Le Havre Hotels

History

The history of Le Havre dates back to the 16th century when, in 1517, it was founded by King François I. The city really started to grow during the 18th century and it has evolved from then into one of Frances' main ports. Damages during the Second World War mean that most of the architecture in the city is relatively modern, but there are still a number of striking buildings to visit.

One of the city's main landmarks is the Église St-Joseph, built during the 1950s. The 107m-high concrete tower is an impressive sight to behold, lined with coloured glass and set amongst lush gardens. The church is one of the main examples of the architect August Perret's project to rebuild the city in reinforced concrete following the war. Because of this unique city design, Le Havre has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Impressionism

Claude Monet grew up in Le Havre and the city has a strong connection to the impressionist art movement. Outside of Paris, Le Havre is the best place to see works by artists such as Monet, Degas and Renoir. Head to the Musée Malraux at the south-western tip of the city centre to explore works by some of France's most famous modern artists.

For a taste of Le Havre's contemporary culture, make your way to Le Volcan. Housed in a striking building designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the 1980s, this is Le Havre's main cultural centre and features performance spaces and a multimedia library.

Food and drink

Not only a gateway to France itself, Le Havre is a fantastic gateway to mouth-watering French cuisine. Whether you want to dine on seafood platters in La Taverne Paillette, sample traditional specialties at La Petite Auberge or indulge on duck breast fillet at Bistrot des Halles, the city boasts an excellent range of restaurants. There's also a fantastic selection of cafés and bars for you to try French coffee or a glass of wine.

Paris

Within driving distance is the French capital, along with all the historical and cultural attractions it offers. Head to Paris to explore everything from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, to Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe.