France

At the mouth of the Seine, the major port of Le Havre is a model of concrete grandeur. Devastated in World War II, with the boldness of its reconstruction, it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss Le Havre’s great waterside art museum, or the seaside pleasures of its marina and long pebble beach. And remember Le Havre is an important cross-Channel ferry port.

The great Impressionist artist Claude Monet painted a picture of an impression of the sun rising through the industrial chimneys of Le Havre, in 1872. An art critic unimpressed by this canvas, entitled ‘Impression, Sunrise’, dismissively dubbed Monet’s style of painting ‘Impressionism’; the name stuck, becoming associated with what is surely the best-loved art movement in the world!

A modern architect with a big vision was put in charge of the post-war reconstruction. Auguste Perret was one of the world’s pioneers in employing concrete. Not only was it cheap, he also reckoned he could achieve many new effects with it, as he proved. The whole design, though altered many times, turned out to be bold and grand. Perret’s modern transformation of Le Havre helped the place became the first modern town in France recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

North of the all the docks, turn the corner from the Seine estuary and Le Havre faces the Channel full on. Here you’ll find the large yachting marina and, in summer, beach huts lined up along the shingle beach as far as Sainte-Adresse, the elegant seaside suburb of Le Havre, with great views out to the open sea. The slopes above have not just swanky villas, but also a 19th century fort turned public gardens with a view.

Climb aboard, and join the crew. As a member of the crew, you’ll be expected to participate in daily activities necessary to keep everything shipshape. Getting to grips with the ropes and sheets, basic navigation skills and yacht maintenance, setting out the day’s aims according to the weather conditions and the schedule.

PASSAGE

Portsmouth – Le Havre – Saint Vaast – Portsmouth

By joining this trip you accept that the skipper has the final decision on activities and the itinerary with safety of crew and the yacht in mind.

DATE

28 Apr – 02 May 2025

COSTS

£650 pp + £200 contribution (food on board, fuel, marina fee, etc)

PASSPORT AND VISAS

Please note, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry to France. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france