From Le Havre: Paris Guided Day Trip Shore Excursion

1. Port of Le Havre

This fascinating Paris shore excursion begins at the Le Havre cruise ship port. 

Our friendly hosts will greet you outside the cruise ship terminal. You will then board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus and set out on a journey through the beautiful Norman countryside.

Our tours are tailored to the ships' docking times, ensuring a prompt start and punctual return to the port with plenty of time to spare before your ship’s departure.

As Paris is far from the port, there is limited time for exploration. This tour offers a fully guided tour with a licensed local guide, and a brief lunch break, but please note there won't be time for shopping or a sit-down meal. 

If you are interested in a tour with more free time, we recommend our other Paris shore excursion: "Shop & Eat", including a brief panoramic tour, and more time for exploration around the Champs Elysees. Due to the limited time in port, it is unfortunately impossible to combine shopping, a sit-down meal, and sightseeing.

2. Les Invalides

As you approach the city, be prepared to be swept off your feet by its alluring beauty and rich culture. Upon arrival, your first stop is the iconic Les Invalides. Here, you'll meet your passionate local tour guide who will bring the city to life with their captivating stories and historical insights. 
Stretch your legs, enjoy a cup of coffee, and buy some souvenirs, snacks or a light lunch at the café inside the complex.

A visit to Les Invalides provides an opportunity to explore the history of France, gain a deeper understanding of its military legacy, and marvel at its stunning architecture. Built in the 17th century as a military hospital and retirement home for war veterans, it is now a symbol of French military history and power. It houses several museums and is also home to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most significant figures in French history.

3. Eiffel Tower

Our next stop will be the most iconic landmarks in the world - the Eiffel Tower! Located in the heart of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is not just any ordinary attraction - it's a cultural icon that represents France's engineering excellence and rich history.

Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower was named after its visionary designer, Gustave Eiffel, and once held the title of the world's tallest man-made structure. Today, it continues to captivate visitors from all over the globe with its breathtaking beauty and romantic allure.

Our guide will be with you every step of the way, sharing fascinating facts about the tower's history and culture. They'll also help you capture the perfect photo to commemorate your visit to this must-see attraction. 

Please note that during the security measures, a visit inside can take 2 to 3 hours, and for this reason, we will only be visiting from outside.

4. Champs-Élysées.

From the iconic Eiffel Tower, embark on a journey to discover the city's most famous landmarks, starting with the legendary Champs-Élysées. Drive down the most famous avenue in the world, lined with theaters, cafes, and luxury shops, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Paris. The Champs-Élysées has been a symbol of French elegance and style for centuries, attracting millions of visitors every year. 

From the must-see sights to the hidden gems off the beaten path, our professional local guide will share fascinating stories and anecdotes that will bring the city to life before your eyes. You'll come away with a deep understanding and appreciation for the city's past and present, and memories that will last a lifetime.

5. Arc de Triomphe

Standing majestically at the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is a must-see attraction that perfectly captures the grandeur and glory of Paris. Built in honor of those who fought and died for France, this iconic monument boasts breathtaking views of the city and is steeped in history and symbolism that will leave you in awe. Hop off the bus here to snap the perfect picture of this imposing monument.

6. Place de la Concorde

See the famous Place de la Concorde and be awed by its grandeur! This iconic Parisian square boasts ornate fountains and the historic Obelisk of Luxor. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you about its rich history as the site of significant events during the French Revolution.

7. Louvre Museum

As you ride the bus through the Grands Boulevards area, you'll be surrounded by a lively atmosphere and bustling crowds, with plenty of shops, cafes, and theaters to take in. Marvel at the impressive architecture of the ornate Haussmann-style buildings lining the wide boulevards.

Continue on to the rue du Louvre, where you'll catch a glimpse of one of the world's most famous museums, the Louvre, housing an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The rue du Louvre itself is a picturesque street, with charming cafes and boutiques.

Please note that the Louvre Pyramid sadly cannot be seen from the bus.

8. Musée d'Orsay

Next, journey along the picturesque Seine River, and behold breathtaking views of some of Paris's most iconic landmarks. Glide past the Musée d'Orsay, home to an extraordinary collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks.

Marvel at the city's impressive bridges as you pass by the Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge in Paris, and soak in the architectural magnificence of the Pont Alexandre III, renowned for its ornate design and magnificent sculptures. 

9. Notre Dame

Our next stop is the magnificent Hôtel de Ville, the City Hall of Paris that boasts exquisite architecture and rich history. Located just around the corner is one of the most renowned churches in the world, Notre-Dame. This true masterpiece of Gothic architecture suffered significant damage in a fire in 2019, but it remains an iconic symbol of Paris and its resilience. 

Please note that due to ongoing renovations, the cathedral is closed to visitors, and scaffolding may obstruct the view from the outside. Your local guide will assess whether it's feasible to explore the area on foot, time and view permitting. If possible, we will take a short walk before concluding the tour.

As the tour comes to an end, your guide will bid you farewell, and you will be transported back to the Le Havre cruise ship port. You will leave Paris with unforgettable memories of one of the world's most beautiful and vibrant cities.

10. Port of le Havre

After a full day of Francophile delights, you will be whisked back to your ship on our comfortable coach bus, brimming with new memories to last a lifetime!

Have trust in our decade-long experience in organizing shore excursions, and explore the shores with us in comfort, with peace of mind. Booking a tour during your cruise can be stressful, but not with us! Our tours are adjusted to your ship's schedule, ensuring that you have plenty of time to enjoy the day without worrying about making it back to the ship on time. We will pick you up directly at the port and drop you off with plenty of time to spare, so you can relax and enjoy your day.

Simply choose the tour that suits your preferences best. – either this excursion with extended sightseeing, or our other excursion with more free time, and limited touring. Leave the rest to us and let us take you on an unforgettable Parisian adventure to make memories that will last a lifetime!