Claude Monet is from the ugliest town in France. Though born in Paris in 1840, he soon moved to Le Havre at the age of 5 because of his father’s new job. Le Havre was founded in the 16th century- a typically beautiful French town. The country side is filled with reedy marshes and the Seine’s pleasant tributaries. Everything changed on the 7th of September, 1944, when over 90% of the city center was destroyed in the war. Over 5,000 families lost their homes. Anxious to remedy the situation, the French government hired August Perrete, a well-known architect, to design and implement the construction of a new city. In a matter of months, the city was rebuilt and Le Havre’s citizens again had homes. Unfortunately, the city folk remained unhappy. The town had been rebuilt using very utilitarian designs, favoring materials such as concrete. Many criticized the developments as dull, boring and ugly. Only until four years ago, when the city was nominated and accepted as a UNESCO world heritage site, did the criticisms quiet a little. I have taken many photos of the city- decide for yourself what you think!
