kevinbirch57

thanks for the detailed info. Both stops have full days, so that is not a problem. And I admit that I am more interested in castles and gardens than battlefields. Le Havre might work best. I will keep investigating.

There are several besutiful chateaus and gardens within easy access of Cherbourg very close to the N13 road going South from Cherbourg.

Mont St Michel is nearly 2 hours by car from Cherbourg, but you'll be able to take in chateaus and gardens on route. Mont St Michel is quite a drive from Le Havre, but in either port you will benefit from having a car rental.

Hope this helps?

Kevin

I am looking into Overlord tour 9B from Le Havre. I would like to hear personal experiences and especially timing in Bayeux. Is there time for lunch at a creperie and see the tapestry?

Thanks.

Hi - I haven't done this particular tour before but have extensive knowledge of the area as we visit several times every year - we're fortunate to have a small holiday place in Normandy.

From Le Havre, it is a good 2 or so hours to get to the landing beaches, but you do pass Bayeux on route.

There are not many eating places at the beaches, but several on route or in Bayeux. If you do want a creperie, I can highly recommend a galette complete - a delicious savoury crepe with cheese, ham and egg etc.

I reckon you can get through the tapestry in an hour or so, but you shouldn't miss the old town and it's architecture as well as it's beautiful cathedral.

If you can, you also pass Honfleur, just the other side of the Pont de Normandy. It's a delightful small town, quintessentially French surrounding an old harbour.

Hope this helps a little?

Kevin

Does anyone have a recommendation for a private tour guidethat willpick us up in Le Havre us and take us to Normandy for the day?

Or you could just grab a car and take short ride over the Pont de Normandie and take in Honfleur. One of the prettiest towns near to le Havre. One of my favourite spots in Normandy . . . however there are hundreds of them :D

The itinerary for the cruise line does not show Saint-Malo as a tender port.

 

I found some discussion and a travelogue about size of ships - even the Oceania R ship had to tender a few years ago.

 

My cruise (CMV) ship, the Magellan, is bit bigger than that. Not a mega ship though.

Length 726ft (221.30m)

Beam 92ft (28m)

 

Has anyone been to Saint Malo in the past year or so by cruise ship?

 

Does this seem correct - that we will have to tender?

 

Previous discussion says that the tender goes in near Esplanade de la Bourse. Correct?

 

Thanks!

 

Frances

Sorry I can't help you with your question, but St Malo is one of my favourite places in Brittany. The old town is so ambient - I am just so jealous. We're docking in there May. . but by Ferry from the UK

Kevin

We will be in Cherbourg in May from 8:00 am-6:00 pm on the HAL Koningsdam.

 

Am I correct that there is not much to see in Cherbourg itself?

 

We have not been able to find any private or small group shore excursions. We are currently leaning toward one of the the ship's excursions--either Bayeux OR Cap de la Hague. Anyone done either of these excursions on any line or have any recommendations?

 

I should add that we have already been to Mount Saint Michel; and are not looking for a tour to the D-Day beaches.

 

Thanks.

I would suggest Bayeux over Cap de la hague. Don't get me wrong, the Cap is quite pretty, but Bayeux is lovely with some great architecture, the tapestry and the cathedral is beautiful etc.

I've also come across some walking tours of Bayeux that get some good write ups - never done them, but maybe this year when we're across for the DDay celebrations agin.

There are some cool things in Cherbourg too - a boat trip to the Napoleonic and WW2 fortificatiions.

Just found out that this year is William the Conqueror's (actually he's Quillaume Conquerant) 950th anniversary this year and there'll be a lot going on locally as he sailed just around the corner at Barfleur.

There's also a HUGE museum at the Cite de la Mer (Cherbourg) with displays etc of the French submarines (Jules Verne fame) and Titanic history.

Around the port, there are some really quirky restuarants (one that we've been too a few times, but can't remember the name), but it produces fantastic, local, reasonable food - I love the fish soup followed by moules and frittes, with creme brulee to finish with it all washed down with either Rose or red wine de la maison!

Hope this helps? ;)

Kevin

Can anyone advise what is the best way to spend a day in Le Havre or nearest neighborhoods. I am not the type of tourist eager to spend time in museums. A good local guide for a tour would be a good recommendation for me. Any others tips are welcome.

There are several terminal in Le Havre, or only one? If there are many please advise how can I find the info where the ship will be docked (MSC line). What is the best way to travel between port and tourist area? Some recommendations for tasting some local food?

Thank you!

Just over the Pont du Normandie bridge is a most picturesque, delightful town of Honfleur built around an old harbour. We visit, many many times each year and love it but you'll need transport.

As far as local food goes, moules et fritte - they come in some mouthwatering sauces. Galettes (a savoury panckae) complet is a really tasty light luch washed down with some Rose wine. Absolutel Delicious, dining in a beautiful location watching the world fo by. Mmmmm - I want to be there NOW!

Hi! Our itinerary is very port intense so I'm Rhodes we would love to just hang out and relax.

 

Are there any resorts that are possible to visit for a day? Or great family friendly beaches/areas?

 

Thanks

 

 

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There are beaches adjacent to the port! We hired a car (with hindsight a taxi would have been more trustworthy) and drove down to Lindos - very attractive beack overlooked by the Acropolis. there's a typical taverna on the beach for your ice cold drinks and ices.

Kevin

I'm thinking about a beach day. Is it easy enough to have taxi take me there and return me to town when I'm ready?

On our last cruise we caught a local bus which took us to Agios Ioannis beach made famous by Shirley Valentine

A lovelt taverna is on the beach with great sea food and a drink of the local oozo

Plenty of time was then left to get back to Mykonos town for a wander around the sites - Little Venice, the windmills etc

Hope this helps?

Kevin