Saint-Joseph Church

You may not think it, but you’re now looking at a church! Unconventional, and unlike anything else, Saint-Joseph Church is sure to catch you off guard.

Built after the war, it replaced the old neo-Gothic church that once stood here, and today it stands as a powerful symbol of Le Havre’s post-war rebirth. Often compared to a New York skyscraper, it was designed by Auguste Perret, the visionary behind much of the city’s reconstruction.

The tower soars to 107 metres and was designed to be visible from the sea, serving as a beacon for sailors. Like much of Perret’s work, it’s made of reinforced concrete.

This 20th-century masterpiece honours the victims of the bombings, restores a place of worship to the neighbourhood, and plays a key role in reshaping Le Havre’s identity as France’s gateway to the sea. Step inside, and you’ll be struck by the light filtering through thousands of stained-glass windows.

The effect is breathtaking, and the atmosphere truly moving. Don’t miss it!