Le Havre
Normandy, France: Excellent water quality
Le Havre is a beach on Normandy's coast in France. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Le Havre
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Le Havre?
Le Havre is a beach on Normandy's coast in France. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and noticeably busier. Check local water safety conditions before swimming, as conditions can vary by season.
The Blue Flag status makes it a solid choice for families and swimmers who care about environmental standards.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Normandy, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Mar | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Apr | 10°C | 7°C | Med |
| May | 13°C | 10°C | Med |
| Jun | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jul | 19°C | 16°C | High |
| Aug | 19°C | 16°C | High |
| Sep | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Oct | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Nov | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Dec | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Le Havre is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 18.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 15.6°C in July.
How crowded does Le Havre get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Le Havre sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Le Havre open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Le Havre
Is Le Havre safe to swim?Le Havre is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Le Havre?Peak water temperature at Le Havre reaches around 15.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6°C.
What is the beach like at Le Havre?Le Havre on the Normandy coast of France. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and noticeably busier. Check local water safety conditions before swimming, as conditions can vary by season.
Does Le Havre have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Le Havre meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Planning a trip to France? Blue Flag Beaches France , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Le Havre
How do I get to Le Havre by car?Le Havre is approximately 0.19 km from Le Havre. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Le Havre?The nearest airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), approximately 185.2 km away.
Can I get to Le Havre by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Le Havre. The nearest recorded bus stop is 133 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Le Havre?Le Havre lists Place Thiers as the nearest railway station, 0.71 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Le Havre
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Le Havre. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Le Havre
- Public toilets Public toilets 216 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 220 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 222 m
- Toilette à la bibliothèque Public toilets 258 m
Bus near Le Havre
- George V Bus stop 133 m
- George V Bus stop 137 m
- Hôtel de Ville Tram stop 175 m
- Place Perret Bus stop 176 m
- Hôtel de Ville Tram stop 196 m
Cafés near Le Havre
- Le Bistrot Parisien Restaurant 16 m
- Pokawa Restaurant 86 m
- Louise Café Café 102 m
- La fringale Restaurant 112 m
- Le Central Restaurant 114 m
Parking near Le Havre
- Parking Parking 29 m
- Parking Parking 52 m
- Parking Parking 106 m
- Parking Parking 107 m
- Parking Parking 127 m
Supermarket near Le Havre
- U Express Supermarket 282 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (lane parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 160 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 133 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 49.4926°N, 0.1061°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Le Havre FAQ
Is Le Havre suitable for children?
Le Havre has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in France.
Is Le Havre free to access?
Access to Le Havre is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Normandy, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Le Havre?
The best time to visit Le Havre is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 15.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Le Havre?
Le Havre is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Le Havre?
Le Havre is located in Normandy, France. It is approximately 0.19 km from Le Havre. The nearest airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), 185.2 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Le Havre?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 4 toilet locations near Le Havre, including 216 m away, 220 m away, 222 m away, and Toilette à la bibliothèque (258 m). Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Le Havre?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 133 m from Le Havre (George V), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Le Havre?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Le Havre, including Le Bistrot Parisien (16 m), Pokawa (86 m), Louise Café (102 m), and La fringale (112 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Le Havre?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 29 m from Le Havre, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Le Havre?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 282 m from Le Havre (U Express). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore FranceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Le Havre
- FEE France (Pavillon Bleu)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.