Discover Le Havre by Hire Car
Le Havre is located on the right bank of the Seine River, which here has a width of five kilometers in the estuary, in northwestern France.
With a population of just under 200,000, it is the largest of the Normandy cities and has the second largest port in the country.
History of Le Havre
Originally founded in 1517 as a war port, Le Havre is one of the relatively young cities in France. Throughout its history, Le Havre has been the scene of numerous wars, including the long-running Huguenot War, but this has not stopped the city’s lasting rise. By 1814, it was already the home port of 32 steamships.
Because of its spacious grounds and boulevards, however, Le Havre has always been used as a health resort and recreation area. Since 2005, the city has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sights in Le Havre
Today, Le Havre is particularly fascinating for its mix of historic buildings, such as the 16th-century Notre Dame cathedral and the church of Saint-Jospeh, whose construction began in the eleventh century, and buildings of contemporary architecture. The latter are mainly from the pen of the important architect August Perret, which today define the modern centre of the city. However, Le Havre is also considered the birthplace of Impressionism and the Musee des Beaux-Arts Malraux is home to the second largest collection of Impressionist art in France.
Due to the sprawling nature of the city, with 200 hectares of woodland, parks and gardens in the centre alone, it’s a good idea to explore Le Havre by hire car. In addition to the port, interesting destinations include the two-kilometre-long beach at the mouth of the Seine, the imposing casino and the Pont de Normandie, which stretches picturesquely across the river.
hire car price comparison Le Havre
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