LE HAVRE – www.lehavretourisme.com
Le Havre today is a city rebuilt from the ashes of World War II. After having been nearly completely destroyed by bombing raids, the city put energy into a new city center plan led by architect Auguste Perret, a pioneer in the architectural use of reinforced concrete. Now honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, his work in Le Havre, which includes a remarkable stained-glass church tower, complements other modernist visions, like the MuMa, an art museum housing France’s second largest collection of Impressionist art fittingly hosted in the city where Monet painted a canvas that gave the movement its name.
Fun Fact
The high standard and historical importance of Auguste Perret’s post-war reconstruction architecture in the city center of Le Havre was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Significant Site
Eglise Saint-Joseph: 12,768 pieces of glass set in an octagonal tower light up this modern church to dramatic effect
Extraordinary Exhibit
Musée d'Art Moderne André Malraux (MuMa): the second largest collection of impressionist paintings in France set in a masterpiece of modern museum architecture
Delectable Delights
apples: grown in abundance throughout Normandy and a primary ingredient in meals and desserts, as well as drinks
cider: produced in Normandy in large quantities and very often drunk with meals as a substitute for wine or beer
Legendary Local
govy: award-winning visual artist who also advocates for the Neurodiversity Movement
Also in the Area
Mémorial de Caen: near the Normandy landing beaches, this memorial movingly recounts the events of World War II
Etretat: a brief visit to the romantic open-air theater overlooking the English Channel reveals why it has inspired so many famous artists
Deauville: a resort town where the preserved architecture is in bold evidence right from the famous Boardwalk
Access from Paris
by road: about 2 h 15 min (125 miles) via the A13 autoroute de Normandie
by train: about 2 h 5 min by intercity service from the Gare Saint Lazare
For more about what to see and do in and around Le Havre, including on the “Lose your bearings in architecture” itinerary, visit www.topfrenchcitybreaks.com