Private 3.5-hour sidecar tour & cider tasting from Le Havre port

The Private 3.5-hour sidecar tour from Le Havre port offers a unique way to experience Normandy’s beautiful Côte Fleurie. Priced at $282.60 per person, this exclusive journey combines a vintage motorcycle ride with visits to charming towns, historical landmarks, and a cider tasting at a family-run orchard. The tour is rated 5.0 out of 5, based on 47 reviews, and is recommended by 98% of participants, making it a highly-rated option for those seeking both adventure and cultural insights.

The tour begins at the Le Havre cruise terminal, a bustling maritime gateway with a storied past. Over 3 to 4 hours, the experience includes riding in a vintage sidecar, exploring sites in Honfleur, Deauville, and Trouville, and sampling local Norman cider, pommeau, and calvados. With professional drivers and guides speaking English and French, the journey promises a mix of scenic views, engaging storytelling, and authentic regional flavors.

While the tour is quite popular and boasts excellent reviews, it does require a moderate physical fitness level and is limited to a maximum of 12 people per booking, emphasizing its intimacy and personalized feel. The inclusion of helmet, gloves, goggles, and private pickup and drop-off makes it a seamless experience for visitors arriving by cruise or staying locally.

Key Points

• Private 3.5-hour experience in Normandy’s coast by vintage sidecar motorcycle
• Includes cider, pommeau, and calvados tasting at a family cider estate
• Visits to historic sites in Honfleur, Deauville, and other Normandy towns
• Professional driver and local guide ensure safety and storytelling in English and French
• Pickup and drop-off at Le Havre cruise terminal included for convenience
• Rated 5.0/5 with glowing reviews praising guide knowledge, scenic views, and fun

Starting Point at Le Havre’s Cruise Terminal

This tour departs from the Le Havre Cruise Terminal, located at the tip of Florida, which welcomes cruise ships at quays like Roger Meunier, Pierre Callet, and Joannes Couvert. The terminal operates mainly on stopover days and functions as a key hub for travelers exploring Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Le Havre itself is a city reborn after 1944 bombings, now celebrated for its modern architecture and vibrant port activity. The tour pickup at this busy port offers an easy start point, especially for cruise passengers wanting a quick yet immersive Normandy experience.

The driver and guide meet participants here, with hotel pickup available for those staying locally. This logistical convenience lets visitors hop directly into the vintage sidecar, ready to explore the coast in style.

Exploring Honfleur’s Vieux Bassin

The Vieux Bassin of Honfleur is a highlight of this tour, a picturesque harbor with colorful half-timbered houses and lively art galleries. Built in the Middle Ages, the harbor historically served as Honfleur’s home port for merchant ships and fishing boats, shaping its maritime character.

Today, this enchanting quay is perfect for a leisurely walk, watching vibrant fishing boats and sailboats gently bob in the water. The scenery has inspired artists like Gustave Courbet and Eugène Boudin, whose works continue to influence the town’s artistic reputation.

Visitors can appreciate the timeless charm of the harbor, which feels like a living postcard. The tour’s stop here lasts about 20 minutes, giving ample time to soak in the atmosphere and capture photos of the lively quay.

Honfleur’s Church of Sainte Catherine

The Church of Sainte-Catherine is a true marvel—France’s largest wooden church, built entirely from oak in the late 15th century. Its ship-like main nave and detached bell tower resemble maritime craftsmanship, reflecting Honfleur’s long-standing connection to the sea.

Constructed by shipbuilders, the church’s naval construction techniques lend it a sturdy yet elegant appearance. The bell tower, reminiscent of a lighthouse, adds to its maritime appeal.

This free visit offers a glimpse into Honfleur’s maritime artisan skills and architectural ingenuity, fitting perfectly into the tour’s narrative of regional craftsmanship and history.

The Historic Chapel Notre-Dame de Grâce

Built in the early 17th century, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Grâce remains a pilgrimage site for local sailors and fishermen. Its simple stone walls and slate roof blend seamlessly into the landscape, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

Inside, stained glass windows create gentle patterns of light around a revered statue of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, surrounded by votive offerings from mariners seeking protection. The ceremonies held here—ship blessings and prayers for safe voyages—highlight the deep maritime faith of the community.

The 20-minute stop at this chapel emphasizes Honfleur’s longstanding religious traditions intertwined with its sea-faring lifestyle.

Panorama Mont-Joli: Views and Stories

A short walk from Notre-Dame de Grâce, the Panorama Mont-Joli looks out over Honfleur, the Normandy Bridge, and the Seine estuary. The scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas, perfect for photos and enjoying the natural landscape.

While taking in the views, the guide shares stories about Vikings in Honfleur and WWII events that shaped the region. This stop combines natural beauty with historical anecdotes, enriching the overall experience.

The 20-minute duration allows for relaxing sightseeing and engaging storytelling, making it a memorable highlight.

Cider Tasting at Manoir d’Apreval

A major feature of this tour is the visit to Manoir d’Apreval, a family-run estate producing organic cider, pommeau, and calvados for five generations. Situated in the lush Pays d’Auge, the estate emphasizes traditional and modern methods with a focus on environmentally friendly cultivation.

Participants can taste a variety of apple and pear products, including pures, ciders, and spirits, in a charming setting among orchards. The 30-minute visit introduces guests to Norman cider-making traditions, offering an authentic and flavorful experience.

This stop is highly praised for its delicious tastings and insight into Norman craftsmanship, making it a highlight for food lovers and curious visitors.

Villa Strassburger: Norman Revival Architecture

Built between 1907 and 1912, the Villa Strassburger exemplifies the neo-Norman style associated with the second generation of Norman architecture. Designed by architect Georges Pichereau Caen, the villa is situated on the site of a former farm.

Though not included in the admission, its architectural significance and connection to Henri de Rothschild make it an interesting visual stop. The villa offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Norman revival style, contrasting with the historic towns visited earlier in the tour.

Deauville’s Hippodrome and Historic Racecourse

The Hippodrome de Deauville La Touques is a historic racecourse inaugurated in August 1863. Known for hosting Deauville Cup and Grand Prix races, the site reflects Deauville’s reputation as a luxury seaside resort since the 19th century.

While only a 5-minute stop, the racecourse’s long history and elegance add to the region’s sporting and social scene. It’s a quick glance into Deauville’s status as a premier racing destination.

Deauville’s Architectural and Cultural Landmarks

The Church of St. Lawrence and the Spa Diane Barrière Le Normandy are notable sites in Deauville, each with their own charm. The church, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, is a registered historic monument.

The Le Normandy Hotel, built in 1912, represents the luxurious hotel culture that Deauville is famous for. Both stops are brief—around 5 minutes—but give a sense of the town’s heritage and elegance.

The Normandy Bridge: Engineering Marvel

The Normandy Bridge is a modern feat of engineering, designed by Michel Virlogeux. Construction began in 1988 and finished in 1995, with the bridge opening on January 20 of that year.

The design involved multiple construction firms and a seven-year build, symbolizing technological progress and regional development.

While not a stop in the traditional sense, the view of the bridge is often included, offering a glimpse of modern Normandy’s infrastructure.

Final Stop at Hotel Le Normandy

The Spa Diane Barrière Le Normandy Hotel epitomizes Deauville’s luxury, dating back to 1912. This grand hotel represents the town’s history as a glamorous seaside retreat.

Though only a brief 5-minute stop, the hotel’s architecture and history highlight Deauville’s reputation as a sophisticated destination.

Tour Summary: An Authentic Norman Adventure in a Vintage Sidecar

This private sidecar tour offers a fun, scenic, and informative way to explore Normandy’s Côte Fleurie. Departing from Le Havre, it’s perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and regional traditions, especially cider tasting at the Manoir d’Apreval.

The professional guides and vintage motorcycles provide a combination of safety, storytelling, and adventure. While the duration limits deep exploration, the carefully curated stops ensure participants see key sights and enjoy authentic regional experiences.

Rated 5.0/5, this tour appeals most to visitors seeking an exclusive, personalized experience with an emphasis on scenic rides, cultural sites, and food tastings. It is also well-suited for those comfortable on motorcycles or sidecars, with moderate physical fitness required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for individuals with a moderate physical fitness level and involves riding in a vintage motorcycle sidecar. It may not be suitable for very young children or those uncomfortable with motorbike rides.

What is included in the price?
The $282.60 per person includes pickup and drop-off at Le Havre, the use of helmets, a professional driver and guide, gloves and goggles if needed, and cider, pommeau, and calvados tastings.

Are there any restrictions on group size?
A maximum of 12 people per booking ensures a private and personalized experience.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

Is the tour available in both English and French?
Yes, guides speak both English and French, accommodating different language preferences.

How long does each stop last?
Most stops are approximately 20 minutes long, except for the estate visit (30 minutes) and Villa Strassburger and Deauville landmarks, which are about 5 minutes each.

What is the physical demand of this tour?
Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level. The tour involves riding in a motorcycle sidecar and walking during stops.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic rides, historic sites, regional food tastings, and the personalized, private nature of the experience make this tour especially attractive.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included in the price and are left to the discretion of participants.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is done via the provided platform with the option for mobile tickets and group discounts. The supplier is RETRO TOUR NORMANDY, reachable at +33787001179 or [email protected].

This sidecar tour from Le Havre offers an engaging way to explore Normandy’s scenic coast, historic towns, and regional traditions in just a few hours. It’s a blend of adventure, culture, and local flavors, suited best for those craving a quirky yet authentic experience of the French countryside.