Le Havre, France

Le Havre, located in the Normandy region of northern France, is a major port city with a rich history and unique architecture. Founded by King Francis I in 1517, the city has faced its fair share of challenges, including religious wars, conflicts with the English, epidemics, and storms. However, it was from the end of the 18th century that Le Havre started growing and the port took off first with the slave trade then other international trade. After the 1944 bombings, the firm of Auguste Perret began to rebuild the city in concrete, resulting in its unique post-WWII reconstruction and architecture. In 2005, UNESCO inscribed the central city of Le Havre as a World Heritage Site. Today, Le Havre remains deeply influenced by its employment and maritime traditions. Its port is the second largest in France, after that of Marseille, for total traffic, and the largest French container port. Visitors can explore the André Malraux Modern Art Museum, the second largest in France for the number of impressionist paintings, and enjoy the city’s extensive green areas, including the Montgeon Forest and Rouelles Park. Le Havre is also known for its excellent air quality and eco-friendly initiatives, including solar panels on municipal buildings and a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 3% per year. With its rich history, unique architecture, and modern amenities, Le Havre is a must-visit destination for any traveler to France.