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If you're a particularly keen history or art fan planning your next holiday, then you certainly won't be disappointed by a cruise from Southampton to Le Havre in France. This part of the world has such a rich and diverse culture that you will no doubt find you struggle to decide which sights to visit first. It may be so difficult to fit everything in that you want to do, you will have to return again next year just so you can do all of the things you had planned the first time round. Once your boat does dock in the area, your first port of call really should be the Malraux Museum, especially if you're eager to see some works of art by some of the true masters. Once you walk through its doors, you will be faced with six Renoirs, seven Pissarros, six Monets and 300 Boudins, part of what is the biggest Impressionist collection outside of Paris. Another attraction that you really should make time to explore is Graville Abbey, constructed between the 11th and 19th centuries. This particular sight overlooks the mouth of the River Seine and is home to a tomb once thought to have held the relics of St Honorine before they were presented to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. It was transformed into a museum back in 1926 and you can even see some of the abbey artefacts within its walls. Of course, no trip to Le Havre would be complete without a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, an absolute must-see while in the region. This is in fact one of the last examples of architecture from the 16th century. Once inside, you will be able to see the 17th century altarpieces and organ, which was presented to the cathedral as a gift by Richelieu. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the organ was restored numerous times, but it was destroyed in the bombings of the second world war, with the case of the organ being reconstructed in 1980. You should also take the time to head to St Joseph's Church, which has an octagonal lantern tower stretching 110 metres into the sky. This was constructed between 1951 and 1957, following the death of Auguste Perret. If you step inside, you will see 6,500 pieces of coloured glass, all working to light up the concrete of the building with hues that change at various times of the day, depending on the sun. Explore historic Le Havre on a cruise from Southampton this year. You can book all kinds of 2011 cruises with MSC Cruises, so why not take a look at our itineraries today?
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