Le Havre, the brilliant renewal of an old martyr

Inspiration

NormandyCultural HeritageNature and Outdoor ActivitiesCitiesCoastal

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Reading time: 0 minPublished on 11 January 2023

Razed to the ground by British bombers in 1944, the city centre has been totally rebuilt. The statistics are staggering: 150 hectares, 12,000 homes and, in the end, an exceptional ensemble that is coherent and consistent was eventually included on the World Heritage list. Of course, the visitor shouldn’t expect to see ancient stone buildings! The heritage here is a shared one that is living and current. Le Havre is a symbol. It’s impossible not to be moved by the charm of a city that proudly displays its difference and atypical style.

Le Volcan

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A volcano in Le Havre? This is the name of the performance space built by Oscar Niemeyer, the genius Brazilian architect. Its harmonious curves offer a counterpoint to the geometric motifs of the city centre reconstructed by Auguste Perret

The cliffs of Etretat

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The cliffs of Etretat were once painted by Monet, Boudin and Courbet; now it’s your turn to admire them!

The Carmel Garden

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© Atout France-Ooshot @WorldElse

Owned by the Carmelites, also known as Garden of Silence is a little haven of peace just a few minutes from the city centre. Nature and tranquillity guaranteed!

The church of Saint-Joseph

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© Atout France-Ooshot @WorldElse

The unique view and interior of the bell tower of the church of Saint-Joseph in Le Havre make it the standout building – in every sense of the word – of the reconstructed city centre. Thank you Monsieur Perret!

Culture break

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© Atout France-Ooshot @WorldElse

Cows in Le Havre? Well, we are in Normandy…

Find out more about - Office de Tourisme de l'Agglomération Havraise

By France.fr

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