15 Interesting Facts to Know About Le Havre, France

With beautiful architecture, stunning seascape, and lively spirit, the brimming city of Le Havre in France has much to offer. Take a look at some astounding facts!

#1

Le Havre is a major port city in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is located on the junction of Seine river and the English Channel.

#2

The meaning of the name Le Harve is "the harbor" or "the port". The citizens of the city are called "Havrais" or "Havraises".

#3

This port city was established in 1517 by King Francis I. It is also the 2nd biggest sub prefecture in entire France, after Reims.

#4

Le Havre port boasts the largest container port in all of France. It is also popular as a ferry port and cruise port.

#5

The allied forces damaged and bombed Le Havre in September 1944. The attack affected almost 40,000 people and wrecked 12,500 buildings.

#6

Later in 1945, French architect, Auguste Perret, was assigned the reconstruction of Le Havre by the Minister of Reconstruction and Town Planning.

#7

The Roman Catholic St. Joseph's Church is La Havre's tallest building. Fondly referred to as the “lighthouse at the heart of the city”, it dominates La Havre's skyline and can be easily seen from pretty much anywhere in the city.

#8

One of the most popular architectural works in Le Havre, the Le Havre Cultural Centre a.k.a. "the Volcano" was built by Brazilian inventor Oscar Niemeyer between 1978-1982.

#9

The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Le Havre was built in the 16th century to represent an eternal symbol of of the city. This Baroque-style building is the official residence of the Bishop.

#10

The main library of Le Harve, "Public Library Armand Salacrou", is housed in the main city center. It has been named after the French dramatist, Armand Camille Salacrou.

#11

The biggest free outdoor skatepark in France is in Le Havre. Situated on a seaside, it is open to all enthusiastic skateboarders, roller-skaters, and bicross bikers, free of cost.

Graville Abbey, the oldest building in Le Havre, still stands intact. It was a popular pilgrimage spot in the 9th century.

#12

#13

Considering its history, architectural development, and urban planning, Le Havre was designated the World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 15 July, 2005.

#14

As per the report of the Aphekom project 2008-2011, Le Havre is the least dusty or polluted urban community in France. It is also the 3rd best city in France for fresh air disposition.

#15

Le Havre has five sister cities or twin towns in the world viz., Dalian, China; Southampton, UK; Magdeburg, Germany; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tampa, US.