Cruise to France: 3 Ports to Explore
Picture yourself at a waterfront café sipping an ice-cold glass of rosé while watching the world pass you by. Now, imagine a soft, sweet aroma wafting through the air as you stroll through lush lavender fields. Finally, envision yourself shopping until you drop at dozens of designer boutiques on one of the most famous streets in the world. You can do all this and more on a cruise to France with Norwegian Cruise Line. Keep reading to learn all about three of the most popular ports on a Norwegian cruise to France.
Ready to start planning? Explore all cruises to France.
1. Cruise to Le Havre, France
Le Havre, a seaside city in the Normandy region of northwestern France, is best known as the gateway to the City of Light. So, if a trip to Paris tops the list of ports you want to visit on your cruise vacation, choose a European cruise itinerary with a stop at Le Havre. While many cruisers flock to Paris for a magical day exploring the must-see sites, there are plenty of spectacular things to do right in Le Havre itself.
Landmarks to Explore in Paris
- Eiffel Tower
- Catacombs
- Sacré-Coeur Basiliaca
- Montmartre
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Champs-Elysées
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Musée d'Orsay
If you choose to stick around Le Havre instead, check out these top spots:
Landmarks to Explore in Le Havre
- St. Joseph's Church
- Andrée Malraux Museum of Modern Art
- Perret Show Flat
- Hanging Gardens
- Impressionist Trail
- Maison de l'Armateur
- Le Havre Beach
- Le Havre Cathedral
Things To Do on a Cruise to Le Havre
Norwegian offers a variety of shore excursions from Le Havre. During the Paris & Lunch on the Seine tour, you get the chance to view the monumental city of Paris from the water as well as by motorcoach. Meanwhile, the D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy tour takes you to the modest coastal resort of Arromanches for a glimpse into the famous World War II operation that set the foundation for the Allied victory in Europe. Check out the "Go Local - As a Local in Modern Le Havre" excursion to experience Le Havre through the eyes of a resident.
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2. Cruise to Provence (Marseille), France
Located on the Mediterranean coast in the heart of the Provence region in southeastern France, Marseille is a top tourist destination. The city's sunny skies and moderate climate make it a great place to visit any time of the year. Founded in 600 B.C.E., Marseille is the oldest and second-largest city in France. From the rich history and vibrant culture to the beautiful beaches and cosmopolitan vibes, Marseille offers something for everyone. It's also the perfect starting point to explore other popular cities in Provence, including Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Arles.
Landmarks in Marseille
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Old Port of Marseille
- Cathédrale La Major
- La Canebiere
- Calanque National Park
- Palais Longchamp
- Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
Things To Do on a Cruise to Marseille
A fabulous way to discover everything Marseille has to offer is on the Easy Marseille shore excursion with Norwegian. Enjoy beautiful views from your motorcoach as you drive along the winding coastline and stop for photos at must-see spots. Other fantastic excursions from Marseille include scenic day trips to Aix-en-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence.
3. Cruise to Cannes, France
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cannes? If it's the glitz and glam of the world-famous Cannes Festival, you're not alone. Now, you can walk the red carpet just like the celebrities do at this international event each year. As you stroll along the palm-lined streets, keep your eyes peeled for the famous faces who spend their downtime on Cannes sun-soaked beaches. Thanks to pleasant temperatures year round, Cannes is a beautiful place to visit on any cruise vacation.
Landmarks in Cannes
With its luxury resorts, gourmet dining, and incredible architecture, Cannes is the kind of place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Some of the must-see spots include:
- Promenade de la Croisette
- Le Suquet
- Marché Forville
- Rue d'Antibes
- Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
- Old Port of Cannes
- Musée de la Castre
- Casino Barrière Les Princes
Things To Do on a Cruise to Cannes
Make the most of your time in Cannes with a Norwegian shore excursion. On the Cannes Walking Tour, visit the best local attractions while learning all about the history of the city from your experienced guide. Norwegian also offers excursions to Nice, Monaco, Valbonne, Antibes, and other nearby gems.
So, which port of call on a France cruise is your favorite? With their iconic landmarks, historic sites, and fun-filled shore excursions, Le Havre, Marseille, and Cannes offer loads of phenomenal things to see and do no matter your travel style.
Want to learn more about a cruises to France with Norwegian? Simply head over to the Norwegian website to learn all about the different itineraries that cruise to these three French ports. Don't forget to sign up for emails so you can stay in the know about amazing Europe cruise offers, itineraries, and more.