Le Havre, a fishing village

Le Havre is famous, not only within the region ofthrough critical moments and became under the
Normandy but through France and the rest ofcontrol of the English, although the town's people
Europe as well due to the fact that it has one ofand the architecture weren't hardly damaged and
the largest and most important sea ports ofa year after it the French gained the control over
France.this town back.
This way, it is easy to imagine the importance ofThe port was partially re constructed during the
fishing related activities for this town and the wayXVII century under the orders of the main
in which its people and their traditions have aminister of Louis XIII, Richelieu. After that, and
strong bond with the sea.within the XIX century, some of the port areas
The town of Le Havre is located at about 130were re constructed again under the orders of
miles from Paris, 40 miles from Rouen and 40Napoleon, but it always kept its main
miles from Caen, in the French Department ofcharacteristics unchanged and nowadays visitors
Seine Maritime. It can be found towards the rightcan observe most of its features as they were
side of the Seine River and facing the coast ofwhen it originally was.
the English Channel in such a way that theBesides this port, there also are several other
landscapes it offers are one of the maininteresting spots and constructions to meet in Le
attractions of the area.Havre. One of these constructions is the Church
During the XVI century, Le Havre went throughof Notre dame de Bonsecours. This church was
some important changes and historical events.built during the XVI century, after what, during
Around the year 1516, a port was built in Lethe XVII century it also received a few changes
Havre under the orders of the French royalty.and new ornaments. Among a few others, this
After that, during the Religious Wars within firstbuilding is one of the constructions which visitors
years of the decade of 1560, the town wentshould not miss while being in Le Havre.