It was a crisp spring morning in Paris when I decided to embark on a journey to Le Havre. The city’s charm was undeniable, but the allure of Normandy’s coastal beauty beckoned. I was eager to explore the maritime heritage of Le Havre.
The Quest for Flights: Navigating Options
While the distance between Paris and Le Havre is relatively short, I was intrigued by the prospect of flying. The idea of viewing the French countryside from above was enticing. However, I quickly discovered that direct flights were scarce. Most options involved connections, but the journey promised unique experiences.
Flight Option 1: Air France via Southampton (Expanded)
Airline: Air France
Route: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) → Southampton Airport (SOU) (with one transfer)
Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (excluding the transfer to Le Havre)
Booking this flight with Air France felt like stepping into the comfort zone of European air travel. I had flown with them before, but this particular route felt different. Perhaps it was the anticipation of arriving in Le Havre—a city steeped in modernist architecture and maritime history—or perhaps it was simply the calm professionalism that Air France consistently delivers. Either way, I knew I was in good hands from the moment I arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The flight itself was seamless. Though not direct, the transfer was well-organized and painless. The cabin was immaculate, and the service was every bit as refined as one would expect from the French national carrier. Flight attendants greeted me with warm smiles and offered complimentary refreshments shortly after takeoff. A small but flavorful baguette sandwich and a glass of chilled white wine set the tone. The seats were surprisingly spacious for a short-haul flight, and I had a window view that gifted me rolling views of the French countryside—patchwork fields, clusters of villages, and winding rivers fading into the horizon.
We landed in Southampton to mild spring sunshine, and from there, the journey to Le Havre continued by ground. I opted for a train ride via Portsmouth and then a ferry to Le Havre, which turned out to be unexpectedly charming. The transfer added to the travel narrative in a way I hadn’t foreseen. As the ferry approached the French coast, Le Havre’s unique skyline began to emerge. That moment—a blend of journey and destination—was unforgettable.
Booking Platform: I booked my flight through Omio, which offered not only competitive prices but also clear transit options post-arrival. Their interface made it easy to visualize connections and compare routes.
Cost: The entire air segment cost approximately \$867 (€800), a premium price for a short distance, but for the comfort, reliability, and efficiency of Air France, I found it worthwhile—especially considering the added adventure of combining air and sea travel in a single itinerary.
This route may not be for those in search of the quickest option, but for travelers who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, Air France via Southampton is a memorable way to get to Le Havre.
Flight Option 2: KLM via Southampton (Expanded)
Airline: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Route: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) → Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) → Southampton Airport (SOU)
Total Duration: Approximately 4 hours 25 minutes (excluding transfer to Le Havre)
When I first booked my ticket with KLM, I wasn’t expecting to be surprised—but that’s exactly what happened. As a frequent traveler, I’ve flown with KLM numerous times, but this particular journey stood out not just for the airline’s famously dependable service, but for the unexpected charm of the Amsterdam layover and the way it transformed a simple transfer into an impromptu exploration.
The flight from Paris to Amsterdam was smooth and short. Schiphol Airport, despite its size, felt easy to navigate thanks to KLM’s efficient ground support. With a two-hour layover before my connecting flight to Southampton, I found time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the airport’s well-curated Dutch design shops and even grabbed a stroopwafel and espresso at a cozy café near my gate. The unexpected joy of having time to breathe mid-journey added something special to the travel experience—it reminded me why I love slow travel, even when flying.
Boarding the second leg to Southampton, I appreciated KLM’s attention to detail. The staff was as friendly as ever, offering light snacks and ensuring everyone was comfortable. Though the flight itself was just over an hour, the seating was more spacious than I expected, and the views of the Channel as we descended into England were stunning—sunlight bouncing off the waves, the coastline stretching like a ribbon beneath the clouds.
Arriving in Southampton, the transition to Le Havre was straightforward. I took a train to Portsmouth, followed by a ferry crossing to Le Havre. The ferry ride, with its sea breeze and panoramic views, added a maritime layer to the journey that felt poetic. Watching the sun dip behind the harbor as we approached Le Havre felt cinematic—like stepping into the final chapter of a travel story.
Booking Platform: I used Omio to book this route. What I appreciated most was its intuitive layout—filtering by duration, layovers, and price made it easy to compare KLM’s offering to others, and it included transportation options beyond the flight itself.
Cost: The total cost was approximately \$869 (€800), which felt justified for the high standard of service and the memorable layover experience in Amsterdam.
For travelers who enjoy blending air travel with brief cultural encounters along the way, KLM via Southampton offers a rich and scenic route from Paris to Le Havre.
Flight Option 3: Eastern Airways via Southampton (Expanded)
Airline: Eastern Airways
Route: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) → Southampton Airport (SOU) (with connections)
Total Duration: Approximately 11 hours (including layovers and ground/ferry transfers)
Choosing Eastern Airways for this route was, admittedly, not about speed or luxury—it was about savoring a slower, more layered journey from Paris to Le Havre. For those who enjoy regional carriers and don’t mind taking the scenic route, this option offered an unexpectedly intimate and grounding travel experience.
Eastern Airways is known for its modest but charming approach to air travel. Their fleet consists of smaller aircraft, and stepping aboard felt like entering a different era of flying. The crew knew many of the passengers by name, and that sense of familiarity created a warm, communal atmosphere. The seats were cozy, with enough space to relax and enjoy the short-haul segment, and the views—rolling hills, patchwork farms, and sleepy villages—were simply spectacular from the low cruising altitude. There were no inflight screens or over-the-top amenities, but that was part of the charm. The simplicity made me more present, more aware of my surroundings.
The route to Southampton included a brief connection—depending on the time of day, this might be routed through another regional hub like Leeds Bradford or Aberdeen. Though this added a couple of hours, the layovers were well-timed and not rushed. Eastern Airways made sure the process was smooth. The real adventure began after landing in Southampton.
Getting from Southampton to Le Havre was part of what made this flight option so memorable. I took a short train ride to Portsmouth and from there boarded a ferry that felt like stepping into a novel. The salty breeze, the gentle roll of the sea, and the anticipation of seeing the Normandy coast come into view all contributed to a moment of quiet joy. Unlike large commercial carriers, Eastern Airways didn’t rush you from point A to B—it allowed the journey to unfold.
Booking Platform: I reserved the entire itinerary through Omio, which helpfully suggested mixed-mode transportation options. Omio’s interface is ideal for travelers who want to stitch together air and ground travel without jumping between multiple websites.
Cost: At approximately \$134 (€121), this option was by far the most affordable. It was perfect for those traveling on a budget or looking to explore less conventional flight routes across regional Europe.
This route is for the curious traveler—for those who find magic in the in-between places and enjoy the slow rhythm of discovery.
Booking Tips and Recommendations
- Advance Booking: Securing tickets early often results in better prices and more options.
- Flexible Dates: Being open to different travel dates can uncover hidden deals.
- Consider Alternatives: Exploring nearby airports or combining modes of transport can enhance the journey.
- Use Reliable Platforms: Websites like Expedia.fr, Omio, and Google Flights offer comprehensive comparisons.
Embracing the Journey
Each flight option presented its own set of adventures and scenic delights. While direct flights were elusive, the combination of air, land, and sea travel enriched the experience. Le Havre’s charm awaited at the journey’s end, making every moment worthwhile.
Embarking on this journey from Paris to Le Havre by air, despite the lack of direct flights, offered a tapestry of experiences that blended the joy of flying with the romance of travel. For fellow travelers seeking to explore France’s diverse landscapes, this route promises both adventure and discovery.
