Le Havre

About

Founded in the 16th century by Francis I, France’s second largest port has been used for everything from cod fishing to a military staging ground, which made it a military target. During World War II, it was all but destroyed by Allied bombing, and rebuilt by. Auguste Perret with concrete. In recognition of his visionary application of the medium the city was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perret, a mentor to Le Corbusier, personally designed St. Joseph’s church, which serves as a monument to the 5000 civilians who died during the bombing. The sombre interior is illuminated by countless stained glass windows, which run the length of the church’s hollow, 107 meter tower. Visitors can walk along the waterfront, to see the port launched the Impressionist movement before heading to the Museum of Modern Art, which is home to one of the largest collections of the French impressionist art, including works by Monet, Dubuffet, Renoir, Degas, and Matisse.