Travel Guide to Le Havre, France

Havre is a city on the north of France, in the mouth of Seine, and on the bank of English Channel. The population of the city estimated 188 thousand of people in 2009. The date of the city’s foundation is 1517. At that time Havre was a port city built instead of a small village of fishermen. During World War II Havre was severely damaged, but then it was completely renovated. However, because of this fact there are not many old buildings here.

When translated from French, the word “Havre” means “haven”. The name speaks for itself as Havre is an important port city of France, the second largest one in the country. Besides the fact Havre is a large port and trading center of France, this city is famous for its well-developed oil-processing, cement, cotton, chemical industries and ship building.

Among the main sights of Havre are Prieure Museum, built in the Roman style Saint-Sauveur Abbey, and gothic Graville that exhibits a collection of cult artifacts from XVI-XX centuries. The museum of the medieval sculpture offers a collection of living houses models from different periods of time, starting from ancient times.

There are only few churches that survived up to our times. Among them are Notre Dame Church, and Church of St. Josef – built in XX century it traditionally amazes visitors by a combination of neo gothic style and functional architecture. You can also visit the museum of Old Havre, Museum of Natural History, Marine Museum, and Musée des Beaux-Arts André Malraux.

Travellers seeking entertainment will surely like the local channel that is located in the central part of Havre. You can make a ride here on small boats that organize excursions.