St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church is a modern concrete religious building in Le Havre featuring an octagonal tower rising 107 meters high. The walls are composed of geometric stained glass windows that direct light into the interior in distinctive ways.

Architect Auguste Perret designed this building between 1951 and 1957 as part of Le Havre's reconstruction following severe destruction during World War II. Its construction symbolized the city's optimism and fresh start after liberation.

The church is dedicated to Saint Joseph, patron of workers, and was consecrated as a memorial for those lost during wartime. Today it serves as an active place of worship and reflection for the Le Havre community.

The church is accessible during daylight hours and can be visited within opening times; local tourism offices can provide detailed information about access. Its location on a plaza in the city center makes it easy to reach on foot.

The interior features abstract stained glass by Marguerite Huré whose color patterns shift throughout the day, creating changing light effects. These effects emerge from the sun's movement and the geometric window design.

Location: Le Havre

Inception: 1956

Architects: Auguste Perret

Architectural style: modern architecture

Height: 107 m

Part of: reconstructed center of Le Havre

Address: 8 boulevard François-Ier

GPS coordinates: 49.49097,0.10111

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01