Le Havre, France

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod – your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re visiting Le Havre, France, a city that proves modern architecture can be just as captivating as history itself.

Once devastated by war, Le Havre has reinvented itself into a symbol of light, openness, and resilience.

City Overview

France is often seen as the heart of culture, cuisine, and style.

And in Le Havre, located where the River Seine meets the English Channel, you’ll find one of the country’s most important ports.

The city lies in Normandy, a region rich in history and known for its sweeping coastlines and charming towns.

During World War Two, Le Havre was almost completely destroyed.

But instead of rebuilding the past, the city embraced a bold vision for the future.

In the 1950s, architect Auguste Perret led a reconstruction that was so distinctive that UNESCO named the rebuilt city center a World Heritage Site in 2005.

Today, Le Havre is home to around one hundred sixty-six thousand residents, and the euro is the local currency.

The city is known for its open spaces, modernist architecture, and the way it blends urban design with the sea.

Our Day in Port

On this cold January day, the MSC Euribia arrived at ten in the morning.

After a relaxed breakfast on board, we planned to head out around eleven-thirty.

But once we reached the pier, hundreds of guests were already waiting for the shuttle bus, and not a single taxi was in sight.

So, we decided to wait a bit longer and try again later.

In the early afternoon, our timing was perfect.

A taxi finally took us straight into the city center – our first destination: The Volcano.

This striking white building, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, looks exactly like its name – a volcano rising in the middle of the city.

It’s one of Le Havre’s most recognizable landmarks and serves as a cultural center for theater and art.

From here, we could see the Bassin du Commerce, a rectangular water basin cutting through downtown, surrounded by modern buildings and public art.

Next, we continued on foot to St. Joseph’s Church – the architectural heart of post-war Le Havre.

Its 108-meter concrete tower dominates the skyline, resembling a modern lighthouse.

Inside, light filters through more than 12,000 pieces of colorful stained glass, turning the raw concrete walls into a kaleidoscope of color.

It’s a space that feels both spiritual and artistic – a perfect symbol of the city’s rebirth.

From there, we made our way to City Hall, another of Auguste Perret’s creations.

It’s surrounded by wide green areas and water features that reflect the open, airy character of the city.

Everything in Le Havre seems designed to let the light and sea breeze flow through.

Eventually, it was time to return to the port.

While searching for a taxi, we ran into a Dutch tour guide we had met earlier on our world cruise – a happy coincidence that brought smiles all around.

After a friendly chat, we took the shuttle back to the ship.

It was a quiet, easy ending to a short but rewarding day.

Le Havre may not have a medieval old town or narrow alleys, but it offers something different – clarity, space, light, and a sense of renewal.

Travel Tips

Because the ship docked later that day, around ten a.m., many guests tried to leave at once.

If you plan to go ashore early, be prepared for long lines at the shuttles and taxis.

Waiting an hour or two can make the experience much smoother.

The city center is about three kilometers from the pier, so walking is possible – just be sure to dress warmly in winter.

A good starting point is the Volcano, from where you can easily reach St. Joseph’s Church and City Hall on foot.

For the return trip, a taxi or shuttle is the most comfortable option, saving at least one leg of the journey.

Le Havre is ideal for a half-day excursion, giving you a glimpse into modern French design and urban life.

If you’re tempted to visit Paris, it’s technically possible, but it’s a long trip – about two hours each way by bus.

And with traffic being unpredictable, you may only have time for a quick photo stop at famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, or the Louvre.

If you do choose to go, book the excursion through the cruise line so the ship will wait in case of delays.

For many travelers, it’s worth it just to breathe in Parisian air, even for a few short hours, and catch a glimpse of the “City of Love.”

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed discovering Le Havre, France – a city that proves beauty can be found in rebuilding, not just in preservation.

Join me next time as we sail toward another exciting destination on our cruise.

Until then – stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.