Le Havre Attractions

Le Havre, France's largest port after Marseilles, situated on the estuary of the Seine, here 9km/6mi wide, suffered heavy destruction during the Second World War and had to be almost completely rebuilt. The modern aspect of the city is due primarily to the architect Auguste Perret. The Impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840- 1926) lived and worked in Le Havre, and the writer Raymond Queneau (1903-1976), author of "Zazie dans le Métro" and "Pierrot mon Ami", was born here.

The town was founded in 1517 and, on the orders of Francis I, was provided with a harbor which was ready to receive the first warship in the following year.