Just passing through the Cité Océane? Visit theAppartement témoin Perret and immerse yourself in the interiors redesigned by the Le Havre architect and visionary of the same name! This architectural gem reveals the avant-garde vision of Auguste Perret. Born in Le Havre, we were lucky enough to grow up in a similar Perret apartment. This visit has a special resonance for us, reviving childhood memories and underlining the ingenuity of the reconstruction that shaped our town. Prepare to be surprised by the unexpected charm of concrete and rediscover an important page in French history, in a UNESCO-listed site.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Appartement témoin Perret in Le Havre.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Appartement témoin Perret worthwhile?
Yes, the Appartement témoin Perret is a must-see if you’re interested in the history of Le Havre. Immerse yourself in a perfectly preserved 1950s dwelling and discover the genius of Auguste Perret and the evolution of post-war lifestyles. From architectural innovations to period furniture, every element tells the story of the fascinating reconstruction of the city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For us, this visit has a special resonance: our grandparents, shopkeepers, were among the first to be rehoused after having lived and worked in building site barracks. We were lucky enough to grow up in one of these apartments, enjoying the comfort and modernity imagined by the architect on a daily basis.
In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Le Havre!
What you can see
The Maison du Patrimoine, an essential step before visiting the Perret show apartment
Before diving into the world of the Appartement témoin Perret, stop off at the Maison du Patrimoine. Located in Place Perret, it’s the ideal starting point for exploring the history of Le Havre, our hometown so dear to our hearts. We discovered the story of Operation Astonia, carried out by Allied forces in September 1944 to recapture the strategic port of Le Havre from the Germans. These intensive bombardments destroyed most of the city. Learn more about the stages of reconstruction and all the masterpieces that make Le Havre an open-air museum. This preparatory visit will help you better appreciate the unique architecture of the city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
Reinforced concrete to shape Auguste Perret’s visionary work
Making Le Havre his laboratory and experimental site, Auguste Perret revolutionized the architecture of the Cité Océane with his bold use of reinforced concrete. Having ourselves grown up in a Perret apartment in Le Havre, we were seduced by the rediscovery of the post-and-beam style with bush-hammered plate, which structures spaces and creates bright, flexible interiors. As you enter the apartment, you’ll see the reinforced concrete column, a reminder of the construction system used in these buildings, where there are no load-bearing walls.
This material, the fruit of extensive research and avant-garde methods, shaped the visionary work of the architect from Le Havre. The Hôtel de Ville in Le Havre, for example, is Perret’s most monumental building. Did you know that St. Joseph’s Church, built with 50,000 tonnes of concrete, symbolizes the city’s post-war rebirth?
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Plunging back into the 50s: the entrance and living room of the Model Apartment
We’ve now reached the interior of the show apartment. Crossing the threshold, we were immediately transported back to the 1950s. This space embodies the genius of Atelier Perret, with its characteristic post-and-beam style. Take time to admire the subtle nuances of concrete: brushed, rough, grey, pinkish (obtained by adding Vosges sandstone powder). Every detail tells the story of a city that was reinventing itself, looking to the future. Note also that the modern, functional furniture is by René Gabriel and Marcel Gascoin, major figures in the decorative arts and reconstruction.
The kitchen, witness to daily life in days gone by
Then step into the apartment’s kitchen and imagine yourself in the everyday life of this Le Havre household. The reconstruction, from the household appliances – veritable domestic revolutions – to the carefully selected crockery, projected us into another era while reflecting the avant-garde work of Atelier Perret. It’s in these spaces that the architect has infused his genius, combining functionality and aesthetics to improve families’ daily lives.
In the privacy of your room
We then pushed open the bedroom doors, transporting us into the intimacy of post-war families. The carefully selected vintage furniture reflects the aspirations and lifestyle of the time. You’ll visit the master bedroom first, then the children’s bedroom (pictured below).
We were transported back to our childhood memories! These spaces also reflect a desire to create healthy, warm and comfortable homes.
The bathroom, a reflection of modern comfort
Take a tour of the bathroom and observe the hygiene advances of the 1950s. Did you know that this space, once considered luxurious, became a standard thanks to the vision of Auguste Perret? The sanitary facilities, modern for their time, illustrate the improvement in living conditions in post-war households. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the craftsmanship of the concrete, visible down to the smallest detail, testifies to the care given to every aspect of the reconstruction.
The loggia
Finally, there’s the loggia, designed as an extension of the living room. This space, a true signature of Perret architecture, brings light and fresh air to the apartment with its large glass doors. It was here that residents could enjoy a corner that let in natural light in the middle of the city, facing the tree-lined street, illustrating Auguste Perret’s desire to create housing that was pleasant to live in.
The balcony
From the apartment’s balcony, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of rebuilt Le Havre, including the Rue de Paris, an emblematic example of Perret architecture.
Architectural heritage and details that tell the story
The visit had a special flavor for us, having grown up in a Perret architecture apartment ourselves. We were also happy to be able to connect this cultural discovery with our family history and memories.
You’ll find that every nook and cranny of Appartement témoin Perret is packed with fascinating architectural details. From variable ceiling heights in different quarters to movable partitions that allow space to be modulated, the ingenuity of the reconstruction is evident throughout. The guided tour revealed the secrets of this unique UNESCO heritage site. This guided tour will show you how Le Havre has evolved from the ruins of World War II to the modern city we know and love today. Far from the “city of tuberculosis” image that has long clung to pre-war Le Havre!
WHERE TO STAY IN Le Havre
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront:
Hilton Hotel with its modern decor and balconies – see prices, photos and availability.
Downtown, in the heart of Perret architecture:
Hôtel Pasino, for ultra-spacious rooms – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Vent d’Ouest, a charming place to stay – See prices, photos and availability
Perret show apartment in Le Havre: access
Apartment location
- In Le Havre
- 10min walk fromÉglise Saint-Joseph and 20min from MuMa
- Located on Rue de Paris, near Le Havre Town Hall
Access by car and parking
If you’re travelling by car, access to Appartement témoin Perret is also easy, with several parking lots nearby. Parking is available in the city center, notably at the Hôtel de Ville parking lot, a 10-minute walk from Avenue du Général Leclerc.
Public transport access
Le Havre is one of the world’s most walkable cities. We owe this to the city’s reconstruction, which left the streets wide and square. This makes it easy to get around on foot, on a scooter (self-service rental service), by bike or by car. The public transport network is also fairly dense, with a tramway line irrigating the city and a high-quality bus network (see here). Buses C1, C2 and C4 stop at George V.
Visiting difficulties
L’Appartement témoin Perret is not accessible to people with reduced mobility, as it is located on the 1st floor of the building, without an elevator. You’ll then have to climb 40 steps to reach the apartment. Once inside, there’s no particular difficulty.
Dogs are not allowed.
The site can only be explored during certain periods, on a guided walking tour for individuals or groups. Depending on the time slot chosen, check whether the tour is suitable for children, as some tours are not open to children under 7.
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Visit the Perret show apartment: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Schedules:
- See the visit slots available here
Price:
- Full adult price: €7
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
The guided tour lasts 50 minutes.
Best moment
There’s never been a better time to visit this place, so be sure to check the times and slots available for guided tours.
Direction of visit
As the tour is commented, there is a set direction for the visit to discover each room in the apartment.
Visiting with children
There is a tour designed for young visitors, but you’ll need to contact the Tourist Office to ensure that the tour is adapted to the group’s expectations and profile. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the day-to-day reality of Le Havre’s homes, while learning more about the history of Le Havre’s reconstruction and its visionary architect. Find out more here.
You can also obtain information directly from the Maison du Patrimoine in Le Havre.
Eating out
There’s no on-site restaurant, but you’re right in the heart of Le Havre. Discover our selection of the city’s best restaurants here.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Le Havre. See our article on the best hotels.
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
