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Guide

Le Havre, located on the Seine estuary, is a beautiful busy port city filled with historical buildings and fabulous architecture. The city has a great nightlife scene, white sandy beaches and a beautiful countryside to drive through and take in the scenery. Pre-booking a hire car is a great choice to make the most out of your trip to Le Havre. Book cheap car hire in Le Havre with us and gain the freedom to explore the area from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Explore Le Havre

Le Havre dates as far back as 1517, as it was originally a principal trading post of France's northern coast, which gained affluence following the American War of Independence. This was a result of the importation of goods like cotton, tobacco and sugar. It was also the port for the great luxury liners like the Normandie, Île de France. The most interesting aspect of the city is that it was almost totally rebuilt after the second world war by Auguste Perret, a great architect who went to great lengths to ensure that the new buildings complemented the old. The main feature of his work is the low skyline, making the horizon visible at the end of almost every street and creates an atmosphere of spaciousness. Strolling around the town and discovering the remnants of the original harbor town is both exhilarating and rewarding.

The surrounding area of Seine Maritime provides endless recreational and touring opportunities. Normandy's dramatic northern coastline stretches to the east and west of Le Havre, and includes such scenic treasures as Dieppe and Etretat. Dieppe in particular impresses with the massive white cliffs of the aptly named Cote d'Albatre (Alabaster Coast) stretching away to either side of its harbour. The shore all the way east from Le Havre to Dieppe is full of enchanting seaside resorts and villages.

A worthwhile inland excursion is along the meandering course of the River Seine, where traditional rural villages are located upstream and downstream of the provincial capital of Rouen. Taking the D982 you will come across interesting sights including the medieval abbeys of Jumieges and St-Wandrille. Rouen itself, synonymous with the execution of Joan of Arc, is a prime destination. Further upstream are Monet's charming house and garden at Giverny and the magnificent Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys.

Transport

Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the closest international airport to Le Havre, and connections can easily be made to the harbour town with numerous forms of transportation available.

Car hire suppliers operating from the airport's arrival hall are; Advantage, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt and TT Car Transit. Book car hire in Le Havre online in advance for a larger selection of cars and discounts.