What to do in Le Havre?
Whether you’re visiting Le Havre for the first time or returning for more, here are Hôtel B!RGIT’s 4 must-do activities in this unique Normandy city.
Stroll around the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Badly damaged during WW2, the city of Le Havre was rebuilt under architect Auguste Perret between 1945 and 1964. A walk around the city centre would be a great way to familiarise yourself with its highly unusual architecture featuring geometric shapes and concrete.
Not sure what a typical 1950s Perret-style house looks like? Pay a visit to the musée de la ville du Havre (website in French only) to find out!
The city’s unusual architecture earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.
Enjoy the mesmerising beauty of St Joseph’s Church
Also built under Auguste Perret, St Joseph’s Church is one of the major landmarks in the city.
Erected in honour of the victims of WW2, this 107 m tall monument is visible from the entrance to the city.
Step inside this unusual, concrete church and prepared to be amazed. The coloured light cast by the 12,700 stained glass windows – designed by glass artist Marguerite Huré – contrasts beautifully with the starkness of the concrete.
Go for a walk on the pebble beach
Le Havre beach is two kilometres long – the perfect distance for a nice leisurely walk.
This lovely white-pebble beach is a great spot to admire some multicoloured huts, eat or drink (there are plenty of restaurants nearby), go for a dip or try your hand at water sports.
Visit the volcano
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you – Le Havre does have a volcanic structure! You might have trouble climbing it, but you can still go inside.
Built in 1982 under architect Oscar Niemeyer, Le Volcan is a volcano-shaped cultural centre as well as a popular performance hall in the Bassin du Commerce dock area. Check out Le Volcan’s website (available in French only).
Make sure these four activities are top of your list of must-see hidden gems in Le Havre.
Interested in sampling the city’s artistic delights? Read our article on Le Havre’s artistic scene.