A huge design including a square and apartment blocks designed by Auguste Perret.
The Town Hall, a symbol of the rebirth of Le Havre, is also an example of the architect’s ideas. The great colonnades give it a Classical look while its tower rising to more than 70 metres is decidedly modern.
The Porte Océane
At the end of the avenue Foch, the Porte Océane (Gateway to the Ocean) is open to the sea : taking up a project designed for Porte Maillot in Paris, Auguste Perret built a monumental construction here to create a finishing touch for Avenue Foch. The two 13-storey towers symbolise the town gate. Looking out to the distant horizon (a symbol of travel and trade), they precede the entrance to the town while, at the same time, becoming one of its emblems.
The Arts Centre built in 1982 to designs by Oscar Niemeyer, the architect of Brasilia. The two curved areas contain two auditoriums, a cinema and administrative offices.
Show apartment
Located on the first floor of a condominium designed by the “Atelier Perret”.
France‘s first Cultural Centre (1961). The museum has extensive views of the exterior and filters light through louvres. It houses the largest collection of impressionist painting in France outside Paris.
Some of the few remains of the old town centre. The buildings were restored to resemble the originals. The cathedral dates from the foundation of the town in the 16th C. ( lantern tower ). The museum dates from the 18th century.
Shipowner’s house
A late 18th century mansion. It includes a very rare, and breathtaking, central well of light flanked by living rooms and corridors.
Building began in 1951, based on previously unused plans by Auguste Perret for a basilica church in Paris. The bell tower was completed in 1957 after Perret ‘s death. The layout, which is centred at ground level, becomes octagonal at the base of the 110- metre lantern tower. The skiful use of concrete combines harmoniously with the 13.000 pieces of coloured glass. This is a spiritual lighthouse overlooking the town, dedicated to the victims to the victims of the air raids, and is one of the architectural masterpieces of the 20th century.
The Exchange completed in 1957. Until 2005, it housed the Chamber of Commerce. Since June 2006, after complete restoration, it houses the Casino.
The Porte Océane
Beachfront leisurely walk : from impressionism to the impressive way of life. Every year, from May to September, restaurants and small wood houses are put in place along the beach of Le Havre Witness of the constant changing light so dear to the impressionist painters.
Nowadays a spot for Kite-surfers and funboarders amongst other activities, it was once upon a time the perfect painting place for Claude Monet. Walking along the beachfront and heading towards the suburb of Sainte-Adresse, you can see where the famous impressionist artist painted the very same beach from the promontory.