Le Havre, Normandy, France

Key Highlights:

  • Founded: In 1517 by King Francis I as a new harbor city.

  • UNESCO World Heritage: The city center, rebuilt after World War II by architect Auguste Perret, is a masterpiece of modern urban planning and is recognized by UNESCO.

  • Architecture: Known for its reinforced concrete buildings, wide boulevards, and modernist style.

  • Port: France’s second-largest port (after Marseille) and a key hub for container shipping and ferries to the UK.

  • Attractions:

    • St. Joseph’s Church – a striking concrete tower that serves as a memorial to WWII destruction.

    • André Malraux Modern Art Museum (MuMa) – one of France’s largest modern art collections, featuring Monet, Dufy, and other Impressionists.

    • Beach & Seafront – a long pebble beach with a lively promenade.

    • Hanging Gardens – located in old military fortifications with beautiful views over the city.

  • Impressionism: Claude Monet painted Impression, Sunrise in Le Havre (1872), which gave the Impressionist movement its name.