A Romantic Port City in Northern France

Le Havre

Le Havre, the largest port city in Normandy, is located at the mouth of the Seine River, which flows through Paris and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. In the suburbs lies the beautiful coastline of Etruta, a favorite of Impressionist painters.

Visit to A Beautiful Monastery

Mont Saint-Michel, sometimes called the wonder of the West, is a World Heritage monastery built on a shallow tidal flat. A path leading to the island appears only at low tide, so a temple was built to house the monks who underwent strict training. The main part of the temple is built in the Gothic style, but as a result of repeated additions and renovations over time, the interior is a mixture of various medieval architectural styles. The majestic structure, which is a collection of the best of each period, will overwhelm you. The restaurant also offers a variety of French delicacies such as the famous omelette, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes with a rich regional flavor.

Places Associated with Impressionist Paintings

Le Havre is known as the birthplace of Impressionist painting, as Monet’s work “Impression, Sunrise” was painted there, which gave rise to the Impressionist art movement. The Museum of modern art André Malraux (Musée d’art moderne André Malraux) houses one of the finest Impressionist collections in France. Le Havre was also the site of the Normandy landings during World War II. The city was rebuilt by architect Auguste Perret after being destroyed in the war, and its excellent urban planning and well-proportioned cityscape have been registered as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy the beauty of the modern cityscape, which is rare for a World Heritage site.

PHOTO:PEACEBOAT, Okuhira Keita, shutterstock.com