If you’re looking for something to do in Le Havre, France, then read on. This northern city is a major port and the meeting place of the Seine River and the English Channel. It’s linked to the neighboring port of Honfleur by the Pont de Normandie cable-stayed bridge. The city was largely rebuilt after WWII by Belgian architect Auguste Perret, and now boasts several notable examples of reinforced-concrete architecture.
Eglise St-Joseph
The St. Joseph’s Church, Le Havre is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Le Havre, France. It was built by Auguste Perret, who was hired by the City of Le Havre to help rebuild the city after it was devastated by the British during World War II. Here, you will find a number of important historical paintings, as well as a few cryptic drawings of the church and its interior.
The edifice is currently undergoing renovations. It was designed by Auguste Perret, who died just one year before the city was declared a national historic monument. The cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city and contains some beautiful stained glass. It is the most important religious building in Le Havre and the city’s maritime gateway. There are many reasons to visit this magnificent church.
The cathedral’s interior is a dazzling mix of art and architecture. The Gothic-style building is topped with a lantern tower that is open on eight sides. Inside, you’ll find a staggering number of twelve-seven-hundred-eighty-eighty-eighty-seven-seven68-panel stained-glass windows that reinvent religious mysticism.
Musée d’art Moderne André Malraux – MuMa
The Musee d’art moderne André Malraux – MuMa is one of Le Havre’s most important art museums. Founded in 1961 by the French Minister of Culture, it is a showcase for some of the country’s finest modern and impressionist art. The museum is a great place for art lovers to view the local landscape and harbor.
The architecture of the museum is a remarkable combination of light and space. The building’s metal and glass construction is an eye-catching sight, but its interior features one of the best collections of impressionist paintings in the region. The museum also houses a children’s art studio, restaurant and shop. Visiting the museum in Le Havre is a memorable experience that will help you appreciate the works of this renowned artist.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works by many of the world’s best-known impressionist painters. Highlights include paintings by Boudin, Pissarro, Degas, Sisley, and Renoir. The museum’s old masters section features works by Hendrik ter Brugghen, Jose de Ribera, and Simon Vouet. The MuMa’s impressionist collection includes works by Monet, Degas, and Courbet.
Les Jardins Suspendus
Visit the Jardins Suspendus, the gardens and greenhouses situated on the former hilltop fort. Featuring plants from five continents, this place is an ideal destination for a picnic or a relaxing stroll. You can also take the bus to reach the gardens, which is available on bd Francois 1er close to the beach. It takes about 30 minutes from the centre of Le Havre.
If you’re a history buff, there’s a lot of fascinating historical places to see in this coastal town. There’s a museum dedicated to the famous architect who redesigned the city. You can also visit the Musee d’art moderne Andre Malraux, which houses an impressive collection of impressionist paintings. Le Volcan is also home to two theatres, including one with seating for 800. A large concrete tower makes it a striking structure. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is an important historic structure that survived WWII.
Another thing to do in Le Havre is visit the botanical garden, which opened in 2008 on the hilltop of the old Sainte-Adresse fort. The gardens are arranged by geographical regions and feature many different kinds of plants and trees. Visitors will find beautiful displays of orchids and other exotic plants. The gardens are open to the public, and kids will have a great time exploring the different plants.
Bibliotheque Oscar Niemeyer
The Bibliotheque Oscar Niemeyer in La Havre is part of the new Niemeyer Space, inaugurated in November 2015. It occupies a portion of the Petit Volcan and place basse. It houses the Niemeyer Library, the city’s only permanent architectural museum. There are numerous exhibitions and activities held at the Bibliothèque. Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about Le Havre’s history and culture.
This 5200 m2 library was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and is considered a cultural and architectural landmark. The architecture of the building creates a welcoming atmosphere, and the library features numerous collections and documentaries. There are also several work rooms and a café-salon. The Bibliotheque Oscar Niemeyer is open to the public on Monday to Saturday from 10h to 19h.
In 1974, Oscar Niemeyer presented his plans for a new library in Le Havre. The plans included a theater, multi-purpose room, and different types of spaces. They were approved by Andre Duromea and Jack Lang in 1978 and 1982. The building was renovated in 2015.
La Plage du Havre
If you’re planning a family holiday, one of the best places to stay in Le Havre is the city’s pebble beach. The beach has a blue flag every year and is easily accessible from the town’s promenade. In summer, you can walk along the beach to enjoy the views of the sea and sporting port, while older locals play petanque. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained.
For something a little less touristy, the city’s town hall is a must-see. Designed by famous architect Paul-Michel Thibault, this townhouse survived World War II bombing and was restored as a historic landmark in 1950. Today, it represents early Le Havre life and is a place to go with your family. If you’re in the mood for art, try the Catene de Containers, an installation by artist Vincent Ganivet that is made up of brightly stacked shipping containers.
In addition to the beach, visitors should visit the city’s cultural center. The city is home to the Natural History Museum, which was originally a courthouse, but sadly destroyed in the 1944 World War. The museum’s founder, Charles Alexandre Lesueur, collected over 100,000 zoological specimens while voyaging from Australia in the late nineteenth century. Today, the museum’s architecture is impressive and boasts halls for archaeology, ethnology, mineralogy, and palaeontology. The museum’s art centre is one of the oldest buildings in Le Havre, having survived bombings in the past.
Musee Maison de L’Armateur
If you love history, a trip to Musee Maison de L’Armateur will be a treat. Through the years, it has served as a home, shop, and hotel, and now it is a museum. The 5 story house is built into a fortified area of the city. Inside you’ll find old scale models and fascinating exhibits illustrating the lives of merchants during that time.
This museum features decorative objects, paintings, and prints that tell the history of Le Havre. The modern exhibition design treats the galleries like cabinets of curiosity. Tours are available on Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. Groups can also organize tours outside of these hours. In addition to free guided tours, the museum has a small storeroom that guests can explore.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
If you’re looking for something to do in Le Havre, you may want to visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame. This 15th-century cathedral is well worth a visit, especially since it survived World War II bombing. Its courtyard was designed by Perret and is surrounded by small shops and restaurants. If the weather is rainy, you might prefer to visit the Library, which features a collection of cooking books.
Le Havre’s Cathedral was originally called Notre-Dame-de-Grace, but in 1974 it was elevated to cathedral status. It was constructed at the end of the 16th century and was attached to a bell tower shortly after. During the French Revolution and Wars of Religion, the cathedral suffered significant damage, but it was rebuilt after the war with donations from the citizens of the city. Moreover, it is the oldest building in the city.
Centre-ville reconstruit du Havre
The reinvestment in the city centre of Havre has a long history, both symbolic and functional. It has been deliberate and voluntary on the part of local and national authorities. Analyzing local actors’ interactions in the redevelopment process reveals the rebirth of the centre as a place-of-action. In Havre, this rebirth has come as a result of the revitalization of the port area, a cultural district and a space for festive events.
The reconstructed centre of Havre is a cultural asset that combines historical and contemporary aspects. Developed in the 1930s, it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a site of outstanding patrimonial value. A rez-de-chaussee is a pedestrian street that is part of the centre of the city, while a modern hotel is adjacent to the port.
In 1913, Havre was designated as one of the most important cities in the world. Today, it is a place where many artists have found their inspiration. Many impressionist artists painted here. Monet painted a famous toile while visiting Havre. This city’s heritage has been incorporated into the design of many new buildings.
