Day Tour from LeHavre to Paris and Back

There are two couples in my group and we'll be on Celebrity's Infinity that will be docked in Le Havre at 7am on Sep. 19 and won't leave for our next port until 9pm the next day, Sep. 20. I'm interested in recommendations you may have about private tour operators offering all day tours from Le Havre to sightsee in Paris and return to LeHavre. In addition, do you have recommendations for private tour operators offering tours of the D-Day beaches and surrounding areas. Again, this would be starting in Le Havre and returning to Le Havre. Thanks.

John

In terms of private tours that include the D-Day sites and surrounding areas, I highly recommend Overlord Tours. We used them in May based on the very high reviews I read on here, and we loved them. They are small and book up quickly. They are also very pricey. If you use them, you'll want to consider filling the 8-person van, as the price is the same for 4 or 8 (or 1 or 8).

http://www.overlordtour.com/

There are two couples in my group and we'll be on Celebrity's Infinity that will be docked in Le Havre at 7am on Sep. 19 and won't leave for our next port until 9pm the next day, Sep. 20. I'm interested in recommendations you may have about private tour operators offering all day tours from Le Havre to sightsee in Paris and return to LeHavre. In addition, do you have recommendations for private tour operators offering tours of the D-Day beaches and surrounding areas. Again, this would be starting in Le Havre and returning to Le Havre. Thanks.

 

John

It sound like you have almost two full days in port. Have you considered taking the train into Paris and spending the night there and setting up walking tours, Seine cruises, or just general sightseeing? Seems like a good opportunity.

It sound like you have almost two full days in port. Have you considered taking the train into Paris and spending the night there and setting up walking tours, Seine cruises, or just general sightseeing? Seems like a good opportunity.

We do basically have two full days at the Le Havre port. We thought it best to do as much as we can in Paris the first day and then the D-Day beaches and surrounding area the second day. Celebrity is offering an all day (10 & 1/2 hour) Paris sightseeing tour that leaves from Le Havre at 8:30am and returns at approximately 7pm that night. They are charging $119 per person for this tour. Here's a description:

Maybe I'm overthinking the need to try to get a private all day tour of Paris from Le Havre. Is the $119 per person price Celebrity is quoting an okay deal?

John

In terms of private tours that include the D-Day sites and surrounding areas, I highly recommend Overlord Tours. We used them in May based on the very high reviews I read on here, and we loved them. They are small and book up quickly. They are also very pricey. If you use them, you'll want to consider filling the 8-person van, as the price is the same for 4 or 8 (or 1 or 8).

 

http://www.overlordtour.com/

Thanks, I'll definitely look into this company for a tour on our second day if we can get 8 people.

John

I have not done Paris yet - it is on my list for 2014. If you only want to do one day in Paris then I think the ship tour is not a bad price.

Given the distance between LeHavre and Paris, I'd definitely recommend a ship-sponsored tour and the price seems reasonable. We have only had one day in LeHavre and have found that the comfort of being on a ship-sponsored excursion was a significant factor in our decision and were on at least one when the return to the ship was delayed because of a truck-car collision on the highway ahead of us. I'd recommend checking to see if Celebrity offers alternative tours that might give you sufficient time to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, visit Notre Dame or the Louvre. RCI offered one such tour which basically offered a tour of the city and then left passengers off at the tower and on their own for four or five hours so that they could do their own thing. The luncheon cruise, however, did get good reviews from those that did it. Check to see what day you are in Paris since the Louvre, for example, was closed on Tuesdays the years we were there.

Overlord has a good reputation and spending a day seeing Paris and a second day visiting the Normandy Beaches is an ideal arrangement. We did a private tour of the Beaches several years ago and were able to go to places that the large tour buses couldn't access. It was a very emotionally moving experience made even more so when we returned to the ship and saw that they were showing "Saving Private Ryan" on the stateroom TVs.

We did the ship's ride only and stayed overnight while it was not cheap it was great to have two full days and one night to stay in this great city. Are you buy any chance on the X wine immersion cruise we were on this last year when we did the overnight.

We did the ship's ride only and stayed overnight while it was not cheap it was great to have two full days and one night to stay in this great city. Are you buy any chance on the X wine immersion cruise we were on this last year when we did the overnight.

Yes, we are on the wine immersion cruise leaving September 18. How did you like it last year? We were disappointed that Celebrity now has us docking overnight at La Rochelle instead of what was originally listed as Bordeaux (Le Verdon). Some websites still are showing Bordeaux. Since we've only got two days we didn't want to spend them both in Paris; that's why we're opting for Paris on the first day and the D-Day beaches on the second day.

John

Thanks everyone for the help about the tours. Since I didn't get any tour operator recommendations for Paris, it sounds like we should just take the Celebrity tour to Paris. The big question is which Paris tour to take. In addition to the $119 per person tour I mentioned in my earlier message, Celebrity is offering three other tours. After looking at these three tours and the previous one I mentioned in the earlier message. Is anyone of them better than the other one??? All of these tours are all day, about 10 1/2 hours. Thanks again.

John

A Taste of Paris (for $129 per person)

Overview :

Highlights:

-Lunch and museum entrance fees are not included in the price of the tour.

-Some museums such as the Louvre and Orsay are closed on Tuesdays.

-Department stores and the majority of shops, boutiques and small stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays but souvenir shops will remain open.

If you have already been to Paris, you may want to explore this historic city at your leisure. In Le Havre, you will board a coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Paris. An escort will answer any questions you may have while en route. You will be dropped off in the city center and informed of when to meet the coach for your return to the ship. You will have the day to sightsee at your own pace, shop or dine. Note: This tour involves approximately 5.5 hours on your own. An escort will be on the coach to Paris. Please be mindful that this excursion is non-guided and does not include lunch or entrance fees. If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense.

Yes, we are on the wine immersion cruise leaving September 18. How did you like it last year? We were disappointed that Celebrity now has us docking overnight at La Rochelle instead of what was originally listed as Bordeaux (Le Verdon). Some websites still are showing Bordeaux. Since we've only got two days we didn't want to spend them both in Paris; that's why we're opting for Paris on the first day and the D-Day beaches on the second day.

John

We liked it very much we did go to Le Verdon and the took the train from Solac to Bordeaux it was a bit of an adventure .We also loved Bilbao great for walking no need for a excursion , just take the ships bus into the city (about 10 dollars each ).We found a lot of help from the people who went before us on there roll calls and reviews . Good luck with your planing and have a great trip . P.S.if you have any more Ques. ask.

If it were me and I could afford it I would do the $229. Eiffel Tower luncheon BUT only if I then go to the upper floors for the awesome view of Paris. Otherwise I would stick with the oroginal $119. tour with the Seine cruise.

Thanks everyone for the help about the tours. Since I didn't get any tour operator recommendations for Paris, it sounds like we should just take the Celebrity tour to Paris. The big question is which Paris tour to take. In addition to the $119 per person tour I mentioned in my earlier message, Celebrity is offering three other tours. After looking at these three tours and the previous one I mentioned in the earlier message. Is anyone of them better than the other one??? All of these tours are all day, about 10 1/2 hours. Thanks again.

 

John

 

 

 

A Taste of Paris (for $129 per person)

 

Overview :

This full-day tour of Paris (10 1&2 hours) offers a guided orientation drive through the

“City Of Lights”along with free time to explore and shop at your own pace.

Highlights:

 

-Paris: Tour the city by coach and see the historic sites including the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées, Madeleine Church, the Opera House, the Louvre Museum, Island of la Cité with Notre Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, and the Hotel des Invalides.

 

-Free Time: Enjoy approximately 3.5 hours to explore and shop at your own pace.

 

Full Description: Your guide will meet you at the pier as your excursion begins with a 2.5-hour drive along the superhighway. You will cross the Seine Valley, pass Rouen and ride through the dairy country of Normandy as you make your way to the "City Of Lights". Entering the gates of Paris, you’ll ride down the famous Champs-Elysées, the principal thoroughfare of the city. You will see the 164 foot Arc de Triomphe and pass the Opera House and Madeleine Church. You will see the world famous Louvre Museum with its modern glass pyramid. The tour goes to the River Seine, the island of La Cité and past Notre Dame Cathedral. You will ride down the left bank; pass the Latin Quarter and the Hotel des Invalides, the burial place of Napoléon. Your coach will drop you off at Concorde Square and you will have free time for independent exploration and shopping. The guide will inform you when to meet the bus for your return trip to the ship. Your guide will say goodbye to you in Paris a you re-board your coach for the return ride to your ship.

 

Important Notes

-The tour includes approximately 3.5 hours on your own.

-Lunch and museum entrance fees are not included in the price of the tour.

-Some museums such as the Louvre and Orsay are closed on Tuesdays.

-Department stores and the majority of shops, boutiques and small stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays but souvenir shops will remain open.

 

Paris on Your Own ($109 per person)

 

If you have already been to Paris, you may want to explore this historic city at your leisure. In Le Havre, you will board a coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Paris. An escort will answer any questions you may have while en route. You will be dropped off in the city center and informed of when to meet the coach for your return to the ship. You will have the day to sightsee at your own pace, shop or dine. Note: This tour involves approximately 5.5 hours on your own. An escort will be on the coach to Paris. Please be mindful that this excursion is non-guided and does not include lunch or entrance fees. If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense.

 

 

Paris Sightseeing with Lunch at the Eiffel Tower ($229 per person)

 

 

 

Entering the gates of Paris, drive down the famous Champs-Elysées, the principal thoroughfare of the city. You will see the 164 foot Arc de Triomphe, planned by Napoleon to celebrate his military successes. It was not completed until 15 years after his death. Drive past the world famous Opera House, Madeleine Church, Concorde Square, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral. The coach will arrive at the Eiffel Tower where guests go up to the 1st floor of the tower for an approx. 1 hour 30 minute luncheon in a very nice restaurant with a beautiful view on Paris. After the lunch, guest can stay on the Eiffel Tower to go up to the 2nd or 3rd floor (extra cost for elevator have to be paid by the guest) or go down and have leisure time for rest or shopping at the feet of the Eiffel Tower. Your guide will meet you down at the Eiffel Tower to board your coach before to drive back to Le Havre with "wonderful souvenirs" in your mind.

 

 

We booked the lunch in the Eiffel Tower excursion for our 8/5 Infinity cruise. Can anyone tell me which restaurant the lunch will be? the description says only first level. I called Celebrity and was told the only information available is what is in the write up. Besides the Lounge and Buffet areas, I see 58 Tour Eiffel where a 3 dish lunch is 38.50 euros. It is described as "picnic chic" on the official website. I was hoping to experience Jules Verne for the amount of money the tour is but it is on the 2nd level:)

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks, Carolyn

We just returned (last week) from a two week land tour in Normandy. We wanted to do a private tour of the D-Day beaches and started to investigate months before our trip. After much research and recommendations, we settled on Jules Vernon. Jules is British and in his middle 40's and a gem. We spent 2 days with him and enjoyed every minute. He can take up to 7 passengers in his van. We wanted two days of touring but he will pick up and drop off at the cruise port in Le Havre and do a one day tour. He is a licensed D-Day beach tour guide and we found him to be knowledgeable, reliable and a pleasure to be with. He can be reached at julesvee at btinternet dot com. His web site is www dot militarymight dot co dot UK slash d-daytours.

My husband and I are also on the Infinity September 18th and want to do a similar one day in Paris and one day in Normandy. We even considered staying overnight in Paris. Where are you getting all the info on the Celebrity excursions. I have a terrible time navigating and finding out info on their excursions thru the website and we are Elite cruisers! I wanted to be on land more but hubby loves to cruise so we are combining time in England with this cruise! JHuntGolf tell me more about those excursions even though we never take ship excursions. This just sounds like it might be easier. Haven't even thought about the other ports yet!!!:o

My husband and I are also on the Infinity September 18th and want to do a similar one day in Paris and one day in Normandy. We even considered staying overnight in Paris. Where are you getting all the info on the Celebrity excursions. I have a terrible time navigating and finding out info on their excursions thru the website and we are Elite cruisers! I wanted to be on land more but hubby loves to cruise so we are combining time in England with this cruise! JHuntGolf tell me more about those excursions even though we never take ship excursions. This just sounds like it might be easier. Haven't even thought about the other ports yet!!!:o

Hi,

To find out which excursions are available for the 9/18/13 sailing of the Infinity, go to http://www.celebritycruises.com and log on to your account. Once there, you should see your reservation for this cruise. If you don't see it, you can easily add it by clicking on, Don't see your reservation below? Add it here.

Once you see your reservation on this page, just click on Manage Reservation and then Explore Land and Shore Excursions. This then takes you to a page where you can then see which shore excursions are being offered from each of the ports. At the bottom of this page, you also have the option of downloading the entire 92 page shore excursion brochure. I tried to attach this brochure to this message, but the size was too large and exceeded what Cruise Critic allows to be attached to messages.

Also, if you haven't already done so, check out the roll call for the 9/18/13 sailing of the Infinity. By reviewing all of the posts, you'll be able to see what others have planned, and you may find some roll call members looking for others to share private shore excursions. Here's the roll call link: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1709063

I hope this info helps.

John

We did the Taste of Paris last year as it was our first visit. We are doing he same cruise this year and this time will do Paris on your own. It is a long drive to Paris but, in my opinion, well worth it.

I think the change from Le Verdon to La Rochelle is a good one. le Verdon was in the middle of nowhere. You had to take the shuttle to Soulac, which was a pretty little place, or go on a tour. It will still be possible to go to Bordeaux from La Rochelle. Celebrity have tours available. Again it will be a long drive but Bordeaux is worth it.

Hop this is of help.

If someone has done this tour, can you tell me about where "CIty Center" is in Paris. I'm not overly mobile and we would like to plan out our activities. Thanks Merci!

Paris on Your Own ($109 per person)

If you have already been to Paris, you may want to explore this historic city at your leisure. In Le Havre, you will board a coach for a 2.5-hour drive to Paris. An escort will answer any questions you may have while en route. You will be dropped off in the city center and informed of when to meet the coach for your return to the ship. You will have the day to sightsee at your own pace, shop or dine. Note: This tour involves approximately 5.5 hours on your own. An escort will be on the coach to Paris. Please be mindful that this excursion is non-guided and does not include lunch or entrance fees. If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense.

Since we generally think of "tour" as a 4 letter word (this is a personal bias) we will not get into the tour discussion. But DW and I are Paris lovers (will be there this Spring for a week) and have a suggestion. Have you considered taking the train to Paris and spending the night at a Paris hotel or smaller inn? You would then have the better part of 2 days to explore this magical city (and that is still not nearly enough time) and could also enjoy an evening in Paris with dinner at one of its many restaurants.

Hank

Since we generally think of "tour" as a 4 letter word (this is a personal bias) we will not get into the tour discussion. But DW and I are Paris lovers (will be there this Spring for a week) and have a suggestion. Have you considered taking the train to Paris and spending the night at a Paris hotel or smaller inn? You would then have the better part of 2 days to explore this magical city (and that is still not nearly enough time) and could also enjoy an evening in Paris with dinner at one of its many restaurants.

 

Hank

As i live in the center of Paris, i totally agree... It will be cheaper to do it on your own and you can manage your time as you want.

We did it. Your are dropped in a street beside the Place de la Concorde. Pickup same place. We found it quite central.

Great! Thanks Flo.. Huge help.