Whenever I plan a journey to Le Havre, that windswept port city on the Normandy coast, I know one thing for sure: I won’t be landing directly in Le Havre. The city does have a small airport, Le Havre Octeville (LEH), but it hasn’t hosted scheduled international flights for years. Like most travelers, I need to land somewhere else and then make my way to the city by train, car, or bus.

The first time I did this, I was overwhelmed by the options. Paris has two huge airports, there’s one in Deauville, another in Caen, and Rouen sits not too far away. I remember sitting at my desk with multiple tabs open — Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and airline websites — trying to figure out the best balance of price, comfort, and convenience. What I’ve learned after several trips is that flying close to Le Havre is about strategy, not just distance. Sometimes the nearest airport isn’t the most practical, and sometimes a slightly longer transfer saves hours of stress.

I want to take you through that decision-making process, airport by airport, and then share specific flights I recommend — flights I’ve taken myself or researched carefully through traveler reviews.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris

Whenever people ask me where to fly if they’re headed to Le Havre, my first answer is always Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). On the map, it may seem a little far — roughly 200 kilometers from Le Havre — but in practice, it’s the most logical and stress-free option for international travelers. CDG isn’t just France’s busiest airport; it’s one of the great crossroads of Europe. Planes land here from every corner of the globe, whether you’re flying in from New York, London, Tokyo, or Madrid.

I’ve landed here on crisp winter evenings when the air carried that unmistakable scent of jet fuel mixed with rain, and the sheer thrill of arriving in France hit me the moment I cleared customs. Charles de Gaulle can feel overwhelming — it’s sprawling, busy, sometimes confusing — but there’s also an undeniable energy to it. Every time I pass through its terminals, I feel like I’m standing in a miniature version of the world: travelers speaking dozens of languages, suitcases rolling in all directions, the aroma of fresh croissants drifting from cafés between departure gates.

What makes CDG practical for Le Havre travelers is not its proximity but its connectivity. Once you arrive in Paris, the transfer to Le Havre is surprisingly simple. From CDG, I usually hop on the RER B train into the city, or sometimes a direct shuttle bus if I want a less complicated ride with luggage. Both routes bring me to central Paris in under an hour, and from there, it’s just a matter of catching a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Le Havre. Those trains run regularly and take just a little over two hours. By the time I step off at Le Havre station, I’ve gone from a massive international airport to a breezy port city without needing to rent a car or navigate endless transfers.

Flight Recommendation 1: Air France AF007 (New York JFK – Paris CDG)

One of the most reliable ways to reach CDG — and by extension, Le Havre — is Air France flight AF007 from New York’s JFK. I’ve flown this route more than once, and every time, I’ve been impressed by the balance of efficiency and charm that Air France brings to long-haul travel.

The flight itself lasts about seven hours eastbound. Reviews online echo my own experience: attentive crew members who somehow manage to balance professionalism with warmth, a surprisingly generous wine selection served with meals, and thoughtful touches that remind you you’re already in France even before you land. If you can stretch your budget, Premium Economy is worth considering; the extra legroom and upgraded meals make the overnight journey far more comfortable, especially if you want to arrive in Paris feeling rested enough to catch a train onward.

Prices vary, but in my own experience I’ve paid anywhere between €500–€800 round trip, depending on the season and how far in advance I booked. I’ve found that the Air France official website is the smoothest for booking — it often gives you the most accurate seat maps and upgrade options — but I always compare fares on Skyscanner and Google Flights before committing. Occasionally, you’ll spot a discounted fare through a third-party platform, but direct booking has saved me headaches more than once, especially if schedule changes occur.

For travelers beginning in North America, this flight makes CDG the most natural gateway to Le Havre. You land in one of Europe’s best-connected airports, step into the rhythm of French travel immediately, and within a few hours you can be breathing the salty Atlantic air of Normandy. It’s not just a flight — it’s the first chapter of the journey.

Orly Airport (ORY), Paris

The second Paris airport, Orly (ORY), is smaller and often easier to navigate. I find it less stressful than CDG, with shorter security lines and a more compact layout. Orly serves many European and domestic flights, so if you’re flying within Europe, it can be a better option.

From Orly, I usually take the OrlyBus into central Paris and then transfer to Saint-Lazare station. It adds a bit of time compared to CDG, but the calmer atmosphere can be worth it.

Flight Recommendation 2: Transavia TO3526 (Amsterdam – Paris Orly)

I once booked this flight as part of a low-cost connection from the Netherlands. Transavia, a subsidiary of KLM, is a budget airline but with surprisingly positive reviews. Travelers often mention the friendly cabin crew and punctual departures. There’s no free meal service, but snacks and drinks are available to purchase.

• Duration: Just over an hour.
• Cost: I paid €60 one way when booked a month in advance, though last-minute fares can climb to €120–€150.
• Booking Platform: I found the best deal on Kayak, but the airline’s own site sometimes runs promotions.

For budget-conscious travelers hopping around Europe, Orly offers plenty of affordable options like this.

Deauville-Normandie Airport (DOL)

On paper, Deauville-Normandie Airport looks like the best choice: it’s only about 40 kilometers from Le Havre. I still remember the first time I looked at a map and thought, Perfect, I’ll land right there and be in Le Havre in under an hour. The reality, though, is more complicated.

Deauville is a small regional airport, and flights are limited. In summer, there are charters and seasonal routes, but in winter, options shrink. Still, if you find a flight that works with your schedule, this can be the most direct way in.

Flight Recommendation 3: Ryanair FR1952 (London Stansted – Deauville)

I took this flight once on a whim, and it was an adventure. Ryanair is infamous for strict baggage rules and no-frills service, but the flight was quick, on time, and incredibly cheap. Reviews echo my experience: efficient boarding, tight seating, but unbeatable prices.

• Duration: About 1 hour 10 minutes.
• Cost: I booked for €30 one way, though prices vary widely depending on demand.
• Booking Platform: I usually check Skyscanner for Ryanair flights, but you must book on the Ryanair website to secure extras like priority boarding or luggage.

From Deauville airport, I grabbed a taxi to the train station and was in Le Havre in under an hour. It felt almost luxurious compared to the longer Paris transfers.

Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR)

Another option I’ve explored is Caen-Carpiquet Airport, about 90 kilometers from Le Havre. It’s a regional airport with a handful of domestic and seasonal international flights. What I like about Caen is the small size — stepping off the plane, you feel like you’ve landed in someone’s backyard compared to the sprawl of CDG.

Transfers require either renting a car (which I’ve done through Europcar booked on Rentalcars.com) or combining local buses and trains. It’s not the simplest route, but it can be less stressful than Paris airports.

Travelers often describe Caen as efficient, with short wait times and friendly staff. It feels very much like a gateway to Normandy rather than a sprawling international hub.

Rouen Airport (URO)

There’s Rouen Airport, closer to Le Havre geographically than Paris but with even fewer flight options. I’ve never actually flown into Rouen, though I’ve considered it several times. The lack of consistent scheduled service makes it unreliable, but I’ve heard from other travelers that the airport experience is smooth and pleasant.

If you find a seasonal flight into Rouen that fits your plans, it can shave travel time significantly. Otherwise, it remains more of a curiosity than a practical gateway.

Comparing My Experiences

Each of these airports brings a different flavor to the journey. CDG is global and chaotic but endlessly connected. Orly is calmer, perfect for European hops. Deauville is a gem if you can catch a flight there, while Caen and Rouen feel more like local secrets.

I’ve learned to start my search with the big aggregators — Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak — and then compare directly with airline websites for the final purchase. Booking early is essential for the cheapest fares, especially with low-cost carriers. I also subscribe to newsletters from Air France and Transavia, which occasionally announce flash sales.

The Importance of Flexibility

Flying to Le Havre isn’t about a single “best” route. It’s about balancing what matters most: cost, convenience, or comfort. Some days I’d rather endure the crowds of CDG to land on a direct transatlantic flight. Other times, I’ve happily gambled on a Ryanair special to Deauville, laughing at the absurdity of carrying only a tiny backpack to avoid extra fees.

The beauty of traveling in Europe is that so many options exist, layered and overlapping. For every busy hub, there’s a smaller regional airport waiting with its own advantages.