Le Havre to Paris for the day.

[chloe kitty]

We will be arriving in Le Havre @ 7am. We would like to take the train to Paris as soon as possible. Since we don't know how long it will take to clear the ship, would a 10am train seem reasonable? Has anyone taken the train between these destinations? If so, do you think it is a good idea? Our ship leaves Le Havre @ 9pm. Is the arrival station close to the main sights?

 

Thank you for any help.

 

chloe kitty

[John Bull]

We will be arriving in Le Havre @ 7am. We would like to take the train to Paris as soon as possible. Since we don't know how long it will take to clear the ship, would a 10am train seem reasonable? Has anyone taken the train between these destinations? If so, do you think it is a good idea? Our ship leaves Le Havre @ 9pm. Is the arrival station close to the main sights?

 

Thank you for any help.

 

chloe kitty

 

 

!0am seems pretty sensible, you'll need a taxi from ship to rail station & can probably share with other cruisers who've got the same intentions. Paris station is Gare St Lazaire, north part of the city centre, walkable to Arc de Triomphe & metro to anywhere.

More info on http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1116285&highlight=paris+station

 

JB :)

[Poconolady]

We walked from the port to the station, and still made a train that left about 8:30. We had intended to take a taxi, but upon arrival there was a labor dispute on the dock and no public transport would cross the line. (ship excursions were delayed about 4 hours-the people who went had about 1 1/2 hours of actual touring time in Paris). We just asked directions to the station from people on the street, if you plan to walk, then download a map of LeHavre and take it with you, ship did not hand out maps before docking. Don't pre-buy your ticket, wait until you get to the station and then get one for the next train out. An extremely enjoyable day.

[Poconolady]

An added note, we were on RCCL and clearing the ship was nothing more than swiping your card and walking off. (no long waits for customs or anything) In order to get the most time,plan ahead to be in line at the port door at 7Am (or whatever docking time is) so that you can get off before they start offloading ships tours. A great day for room service, or else grab a croisannt and coffee at the train station to take onboard and enjoy as you ride through the lovely countryside.

[Hlitner]

Ships are cleared in France (and most of Europe) within 20 minutes. We actually have encountered more delays because of setting up the gangplank than because of the authorities. With a 7am arrival you should be able to get off the ship by 7:30. Your time in Paris will be limited by the long train ride so you certainly want to get the earliest train possible. That is why we do not make reservations or buy tickets ahead of time since we can never be sure which train we will be able to make. In a related story we recently were in Civitavecchia and grabbed a train (around 7:50 am) into Rome. Some of our fellow passengers were standing around the station because they had actually made reservations on the fast IC Train which did not leave until 9:17. By the time they got their IC train we were already in downtown Rome. We saved money, saved time, and did not have to be concerned that the IC train would be running late (not unusual).

 

Hank

[2Precious]

I am interested in taking a tour to Paris. Can anyone help with suggestions on which one to do?:

[chloe kitty]

Great information. Just what we needed. Thank you!

 

chloe kitty

[KCcruisin07]

I am interested in taking a tour to Paris. Can anyone help with suggestions on which one to do?:

I suggest you create a new topic. Do you mean from LeHavre or from Paris?

It will help to be more specific.