Le Havre is a coastal city in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is located on the southern bank of the mouth of the Seine River, facing the English Channel. The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, and is known for its modernist architecture, vibrant port, and lively arts scene.
The city of Le Havre was founded in 1517 by King Francis I, who wanted to establish a new port to facilitate trade and commerce between France and the rest of Europe. Over the centuries, the city grew and prospered, becoming a major hub for shipping and trade.
Le Havre Harbor
Today, Le Havre is a bustling city with a population of around 170,000 people. It is home to a thriving port that handles millions of tons of cargo each year, making it one of the busiest ports in France.
The city is also a major center for the automobile industry, with several major car manufacturers having factories in the region.
Auguste Perret
One of the most striking features of Le Havre is its modernist architecture, which was largely rebuilt after the city was heavily damaged during World War II. The reconstruction was overseen by architect Auguste Perret, who designed a new city center with wide, tree-lined boulevards and innovative concrete buildings that are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Auguste Perret (1874-1954) was a French architect and a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete as a building material. He was born in Ixelles, Belgium, but spent most of his life in France, where he established himself as one of the most influential architects of the early 20th century.
Perret was part of a generation of architects who sought to adapt new technologies to the needs of modern society. He saw reinforced concrete as a way to create buildings that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and his work was characterized by a bold use of this material.
One of Perret's most famous works is the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, which he designed in collaboration with his brothers, Gustave and Claude. Completed in 1913, the theater was one of the first buildings in France to be constructed entirely of reinforced concrete.
Perret also designed a number of other notable buildings in Paris, including the Church of Notre-Dame du Raincy, the École des Beaux-Arts, and the Mobilier National. In addition to his architectural work, Perret was also a teacher and a writer, and he played an important role in shaping the development of modern architecture in France and beyond.
Perret's style was characterized by a commitment to simplicity and functionality, and he sought to create buildings that were both beautiful and practical. His work had a profound influence on the development of modern architecture, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important architects of the 20th century.
Perret's architectural designs are ubiquitous in Le Havre. His signature style, which features reinforced concrete, can be observed not only in numerous buildings, but also in the City Hall (Hotel de Ville), Saint-Joseph church, Parc Saint Roch, and the witness apartment, which showcases his exceptional design skills, including the interior of the apartments.
Click here to read our review of the museum apartment of Perret and how he envisaged the interior.
Saint-Joseph church
Some of the most notable examples of Perret's architecture in Le Havre include the St. Joseph Church, which features a soaring bell tower that is visible from miles away, and the Maison de la Culture, a cultural center that hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions.
The Saint-Joseph Church in Le Havre is a unique and stunning piece of architecture located in the city of Le Havre, France. The church is dedicated to Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, and is one of the most important landmarks in the city.
The church was designed by Auguste Perret, a renowned French architect, and was built between 1951 and 1957. The church is made entirely of reinforced concrete, which was a revolutionary building material at the time. Its design is modernist and minimalist, with clean lines and a simple, yet elegant, aesthetic.
One of the most striking features of the Saint-Joseph Church is its towering spire, which stands at 107 meters (351 feet) tall, making it the tallest church spire in France. The spire is visible from almost anywhere in the city and serves as a beacon for sailors coming into the port of Le Havre.
Inside the church, visitors can see a range of beautiful stained glass windows, which were designed by Marguerite Huré.
The Saint-Joseph Church in Le Havre is not only a beautiful piece of architecture but also holds an important place in the city's history. It was built in the aftermath of World War II, which had left the city in ruins, and was seen as a symbol of hope and rebirth for the people of Le Havre.
Overall, the Saint-Joseph Church is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Le Havre or with an interest in modernist architecture. Its unique design, towering spire, and beautiful stained glass windows make it a true masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.
Click here to see where the Saint-Joseph church is located on Google Maps
The Notre-Dame Cathedral
The “Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Havre”, also known as the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Le Havre, is a Catholic cathedral located in the heart of Le Havre, in Normandy, France. It was built in the 16th century in the Gothic style, and it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The cathedral suffered significant damage during World War II, and its restoration was completed in the 1950s (with help by Auguste Perret who moved the Rue de Paris further than initially foreseen, giving the cathedral more space in front). Its design features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance elements, including ornate stone carvings and intricate stained glass windows.
The cathedral's interior is also noteworthy for its impressive pipe organ, given as gift in 1637 by Cardinal Richelieu (remember the three musketeers!).
Overall, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Havre is a significant religious and cultural site in the city of Le Havre, and it attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its impressive architecture and rich history.
MuMa (Musée d'art moderne André Malraux)
In addition to its architecture and industry, Le Havre is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The city is home to several museums, including the MuMa (Musée d'art moderne André Malraux), which has an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
The Musée d'Art Moderne André Malraux (MuMa) is a museum located in the city of Le Havre, in Normandy, France. It is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, and houses an extensive collection of works from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum was inaugurated in 1961 and is named after André Malraux, a French writer and politician who served as France's Minister of Culture from 1959 to 1969. The museum's collections were largely built up in the aftermath of World War II, with the aim of reconstructing the cultural heritage of Le Havre, which was heavily damaged during the war.
The MuMa's collection includes works by prominent artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Eugène Boudin, Raoul Dufy, and Georges Braque, as well as many other lesser-known artists. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and other cultural events throughout the year.
The museum building itself is an architectural landmark, designed by the architects Guy Lagneau and Robert-Joseph Alexis in the 1950s. It overlooks the sea and is characterized by its large windows and airy interior spaces, which were designed to showcase the artworks and create a sense of openness and lightness.
Overall, the MuMa is an important cultural institution in Le Havre and a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Normandy.
Click here to see where the MuMa museum is located on Google Maps
The Stairs
One of the notable features of Le Havre is its many stairs that are scattered throughout the city. In total, there are 89 stairs, representing thousands of steps.
NOTE: Every year a race is organized, which includes running up and down many of these stairs; It called the Le Havre Urban Trail. Click here to read more about it (in French).
These stairs serve as both a functional and aesthetic element of the city's design. Due to the hilly terrain, stairs were built to provide access to different parts of the city. The stairs also serve as a unique visual feature of Le Havre, adding to the city's character and charm.
One of the most famous sets of stairs in Le Havre is the "escalier de la rue Fleurie," which is a long, winding staircase that leads up to the neighborhood of Sainte-Adresse. The staircase is made up of 224 steps and offers panoramic views of the city and the English Channel.
Another notable staircase in Le Havre is the "escalier des Dames," which translates to "ladies' staircase." This staircase is located in the Saint-François neighborhood and was originally built in the 19th century to provide a shortcut for women who were going to church.
NOTE: The last photo on the right is not in Le Havre, but in neighbouring Sainte-Adresse.
Overall, the many stairs in Le Havre are not only functional but also add to the unique character and charm of the city. They are a testament to the city's rich history and innovative urban planning.
The Beach
Le Havre's location on the coast also makes it a popular destination for tourists. The city has several beaches, including the Plage du Havre and the Plage de Sainte-Adresse (the neighbouring city), which are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The skatepark pictured above is France’s biggest skatepark.
The city also offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and sailing.
Other Things To Checkout
Here are a few additional items that might pique your interest. Check out our reviews through the provided links.
The Graville Abbey, an old Benedictine abbey that is converted into a museum.
Auguste Perret’s view (Appartement Temoin) of how his apartments should look when inhabited.
The Hanging Gardens (Jardins Suspendu), in an old Napoleon ear fort.
Shipowner’s House (Maison de l’Armateur) turned into a beautiful museum.
Conclusion
Overall, Le Havre is a dynamic and fascinating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Its striking architecture, bustling port, and lively arts scene make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Normandy or the wider region of northern France.