Le Havre area
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We sailed into Le Havre when we cycled London to Paris. Great ferry crossing if you get one of the cabins. You get a decent bed and a shower, albeit small. Trying to cycle out of LeHavre port is a nightmare however! It's very easy to get lost. We managed to waste about an hour trying to find the right way out.
Tim Bennet.
Entirely Average Member
- Location
- S of Kendal
I've cycled north from Le Harve. I think the trip from there to Boulogne is one of the real gems of cycling in France. That coast didn't attract all the painters from Paris for nothing. The coast together with the odd wander inland for some history (Agincourt and Crecy to both world wars), can happily fill a couple of weeks of anyone's life.
I didn't find the navigating in Le Harve particular taxing (with a map), but I do recall the route I took was quite a climb out (in the pouring rain) and may not be the best way to start a family trip. Especially the rain. Looking at the map, I think it might be worth heading inland for a couple of miles from the ferry port to the suburb of Harfleur, and then follow a valley north to Montivilliers, Épouville, Notre-dame-du-bec, Criquetot -L'Esneval and then head to the coast. It's the route followed by the railway which is always a good sign. It also misses the massive French nuclear installation on the coast which you may or may not want to do.
I have also used the roads through the industrial port area (south of the ferry port) as a route east, especially when heading to the Pont de Normandie. (Ave Lucien Corbeaux, Ave 16 Port, etc). I remember these as being wide and relatively quiet although passing through some post apocalyptic industrial scenery. Admittedly this misses the heart of Le Harve, and there is plenty to see there, but there's always time to sweep downhill into town on your return and see the sights then.
I didn't find the navigating in Le Harve particular taxing (with a map), but I do recall the route I took was quite a climb out (in the pouring rain) and may not be the best way to start a family trip. Especially the rain. Looking at the map, I think it might be worth heading inland for a couple of miles from the ferry port to the suburb of Harfleur, and then follow a valley north to Montivilliers, Épouville, Notre-dame-du-bec, Criquetot -L'Esneval and then head to the coast. It's the route followed by the railway which is always a good sign. It also misses the massive French nuclear installation on the coast which you may or may not want to do.
I have also used the roads through the industrial port area (south of the ferry port) as a route east, especially when heading to the Pont de Normandie. (Ave Lucien Corbeaux, Ave 16 Port, etc). I remember these as being wide and relatively quiet although passing through some post apocalyptic industrial scenery. Admittedly this misses the heart of Le Harve, and there is plenty to see there, but there's always time to sweep downhill into town on your return and see the sights then.
hubbike
Senior Member
- Location
- Edinburgh, Scotland
there is a nice campsite in Honfleur, which is a lovely place, but it is south of Le Harve...
andrew_s
Legendary Member
- Location
- Gloucester
I used this route to get to the ferry at Quillebeuf, where I crossed over (ferry every 15-20 minutes, free). There were a few sections of cycle track between the last lock gate crossing in the harbour and the Pont de Tancarville. After there it's nice and quiet. Coming back, we came in from the north. You'll have to wait until I can dig out a GPS track for that
[edit] looks like the forum fancy linky thing has chopped off the (very long) URL for the route. I'll try again later.
Try this link
[edit] looks like the forum fancy linky thing has chopped off the (very long) URL for the route. I'll try again later.
Try this link
time_trial
New Member
Hi,
I cycled into Le Havre in June from Veullettes Sur Mer on the coast, then onto a lovely campsite near Honfleur. There are some good roads and nice towns in the area, Goderville was a nice place where we grabbed lunch. I'd move around if you can rather than camp in the same place for a week, it's a lovely area and you'll enjoy seeing plenty of it!
Rob.
I cycled into Le Havre in June from Veullettes Sur Mer on the coast, then onto a lovely campsite near Honfleur. There are some good roads and nice towns in the area, Goderville was a nice place where we grabbed lunch. I'd move around if you can rather than camp in the same place for a week, it's a lovely area and you'll enjoy seeing plenty of it!
Rob.
Baggy
Cake connoisseur
- Location
- Where the chevrons are
Bon voyage - and don't forget your pink hat! 
