Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Old Crank

(7,488 posts)
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 02:30 PM Apr 2026

St. Joseph's church, Le Havre, France

The day we arrived in Le Havre was grey , windy and wet. St. Joseph's was rebuilt on the spot of previous churches. The one before this was reduced to ruble be before the Allies pushed the Germans out in 1944.
Architect Auguste Perret. Foundation laid 1951 and completed in 1956. Brutalist style. When you leave by ship it is the last thing you can see and the first thing you see coming in. Day 2 had sun so the building has a different character.

Day 1,


New cross over the entrance.


Altar




Sunny day








15 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
St. Joseph's church, Le Havre, France (Original Post) Old Crank Apr 2026 OP
Thank you. The first time I saw it I knew I wanted to go there CurtEastPoint Apr 2026 #1
Not a problem. Old Crank Apr 2026 #3
Brutal. cachukis Apr 2026 #2
Thank you! I've never seen it before. MLAA Apr 2026 #4
Lovely captures. And a gorgeous interior. GoneOffShore Apr 2026 #5
Thanks Old Crank Apr 2026 #10
We'll Be There in August Deep State Witch Apr 2026 #6
It isn't far from the private harbour. Old Crank Apr 2026 #11
Absolutely BREATHTAKING! calimary Apr 2026 #7
Thanks Old Crank Apr 2026 #12
SciFi launch bay 2nd & 3rd to last pics masmdu Apr 2026 #8
Does have that vibe Old Crank Apr 2026 #14
Unique style to these eyes. Very cool altar and upwards-looking shots. George McGovern Apr 2026 #9
I liked it on the church Old Crank Apr 2026 #13
Me too. George McGovern Apr 2026 #15

CurtEastPoint

(20,165 posts)
1. Thank you. The first time I saw it I knew I wanted to go there
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 02:36 PM
Apr 2026

But I have not yet so thank you for sharing

Old Crank

(7,488 posts)
3. Not a problem.
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 02:45 PM
Apr 2026

Glad you enjoyed the pictures. Brutalism is a love hate design. My wife really hated it the first day. But seeing it in the sun softened her view a little. Plus the inside is better with sunlight since the glass area is small.

Deep State Witch

(12,813 posts)
6. We'll Be There in August
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 04:45 PM
Apr 2026

One of the stops on our cruise is Le Havre. We're doing a shore excursion to Rouen, but I hope to have time to walk around Le Havre afterwards.

Old Crank

(7,488 posts)
11. It isn't far from the private harbour.
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 11:03 PM
Apr 2026

Don't know where cruise ships moore. You might want a taxi. The town was largely destroyed during the war so you don't get it that quaint vibe.

masmdu

(2,656 posts)
8. SciFi launch bay 2nd & 3rd to last pics
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 05:03 PM
Apr 2026

Very cool place. Those two pics remind me of something out of battlestar galactica or star wars where you'd see spaceships taking off or coming in for a landing.

Old Crank

(7,488 posts)
14. Does have that vibe
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 11:08 PM
Apr 2026

Doesn't it.
I like that you get to see the bones of the structure. With little jewels attached.

George McGovern

(13,674 posts)
9. Unique style to these eyes. Very cool altar and upwards-looking shots.
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 06:30 PM
Apr 2026

The new cross is "a modern industrial-style metal sculpture ... constructed from weathered, rusted steel pieces, including what appear to be bent nails or bar stock."
Google Images

Old Crank

(7,488 posts)
13. I liked it on the church
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 11:05 PM
Apr 2026

It isn't especially large. Understated and I think fits well on the church.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Photography»St. Joseph's church, Le H...