City Hall Gardens

This stretch of green, dotted with fountains and water features, makes up the gardens of Le Havre’s City Hall. The first gardens here were created in the 19th century by Louis Lemaître, back when the old city hall was built. They were restored after the First World War, only to be destroyed again during the Second. What you see today was redesigned in the 1990s, creating a thoughtful blend of greenery, stone, and water that’s made it a lively and inviting place. Just to your right, look for two bronze birds, part of the Souviens-Toi, or Remember, memorial. It pays tribute to the people of Le Havre who were lost during the Second World War. The birds stand for both the spirit of Resistance and the pain of deportation. With more than 22,000 plants, this elegant French-style garden was part of Auguste Perret’s vision for the city and is a favourite spot among locals today.