Le Havre Key Attractions

There are many impressive attractions to keep you busy throughout your stay in Le Havre. If you are after some culture, you will find many impressive art galleries and museums or if you are after a spot of rest and relaxation, the stunning beaches provide the perfect location. For those travelling with children, the multiple playgrounds and childrens attractions on offer will ensure that the little ones are constantly entertained. Due to the history and location of Le Havre, much of the entertainment and attractions are focussed on the port, meaning that there will not be much travelling between sights and much of the town can be seen on foot.

Art galleries

Le Havre offers art lovers the chance to experience and enjoy some of Frances most renowned works. The small town is home to over five exceptional art galleries, which all display different genres and artists. A selection of galleries include: The Galarie Hamon, which displays paintings and sculptures by French artists as well as hosting monthly exhibitions. The Ecoute la Peinture Sylvette Helary Schrerer is an art gallery dedicated to the work of Schrerer, a famous artist, painter and sculptor, with most of his work focussing on animals and landscapes. The Rendezvous de Sant-Vincent exhibits paintings and sculptures as well as displaying innovative exhibitions on the last Sunday of every month.

Beaches

Le Havre is within easy reach of many of Frances beaches. The towns own beach is located just 500 metres away from the town centre and stretches for over two kilometres. The beach provides changing rooms, toilets, hot showers, a childrens playground, a stunning garden and numerous bars and restaurants. Water sports are available and are very popular among visitors. Foot and cycle paths run along the coast, allowing for wonderful views from all areas. Lifeguards can be found across the whole length of the beach and specialist equipment is offered for those with disabilities, allowing easy access to the sea.

Malraux Museum

This museum can be found next to the Seine Estuary and is the culmination of the promotion of culture within the town. The museum does not distinguish between the various arts and hosts a range of cinema, painting, music, theatre and dance exhibitions. It first opened in 1961 and at that time it was extremely advanced and adventurous for the town. It was also a symbol of the French embracing their culture. With the exception of museums in Paris, the Malraux Museum is home to the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in France. The museum focuses on two local artists: Raoul Dufy, who painted brightly coloured oils and watercolours, and Eugne Boudin, who was one of the forerunners of the Impressionist movement.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The first chapel of Notre Dame de Grace was built in the 12th century but was destroyed in 1359. There have been another two chapels in its place since then, and the cathedral that now stands here is the most important in the region. The church suffered severe bomb damage in WWII and the nave was destroyed in 1944. In 1919, Notre Dame Cathedral was classed as an official historical monument and it still remains one today.

Church of Sainte Honorine

This church was built in 1100 AD, but it has been reconstructed many times since. The front tower was destroyed during the Hundred Years War and further damage occurred during the bombings of 1944. The design is typical of all Norman churches and makes for fascinating viewing. There are many ruins to be found among the grounds including the west base of the church.

The surrounding area

The area immediately surrounding Le Havre is known as the Seine Maritime. It is worth exploring, as it offers many wonderful sights. Normandys stunning coastline runs east and west of Le Havre and there are lovely quaint villages to discover as well as the White Cliffs of Cte dAlbtre in Dieppe and the nearby provincial capital of Rouen, which is famous for its association with Joan of Arc.