Le Havre
Overview
Le Havre is a city located in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is situated on the right bank of the estuary of the river Seine, on the Channel southwest of the Pays de Caux. As of 2016, the city has a population of 170,147 inhabitants, making it the most populous city in Normandy, and the second most populous in the north of France after Lille.
History
Le Havre was founded by King Francis I of France in 1517. The city was originally named Franciscopolis after Francis I, and was subsequently renamed Le Havre-de-Grâce ("Harbor of Grace") after the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. It was intended to replace the ancient harbours of Honfleur and Harfleur, which had become increasingly impractical due to silting.
During the Second World War, Le Havre was heavily bombed by the Allies, resulting in almost complete destruction of the city. Following the war, the city was rebuilt according to the plans of architect Auguste Perret, a pioneer of reinforced concrete. This reconstruction, which took 25 years to complete, is now considered a masterpiece of post-war urban planning and architecture, and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2005.
Geography and Climate
Le Havre is located on the right bank of the Seine estuary, approximately 200 kilometres west of Paris. The city covers an area of 46.95 square kilometres, and its port is the second largest in France, after that of Marseille. The city's location on the Channel gives it a temperate oceanic climate, with cool winters and warm summers.
Economy
The economy of Le Havre is dominated by its port, which is one of the largest in Europe. It handles a wide variety of cargo, including containers, oil, coal, and agricultural products. The port also has extensive facilities for the repair and construction of ships.
In addition to the port, Le Havre has a diverse economy that includes sectors such as petrochemicals, automotive, and logistics. The city is also a regional centre for the public sector, with a large number of employees in areas such as education, healthcare, and administration.
Culture and Tourism
Le Havre is known for its modernist architecture, which is a result of the post-war reconstruction. The city centre, designed by Auguste Perret, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other notable buildings include the Church of St. Joseph, the Museum of Modern Art André Malraux, and the Volcan, a cultural centre designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
The city also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including the Summer Festival, the Autumn Festival, and the Transat Jacques Vabre yacht race. In addition, Le Havre is home to a professional football team, Le Havre AC, which plays in the French Ligue 2.