Le Havre’s thriving

Le Havre’s thriving art scene Le Havre has long attracted artists and many of the artists working in the city today find its architecture a huge inspiration. At the Mascarade Gallery, former graphic designer Masquerade creates vibrant and stunning artworks using Chinese ink and acrylic to create intricate pieces and pop art style pieces heavily influenced by street art with a Le Havre theme. They make a fabulous colourful memento of your visit. Pierre Lenoir Vaquero’s unique art gallery and shop is also a beer store. Vaquero, a painter, photographer and sculptor takes Le Havre as his theme and creates playful pastel coloured paintings of iconic sites. Inspired by concrete he also designs sculptures and ornaments - his little concrete hearts are the ideal souvenir. La Cave a Bieres, 1, rue des Gobelins often uses raw and recycled materials as his inspiration for his paintings, drawing and sculptures. Using a recycled street signs, he created this artwork to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Le Havre. Eat and drink There’s plenty of choice and an evergrowing foodie scene, especially along the sea front as Le Havre’s ongoing programme of updating is in progress. Wine & dine: Les Enfants Sages has a lovely menu, sort of Lyonnaise style with a twist. In an old school masters house, where the rooms are small dining rooms and there’s a pretty garden with tables on the terrace. Relaxed, unpretentious and delicious. It’s really popular so book in advance if you can (you can do it online through their website). Cyril Plate paints, draws and sculpts. He

New and fab: The Architect is run by Australian Damian Tither who visited Le Havre for a holiday and “fell in love with the architecture, the light and the ambiance”. The restaurant has a great vegetarian menu plus a hint of Aussie cuisine “beer chicken, pulled pork”, plus food with an Asian influence. From the terrace or 50’s style interior you get a ringside view of the ships sailing by. Great for enjoying a pitcher of beer, cocktails or wine (including Australian). Locals love: Au Caid, next to the Tour Perret is an institution. Opened in 1954, this listed building is cosy and charming and a favourite meeting place for the locals. It’s great for a drink, snack or the seasonal plat du jour. Beach vibe: Au Bout du Monde is the perfect place to relax and watch the amazing light of Le Havre with a drink. Beach hut style, right on the sea front – the place to go for a fun cocktail list and street food style dishes. Stay at: Hotel Nomad, a striking building next to Le Havre station and tram stop, easy walking distance to the city centre. Its hi-tech rooms have shower pods featuring mood lighting and ecologically friendly including carpet made from recycled fishing nets. Hot water is from solar panels and there are rainwater flush systems. This is the future of hotels. Hotel Oscar, on the central square overlooking the Volcano. Mid-19th century chic rules here - think vintage posters and Perret flat-pack furniture oscarhotel.fr Useful info Take a guided tour of the city. Book at the tourist office (my guide Kamil was fabulous). It’s just 35 mins to Honfleur and 40 mins to Etretat from Le Havre.