French architect, thus wrote of his experiences in Le Havre, after he assigned the job of bringing this city of angels back to its feet after getting virtually demolished in the Second World War.
Located at a highly strategic location at the mouth of Seine River, Le Havre (literally meaning, 'the Harbor') is the most important harbor in France. It is also the deepest natural harbor in the English Channel, and handles maritime transports worth of billions of dollars every year. It is often called as the pantry for Paris, because various goods are regularly transported back and forth between Paris and Le Havre via Seine River.
Apart from its industrial and commercial value, Le Havre is also famous for its excellent sightseeing potential and a vibrant cultural scene. The new city of Le Havre also features a number of upscale markets, restaurants and shopping malls for tourists to indulge freely. This often leads to Le Havre being called as a modernist perfection “ through the efforts of none but August Perret and his dream vision about resurrecting a city that had lost its soul in the dreaded war.
From minimalism to post-modernism, all sorts of architectural styles and trends are on display in Le Havre, making you wonder if the city itself is a museum of architecture. To honor the spirit of life shown by Le Havre, the UNESCO conferred the status of 'Global Heritage Site' upon Le Havre in 2005, further boosting tourist interest in the city.
The word here is that your trip to Le Havre will be made unique by all the nuances of life and history that the city possesses. So, get ready, get set and plan around “ the sooner the better!
Perhaps this short guide-book of Le Havre hotels will be a good starting thrust you need!
Cheap Hotels in Le Havre
Being a port city, Le Havre is more commonly visited by people who have to carry out one or other sort of business. But ever since the tag of being a heritage site has come along, Le Havre has risen through the ranks of tourism quite splendidly. This has also resulted in the hospitality industry in the city being propelled to the heights of efficiency and variety.
What this simply means is that Le Havre won't disappoint you if cheap hotels are what you are looking for. From traditional bed and breakfast inns to highway motels of American style, all sorts of budget accommodation option are up for grabs in Le Havre.
Best Western Arthotel comes up at the very top of our favorite budget hotels in Le Havre. It is located centrally and can be easily accessed through any port of transport you prefer. Clean and spacious rooms that provide a great view of the city are a bonus. Even though the food here isn't that impressive, you can be sure to find better options elsewhere in the city, and hence this is something you shouldn't be worried about at all!
Finding Luxury in Le Havre
It's not too difficult to find luxury in France, and Le Havre is no exception either. With over one dozen choices of truly extravagant and exorbitant luxury resorts, one can simply choose to let themselves go and surrender to the joys of luxury.
Among these many luxury Le Havre hotels, the option that most tourists seem to favor is Hotel Pasino. It is one of the best resorts in the whole of France, and quite rightly so. Its incredibly modern building that provides breath-taking views of the ocean and the city complements its marvellous brand of hospitality marked by amazing food and staff.
Another brand you simply cannot afford to ignore if you are seeking luxury is Novotel. It operates a solitary five star hotel in the city. It's fully equipped with all amenities and facilities that tourists spending hundreds of dollars per night would be looking for. From in-house saunas and heated swimming pools to authentic global kitchen with the choices of wines adorning the menu, you'd rather be nowhere else but Novotel Le Havre!
So, it's quite clear that Le Havre, with its cheap hotels and luxury resorts, has the needs of travelers of all classes and means covered pretty nicely!
Independent and Boutique Hotels in Le Havre
Many tourists don't really get fascinated by the idea of staying at a hotel where they might not get to experience the warmth of home, in spite of all of its glitter and luxury.
For such tourists, independent and boutique hotels in Le Havre can present a middle-ground where they can strike a good balance between the hospitality and luxury.
Apart from these, there are a handful of holiday rentals and summer houses lined up on the outskirts of old city. These are usually good for rentals during summer months.
Hotels Near Le Havre Airport
Le Havre is serviced by Octeville Airport located nearby.
A quick drive of about ten to fifteen minutes “ notwithstanding the traffic conditions “ is all that one needs in order to reach the city from the airport and vice versa. So, it doesn't make such sense for one to go about looking for a hotel near the airport, just as it would be easier from the convenience point of view.
Getting Around in Le Havre
Le Havre is a fairly large city with its own local transport system of buses and trams that helps locals and tourists get from one point to another quite easily.
Extensive reach of the options means that you won't have to look beyond these unless there is an absolute need. If you prefer to get around by yourself, you can rent a car from your hotel, or any professional car rental company. Bicycle rentals are also available and are popular, too!